The incidence of residual neuromuscular blockade associated with single dose of intermediate-acting neuromuscular blocking drugs.

BACKGROUND The goal of this study is to investigate the incidence and risk factors of residual paralysis associated with single-dose intermediate-acting muscle relaxants (atracurium, vecuronium, rocuronium) during early postoperative period. METHODS Adult patients (ASA I and II) who received a single dose of vecuronium, atracurium or rocuronium during general anesthesia for elective surgical procedure were included in the study. Train-of-four (TOF) ratios under 0.9 were recorded as "postoperative residual neuromuscular block (PRNB)". Age, weight, gender, reversal, anesthesia duration, time for transfer to the recovery room after extubation were studied regarding with PRNB. RESULTS 84 patients were included in this study. 29 patients were received vecuronium, 28 patients were received atracurium and 27 patients were received rocuronium. Neostigmine was used for reversal in 49 patients (58.3%) at the end of the surgery. PRNB incidence (TOF < 0.9) was 13.1%. Based on the regression analysis, the only risk factor affecting PRNB was found as gender. PRNB risk was increased in women (OR: 7.250, 95%, CI: 1.019-51.593). CONCLUSION In patients who have general anesthesia longer than one hour, "gender" may affect residual paralysis incidence associated with single-dose intermediate-acting muscle relaxants use.