Vecuronium infusions for prolonged muscle relaxation in the intensive care unit

Neuromuscular blockade by vecuronium infusion is described in 13 patients requiring ventilation in an ICU for periods of 15 to 68 h. A loading dose of vecuronium (0.1 mg/kg) was given, followed by continuous infusion adjusted to maintain approximately 90% block as assessed by the presence of one res...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inCritical care medicine Vol. 17; no. 12; p. 1297
Main Authors Darrah, W C, Johnston, J R, Mirakhur, R K
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.12.1989
Subjects
Adult
Aged
Craniocerebral Trauma - complications
Craniocerebral Trauma - therapy
Critical Care
Female
Humans
Infusions, Intravenous
Male
Middle Aged
Muscle Contraction - drug effects
Respiration, Artificial
Respiratory Insufficiency - etiology
Respiratory Insufficiency - therapy
Vecuronium Bromide - administration & dosage
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Summary:Neuromuscular blockade by vecuronium infusion is described in 13 patients requiring ventilation in an ICU for periods of 15 to 68 h. A loading dose of vecuronium (0.1 mg/kg) was given, followed by continuous infusion adjusted to maintain approximately 90% block as assessed by the presence of one response to a Train-of-Four stimulation. The average infusion rate was 0.103 mg/kg.h. The average time to complete recovery of myoneural function, as assessed by an obviously sustained response to tetanic stimulation, after the termination of the vecuronium infusion was 28 min. There were no adverse cardiovascular or toxic effects noted as a result of vecuronium administration. Vecuronium administered by infusion produced satisfactory neuromuscular relaxation in patients requiring ventilation in the ICU.
ISSN:0090-3493
DOI:10.1097/00003246-198912000-00010