Annales françaises d'anesthèsie et de rèanimation
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Plastic surgery is more and more developing. Facial blocks are adapted to surgical procedures performed in this setting. ⋯ After a reminding of facial nerve anatomy, facial and cervical blocks are described with their indications. Guidelines for performance and monitoring are also indicated.
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Sugammadex is a new molecule derived from a known pharmacological class : the cyclodextrins known and used in human for many years. It was recently demonstrated that cyclodextrins could encapsulate and bind strongly steroidal neuromuscular blocking agents. Among cyclodextrins gamma-cyclodextrins proved to be more efficient. ⋯ It cannot reverse neuromuscular block induced by succinylcholine or benzylisoquinolines such as atracurium or cisatracurium. In human, the dose of sugammadex required to reverse shallow block is 2 mg/kg approximately whereas 4 mg/kg is needed to reverse deep level of neuromuscular block with a few responses at the post tetanic count at the adductor pollicis. The use of sugammadex was not associated with recurrence of block when an adequate dose was administered.
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Ann Fr Anesth Reanim · Sep 2009
Review[Sugammadex: something new to improve patient safety or simply a gadget?].
The launch on the market of a new compound is always an important event for a specialty, particularly when the mechanism of action is completely new. It is the case with sugammadex, a cyclodextrin able to encapsulate specifically and only nondepolarizing steroidal muscles relaxant, rocuronium or vecuronium. The clinical trials which have been performed for sugammadex approval have demonstrated promising results. ⋯ Sugammadex has only been tested in small sample size of patients. Therefore, the exact place in the anesthetic practice, the potential indications, the safety profile on a large-scale, thus remain to determine. In particular, how it will modify our current practices characterized to date by 1) under-use of neuromuscular monitoring, 2) a marginal practice of reversal and 3) a wide use of benzylisoquinolines : atracurium and cis-atracurium? Finally, what will be the medical strategies to justify an additional cost when compared to neostigmine?
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Ann Fr Anesth Reanim · Sep 2009
Review[Monitoring of neuromuscular block and prevention of residual paralysis].
Neuromuscular monitoring and routine use of reversal agents are key elements in the prevention of residual paralysis. According to a nation-wide survey up to 52 % of anaesthesiologists in France apply regularly neuromuscular monitoring after a single intubating dose of a neuromuscular blocking agent and 74 % in case of repetitive administration. ⋯ The development of a new class of reversal agents (cyclodextrins) may further modify the management of neuromuscular blockade in clinical practice. The article aims to revise the principles of neuromuscular monitoring and evaluate whether its use is still mandatory when sugammadex is used.
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Ann Fr Anesth Reanim · Sep 2009
Review[Incidence and complications of post operative residual paralysis].
A 0.9 train-of-four ratio, measured at the thumb, is currently considered to reflect adequate recovery of neuromuscular block. Recent studies have documented that a train-of-four ratio <0.9 is associated with a decrease in chemoreceptor sensitivity to hypoxia and with a functional impairment of the pharyngeal muscles. These residual effects of neuromuscular blocking agents promote insufficient ventilatory response to hypoxia and regurgitation/aspiration. ⋯ Clinical tests such as the head lift test and visual or tactile evaluation of the response to peripheral nerve stimulation are no longer sufficient to exclude postoperative residual curarisation. Residual curarisation is still present at the time of extubation despite the use of subject if monitoring of neuromuscular function, clinical tests and/or reversal of neuromuscular blocking agents. In contrast, acceleromyographic monitoring provides a valuable tool to avoid residual curarisation and to reduce the related-side effects.