Canadian journal of anaesthesia = Journal canadien d'anesthésie
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Comparison of visual and electromyographic assessments with train-of-four stimulation of the ulnar nerve: a prospective cohort study.
The use of a peripheral nerve stimulator to assess the level of neuromuscular blockade tasks the anesthesia clinician with subjectively assessing the response to neurostimulation. In contrast, objective neuromuscular monitors provide quantitative information. The purpose of this study was to compare subjective evaluations from a peripheral nerve stimulator with objective measurements of neurostimulation responses from a quantitative monitor. ⋯ Subjective observations of a "twitch" do not consistently correspond to objective measurements of neuromuscular blockade with electromyography. Subjective evaluation overestimates the response to neurostimulation and may be unreliable for determining the depth of block or confirming adequate recovery.