罗库溴铵用于高血压脑出血患者快速顺序诱导插管的安全性

目的 观察罗库溴铵用于急诊高血压脑出血患者快速顺序诱导插管的安全性.方法 40例高血压脑出血急诊行颅内血肿清除术患者随机分为2组,罗库溴铵组(R组,n=20)、琥珀胆碱组(S组,n =20).R组诱导后静注罗库溴铵0.6mg/kg,S组静注琥珀胆碱1mg/kg,60s后行气管插管,记录T1、T2和T3时的平均动脉压(MAP)、心率(HR)及脉搏血氧饱和度(SPO2),记录插管时间及不良反应.结果 两组MAP在T2下降明显,分别低至(107.2±8.3) mm Hg(1 mmHg=0.133 kPa)和(105.1±8.8) mmHg,T3又分别升至(121.1 ±9.9) mmHg和(120.3±9.7)mm Hg;S组HR在T2降至(67.6±7.6)次/min,两组SPO2在T2和T3明显升高.S组有3例患者出现反流,两组平均插管时间均在1 min内完成.结论 高血压脑出血患者麻醉诱导过程血氧明显上升但血流动力学变化剧烈;与琥珀胆碱比较,罗库溴铵用于此类患者快速顺序诱导插管更安全.     

罗库溴铵以限时法和预注法行快速气管插管的比较

目的 比较罗库溴铵以限时法和预注法行快速气管插管的条件、肌松效应及对循环系统的影响。方法 限时（Ⅰ、Ⅱ）组诱导前30秒静注0.6mg/kg罗库溴铵,诱导后45秒（I）、60秒（Ⅱ）行气管内插管,预注（Ⅲ）组诱导前2分钟预注0.06mg/kg罗库溴铵（诱导量0.54mg/kg）,诱导后60秒行气管内插管。记录拇内收肌诱发颤搐反应的抑制和恢复过程,评价各组插管效果。结果气管内插管条件各组间无明显差异;气管内插管时T1抑制百分比Ⅲ组明显小于其他各组;各且对循环系统的都很小。结论 罗库溴铵以限时法行快速气管插管较预注法为佳。     

Probability of acceptable intubation conditions with low dose rocuronium during light sevoflurane anaesthesia in children

BACKGROUND: To define the rocuronium doses which would provide 50%, 90%, and 95% probability of 'acceptable' intubation conditions during light sevoflurane anaesthesia, we studied 60 children aged 2-7 years in a prospective, randomised, assessor blinded study. METHODS: After mask ventilation with 1 MAC sevoflurane/N2O for 17+/-1 (x+/-SD) min we administered rocuronium (either 0.15, 0.22, 0.3, 0.5, or 1.0 mg. kg(-1)) or placebo, and quantified the evoked force of the adductor pollicis muscle. Intubation conditions were assessed before and 2 min after injection of the test drug. RESULTS: Intubation conditions were improved significantly with rocuronium and scored 'acceptable' in 70%, 90%, and 100% of the children after injection of rocuronium 0.15, 0.22, and 0.3 mg x kg(-1), respectively. In parallel, twitch tension decreased to 53% (6-100), 26% (11-100), and 11% (0-19) of baseline (median (range)). Recovery of train-of-four ratio to 0.8 was achieved 13 (7-19), 16 (8-28), and 27 (23-44) min after injection of the respective rocuronium doses. Higher rocuronium doses did not further improve intubation conditions but only prolonged time of neuromuscular recovery. Logistic regression analysis revealed that rocuronium 0.11 (CI 0.05-0.16), 0.21 (0.14-0.28), and 0.25 (0.15-0.34) mg x kg(-1) provides a 50%, 90%, and 95% probability of 'acceptable' intubation conditions in children during 1 MAC sevoflurane/N2O anaesthesia, respectively. Furthermore, we calculated that force depression of adductor pollicis muscle to 81% (CI 72-90), 58% (42-74), and 50% (29-71) of baseline is associated with 50%, 90%, and 95% probability of 'acceptable' intubation conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Submaximal depression of muscle force with low dose rocuronium improves intubation conditions in children during light sevoflurane anaesthesia while allowing rapid recovery of neuromuscular function. However, when using low dose rocuronium neuromuscular monitoring may be helpful to detect children with inadequate response to the relaxant so as to avoid an unsuccessful intubation attempt.     

Effect of ephedrine on the intubation conditions using rocuronium versus succinylcholine

Objective

The goal of this study was to determine if ephedrine could improve intubating conditions when it is administered before the muscle relaxant (rocuronium and succinylcholine).

