Infusion of mivacurium and atracurium guided by manual tactile evaluation

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this investigation was to compare the use of a continuous infusion of mivacurium or atracurium guided by tactile evaluation of the neuromuscular block. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-five patients were randomly allocated to three groups of patients. Group M and MN received a bolus dose of mivacurium 0.15 mg/kg followed by a continuous infusion and group AN a bolus dose of atracurium 0.4 mg/kg followed by an infusion. RESULTS: The neuromuscular blockade recovered spontaneously in group M and was antagonised in group MN and AN. The level of block was quantified by tactile evaluation. The time to full recovery was significantly shorter in patients receiving mivacurium compared to patients given atracurium, 14.5, 12.0 and 18.0 min, respectively. Further, reversal with neostigmine significantly enhanced recovery following mivacurium. CONCLUSION: A continuous infusion of mivacurium and atracurium can easily be performed, guided by tactile evaluation of the neuromuscular block and the effect can be reversed by neostigmine.