Post-tetanic count and single twitch height at the onset of reflex movement after administration of vecuronium under different types of anaesthesia.

Abstract

We have studied post-tetanic count (PTC) and single twitch height at the onset of reflex movement to carinal stimulation after administration of vecuronium with five different types of anaesthesia. Seventy-five adult patients were allocated randomly to five groups of 15 patients each, to receive one of the following anaesthetics: neuroleptanaesthesia (fentanyl and droperidol) or 1 MAC of either halothane, isoflurane, enflurane or sevoflurane with 66% nitrous oxide in oxygen. During spontaneous recovery from vecuronium-induced neuromuscular block, the carina was stimulated with a suction catheter every 150 s. Single twitch heights at the onset of reflex movement were similar (2.0-2.7% of control values) between the five groups. In contrast, PTC at the onset of reflex movement to carinal stimulation differed (7.4-17.0) between groups.