Patients and methods

In this prospective randomized double-blind study, 80 patients ASA I- II, scheduled for elective surgery, were allocated randomly to receive: succinylcholine 1 mg/kg + ephedrine 70 μg/kg (Group I, n = 20); rocuronium 0.6 mg/kg + ephedrine 70 μg/kg (Group II, n = 20); succinylcholine 1 mg/kg + 0.9% saline (Group III, n = 20); rocuronium 0.6 mg/kg + 0.9% saline (Group IV, n = 20). Induction of anaesthesia started with administration of the first syringe containing either ephedrine or saline, then 30 s later propofol 2.5 mg/kg and fentanyl 3 μg/kg, were administered followed by the contents of the second syringe containing either rocuronium or succinylcholine. Thirty seconds after injection of the muscle relaxant, another blinded staff anaesthetist performed intubation of the patient. Intubating conditions were evaluated according to criteria's of the conference of Copenhagen. Heart rate, systolic blood pressure and diastolic were also noted. Kruskall-Wallis test for non-parametric variable and Student t test for quantitative variables were used for statistical analysis.

Results

There was no significant difference between the groups concerning age, sex, BMI and ASA status. Pretreatment by ephedrine improved significantly (p < 0.0001) intubating conditions after succinylcholine and rocuronium.

Conclusion

Use of ephedrine 30 seconds before induction with propofol, fentanyl followed by rocuronium or succinylcholine provides faster good conditions of intubation.     

Intracranial pressure changes during rapid sequence intubation: a swine model

BACKGROUND: Controversy and speculation exist regarding intracranial pressure (ICP) changes produced by various combinations of rapid sequence intubation (RSI) agents. In this pilot study, we sought to develop a swine model to investigate these changes in classic RSI. METHODS: Eight adult swine were instrumented with arterial and intracranial pressure monitors. Four different versions of rapid sequence intubation were then performed sequentially in each animal in a crossover trial design: regimen 1, thiopental; regimen 2, thiopental and succinylcholine; regimen 3, lidocaine, thiopental, and succinylcholine; and regimen 4, pancuronium, lidocaine, thiopental, and succinylcholine. ICP and hemodynamic parameters were recorded and compared. Trials were excluded from analysis if baseline ICP measurements were unstable or if intubation was difficult. RESULTS: Peak changes in ICP were noted at 2 to 3 minutes after administration of induction agents. Mean values for peak changes in ICP were as follows: regimen 1 (n = 5), 3.6 mm Hg (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.0-6.2 mm Hg); regimen 2 (n = 9), 13.6 mm Hg (95% CI, 9.6-17.6 mm Hg); regimen 3 (n = 2), 16.0 mm Hg (95% CI, -34.8-66.8 mm Hg); and regimen 4 (n = 3), 12.0 mm Hg (95% CI, -8.3-32.3 mm Hg). CONCLUSION: The model is effective. It enables investigators to examine the aggregate ICP effects of combinations of RSI medications. RSI regimens with paralysis produced threefold increases in peak ICP change compared with the sedation-only regimen. Pretreatment agents did not affect ICP changes. Future investigations can examine other agents and add experimental manipulation of ICP to simulate head injury physiology. Additional parameters including cerebral metabolism and/or oxygenation may also be explored.     

Rocuronium vs. succinylcholine for rapid sequence intubation: a Cochrane systematic review

This systemic review was performed to determine whether rocuronium creates intubating conditions comparable to those of succinylcholine during rapid sequence intubation of the trachea. We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; 2015, Issue 2), MEDLINE (1966 to February Week 2 2015), and EMBASE (1988 to February 14 2015) for any randomised controlled trials or controlled clinical trials that reported intubating conditions comparing rocuronium and succinylcholine for rapid or modified rapid sequence intubation. The dose of rocuronium was at least 0.6 mg.kg^?1 and succinylcholine was at least 1 mg.kg^?1. Sixty‐six studies were identified and 50 included, representing 4151 participants. Overall, succinylcholine was superior to rocuronium for achieving excellent intubating conditions (risk ratio (95%CI) 0.86 (0.81 to 0.92), n = 4151) and clinically acceptable intubation conditions (risk ratio (95%CI) 0.97 (0.95–0.99), n = 3992). A high incidence of detection bias amongst the trials coupled with significant heterogeneity means that the quality of evidence was moderate for these conclusions. Succinylcholine was more likely to produce excellent intubating conditions when using thiopental as the induction agent: risk ratio (95%CI) 0.81 (0.73–0.88), n = 2302) with or without the use of opioids (risk ratio (95%CI) 0.85 (0.78–0.93), n = 2292 or 0.85 (0.76–0.95), n = 1428).     

