Optimised reversal without train-of-four monitoring versus reversal using quantitative train-of-four monitoring: An equivalence study

• Main Authors: Ardyan Wardhana, Juni Kurniawaty, Yusmein Uyun
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2019-01-01
• Series: Indian Journal of Anaesthesia
• Subjects: Neostigmine; residual paralysis; train-of-four; reversal; rocuronium
• Online Access: http://www.ijaweb.org/article.asp?issn=0019-5049;year=2019;volume=63;issue=5;spage=361;epage=367;aulast=Wardhana
• ISSN: 0019-5049; 0976-2817

Background and Aims: Less residual paralysis in recovery room was demonstrated when train-of-four (TOF) monitoring was applied. The aim of this study was to know whether optimisation of neostigmine reversal without TOF monitoring was equivalent to reversal using TOF monitoring. Methods: Seventy two patients, aged 18–60 years, undergoing elective surgery under general anaesthesia (sevoflurane and rocuronium) with intubation were randomised into two interventions: an optimised neostigmine reversal strategy without TOF monitoring (group A, n = 36) and a neostigmine reversal strategy using quantitative TOF monitoring (group B, n = 36). Per-protocol analysis was performed to compare incidence of residual paralysis in the recovery room between the two groups. Results: Six residual paralyses occurred in group A in the recovery room, whereas one case occurred in group B. The equivalence test showed that the 95% confidence interval of this study was outside the range of equivalence margin (15%). The absolute difference was 13.9%: standard error (SE) =0.068 (P = 0.107; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1%, 27.2%). No subjects had TOF ratio <0.70 in the recovery room. The TOF ratio in the recovery room did not differ between the two groups (mean difference: −2.58; P = 0.05; 95% CI: −5.20, 0.29). One respiratory adverse event occurred in this study. Conclusion: An optimised reversal strategy without TOF monitoring is not equivalent to a reversal strategy based on quantitative TOF monitoring. TOF monitoring should be used whenever applicable, although neostigmine is optimised.