The effect of ephedrine on intubating conditions and haemodynamics during rapid tracheal intubation using propofol and rocuronium

Background: We compared the effect of pre-treatment with ephedrine 75, 100,150 µg kg^–1 and saline on intubating conditionsand haemodynamics during rapid tracheal intubation using propofoland rocuronium. Methods: One hundred adult patients randomized into one of the four groups—PE75, PE 100, PE 150, and saline (control) groups—were pre-treatedwith i.v. ephedrine 75, 100, 150 µg kg^–1 or saline,respectively, 1 min before rapid tracheal intubation using propofol2.5 mg kg^–1 and rocuronium 0.6 mg kg^–1. A blindedanaesthesiologist assessed the intubating conditions. Heartrate and mean arterial pressure were recorded before anaesthesiainduction (baseline), post-induction, and every minute afterintubation for 5 min. A 20% change in haemodynamic variablesfrom baseline was regarded as clinically significant. Data wereanalysed using ANOVA test with post hoc Tukey's test and ² orFisher's exact test. P < 0.05 was regarded as significant. Results: Patient characteristics, baseline heart rate, and mean arterialpressure were comparable between the groups. Intubating conditionswere significantly better in the PE 75 (P = 0.003) and PE 100(P = 0.001) groups. A significant increase in heart rate wasobserved in the PE 75 and PE 150 groups when compared with thesaline group. A statistically significant difference in meanarterial pressure was noted between PE 75 and PE 150 groupsand between PE 150 and saline groups at most of the time intervals.However, when considering the clinical significance of these,all groups were comparable (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Ephedrine either 75 or 100 µg kg^–1 given beforerapid tracheal intubation using propofol and rocuronium bromideimproves the intubation conditions. It is not effective in preventingthe hypotension which follows ensuing induction of anaesthesia.     

Effect of narcotic pretreatment on pain after rocuronium injection: a randomized,double-blind controlled comparison with lidocaine

Various strategies have been studied to reduce the discomfort of rocuronium pain. These studies have shown fentanyl and lidocaine to be effective in reducing the incidence of pain on rocuronium injection. This prospective, randomized, and double-blind study was carried out on 80 neurosurgical patients for whom pain on rocuronium injection was assessed after pretreatment with lidocaine, fentanyl, sufentanil, or normal saline. The 80 neurosurgical patients were randomly allocated to anyone of the groups to receive lidocaine, fentanyl, sufentanil, or normal saline prior to being given rocuronium. The patients were asked about any discomfort in the hand, and also to rank that discomfort on a 5-point scale. In the normal saline group, the incidence of pain was 95%, of which 90% had very severe pain. In the lidocaine group, only 10% of patients reported pain, which was mild in nature. In the fentanyl group, 95% of patients had pain, of whom 25% had severe to very severe pain. In the sufentanil group, 85% of patients reported pain, of whom 25% fell into the severe to very severe group. We found that lidocaine was best at decreasing the incidence of pain on intravenous (i.v.) injection of rocuronium. Although the incidence of pain on injection of rocuronium with both fentanyl and sufentanil was high, the intensity was definitely reduced, with most patients falling in the mild pain group.     

Evaluation of intubating conditions with rocuronium and either propofol or etomidate for rapid sequence induction

We have assessed the effect of two induction agents on tracheal intubating conditions after rocuronium 0.6 mgkg⁻¹ in unpremedicated patients undergoing simulated rapid sequence induction. Following pre-oxygenation, anaesthesia was induced with propofol up to 2.5 mgkg⁻¹ ( n  = 35) or etomidate 0.3 mgkg⁻¹ ( n  = 36), and further increments as required. After loss of verbal contact, cricoid pressure was applied and rocuronium was injected. Laryngoscopy was performed at 45 s and intubation attempted at 60 s after rocuronium had been given. Ninety-four per cent of patients in the propofol group had clinically acceptable (good or excellent) intubating conditions compared to only 75% in the etomidate group (p = 0.025). Owing to coughing, one patient in the etomidate group could not be intubated on the first attempt. A greater pressor response also followed intubation after induction with etomidate. We conclude that etomidate and rocuronium alone cannot be recommended for intubation at 60 s under rapid sequence induction conditions.     

Sugammadex for reversal of neuromuscular block after rapid sequence intubation: a systematic review and economic assessment

Sugammadex 16 mg kg?1 can be used for the immediate reversal of neuromuscular block 3 min after administration of rocuronium and could be used in place of succinylcholine for emergency intubation. We have systematically reviewed the efficacy and cost-effectiveness and made an economic assessment of sugammadex for immediate reversal. The economic assessment investigated whether sugammadex appears cost-effective under various assumptions about the value of any reduction in recovery time with sugammadex, the likelihood of a 'can't intubate, can't ventilate' (CICV) event, the age of the patient, and the length of the procedure. Three trials were included in the efficacy review. Sugammadex administered 3 or 5 min after rocuronium produced markedly faster recovery than placebo or spontaneous recovery from succinylcholine-induced block. No published economic evaluations were found. Our economic analyses showed that sugammadex appears more cost-effective, where the value of any reduction in recovery time is greater, where the reduction in mortality compared with succinylcholine is greater, and where the patient is younger, for lower probabilities of a CICV event and for long procedures which do not require profound block throughout. Because of the lack of evidence, the value of some parameters remains unknown, which makes it difficult to provide a definitive assessment of the cost-effectiveness of sugammadex in practice. The use of sugammadex in combination with high-dose rocuronium is efficacious. Further research is needed to clarify key parameters in the analysis and to allow a fuller economic assessment.     

Effective time to satisfactory intubation conditions after administration of rocuronium in adults. Comparison of propofol and thiopentone for rapid sequence induction of anaesthesia

We determined the effective time to satisfactory intubation conditions after the administration of rocuronium 0.6 mg.kg-1 to 120 unpremedicated adult patients anaesthetised with propofol 2.5 mg.kg-1 or thiopentone 5 mg.kg-1. Intubation conditions were assessed in 10 subgroups of 12 patients at 30, 40, 50, 60 and 70 s. The effective times to satisfactory intubation conditions in 50 and 90% of patients were obtained by the method of maximum likelihood after log time-probit response transformations. Intubation conditions after induction of anaesthesia with propofol were satisfactory in 5/12 patients at 30 s, 7/12 at 40 s, 10/12 at 50 s, 11/12 at 60 s and 11/12 at 70 s compared with 1/12 patients at 30 s, 2/12 at 40 s, 5/12 at 50 s, 7/12 at 60 s and 8/12 at 70 s after induction with thiopentone. The effective times to satisfactory intubation conditions in 50% and 90% (95% confidence intervals) of patients after rocuronium 0.6 mg.kg-1 were 34 (26-40) s and 61 (50-81) s in patients given propofol compared with 57 (48-69) s and 101 (79-167) s in patients given thiopentone. We conclude that rocuronium 0.6 mg.kg-1 may be a suitable alternative to suxamethonium during rapid sequence induction of anaesthesia with propofol in situations where suxamethonium is contraindicated.     

琥珀胆碱和罗库溴铵对全麻诱导期氧供需平衡的影响

目的观察全麻诱导期琥珀胆碱和罗库溴铵对机体氧供需平衡的影响。方法60~70岁全麻手术患者30例,ASAⅠ~Ⅱ级,随机均分为三组:琥珀胆碱组(S组),罗库溴铵组(R组)和对照组(C组),每组10例。右颈内静脉穿刺置管至右心房,分别于麻醉前(T0)、给肌松药前(T1)、给肌松药后1 min(T2)、2 min(T3)、3 min(T4)和5 min(T5)抽右心房血,测定右心房血氧饱和度(RASVO2)、乳酸(Lac)和右心房血氧分压(RAPVO2)。结果三组患者RASVO2、Lac、RAPVO2在相应时点差异无显著意义。与T1相比,S组RASVO2在T2、T3、T4时点明显升高(P<0.05),Lac在T2、T3、T4、T5时点亦明显升高(P<0.05),R组T2时点RASVO2明显升高(P<0.05),而Lac无明显变化。结论琥珀胆碱和罗库溴铵全麻诱导期均可减少机体氧耗量,但琥珀胆碱可引起无氧代谢增加,组织氧供需失衡。     

Frequency of haemoglobin desaturation with the use of succinylcholine during rapid sequence induction of anaesthesia

BACKGROUND: The perceived safety of the use of succinylcholine is based on the fact that recovery from its effects will occur before oxygen desaturation occurs in case of failure to intubate or ventilate. The purpose of this study was to examine the incidence of oxygen desaturation after the use of succinylcholine prior to resumption of spontaneous ventilation following four different preoxygenation techniques. METHODS: Twenty-five patients each were randomly allocated to preoxygenation with 4 deep breaths of 100% oxygen or by breathing oxygen for 1, 3 or 5 min following which they received a rapid sequence induction of anaesthesia with fentanyl 1 microg kg(-1), a sleep dose of thiopentone and succinylcholine 1 mg kg(-1). Oxygen saturation was monitored continuously using a finger probe. Ventilation was not assisted unless the saturation decreased to 相似文献   

The effect of adjuvant drugs on the quality of tracheal intubation without muscle relaxants in children: a systematic review of randomized trials

Intubation without prior administration of muscle relaxants is a common practice in children. However, succinylcholine may be considered as the golden standard for optimizing intubating conditions. We conducted a systematic review of the literature to identify drug combinations that included induction of anesthesia with sevoflurane or propofol. Our aim was to select drug combinations that yield excellent intubating conditions ≥80%; we identified six combinations in children aged 1–9 years. Sevoflurane with remifentanil (1 or 2 μg·kg^?1), lidocaine (2 mg·kg^?1), or propofol (2 mg·kg^?1) as the adjuvant shared the following characteristics: premedication with midazolam and/or ketamine, long sevoflurane exposure time, high inspired and endtidal sevoflurane concentration, and assisted ventilation. One combination using sevoflurane with propofol (3 mg·kg^?1) without premedication, with shorter sevoflurane exposure time, and spontaneous breathing indicated that propofol may be the adjuvant of choice for a rapid sevoflurane induction. The only adjuvant identified in propofol induction was remifentanil (4 μg·kg^?1). No serious adverse events were reported with these combinations.     

罗库溴铵预注和麻黄碱预处理对小儿罗库溴铵肌松起效的影响

目的 观察小儿在罗库溴铵预注、麻黄碱预处理和罗库溴铵预注复合麻黄碱预处理对罗库溴铵起效时间、插管条件和肌松时效的影响.方法 选择全麻下行择期手术的患儿80例,ASA Ⅰ或Ⅱ级,随机均分为四组.在麻醉诱导前预先静注:Ⅰ组生理盐水O.5 ml,Ⅱ组罗库溴铵0.06 mg/kg,Ⅲ组麻黄碱70 μg/kg,Ⅳ组罗库溴铵0.06 mg/kg和麻黄碱70 μg/kg.预注和预处理4min后,Ⅰ、Ⅲ组静注罗库溴铵0.6 mg/kg,Ⅱ、Ⅳ组静注罗库溴铵0.54 mg/kg.待四个成串刺激(TOF)第1个颤搐反应高度(Th)达最大阻滞程度后行气管插管.记录肌颤搐抑制75%、90%和达最大阻滞程度的时间,并评估气管插管条件,同时观察HR、BP变化.结果 Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ、Ⅳ组的最大阻滞起效时间分别为(196±43)、(140±43)、(144±35)和(100±33)s,Ⅱ、Ⅲ、Ⅳ组的起效时间明显短于Ⅰ组(P＜0.05),Ⅳ组的起效时间较Ⅱ、Ⅲ组短(P＜0.05).各组气管插管条件均达到6～9分,优良率100%.各组麻醉诱导期间均无明显的心血管不良反应.各组的临床肌松作用时间和恢复指数差异均无统计学意义.结论 罗库溴铵预注和麻黄碱预处理分别使用均能缩短小儿罗库溴铵的肌松起效时间,而两种方法复合使用可进一步加快肌松起效,但该方法对罗库溴铵的肌松时效无明显的影响.     

不同预注间期对缩短罗库溴铵起效时间的影响

目的探讨不同预注间期对缩短罗库溴铵起效时间的影响。方法成人择期全麻下腹部手术患者80例,男40例,女40例,年龄18～60岁,ASAⅠ或Ⅱ级,随机分为四组。Ⅰ组、Ⅱ组、Ⅲ组均静脉预注罗库溴铵0.06mg/kg,并分别在预注1、2、3min后静脉注射罗库溴铵0.54mg/kg;Ⅳ组静脉预注等体积的生理盐水,并在预注3min后静脉注射罗库溴铵0.6mg/kg。在注射罗库溴铵插管剂量前1min顺序给予丙泊酚1.5mg/kg、芬太尼4μg/kg。四个成串刺激(TOF)模式下T1值15%时进行气管插管。记录注射插管剂量罗库溴铵前(T1)、气管插管前(T2)、气管插管后即刻(T3)、气管插管后1min(T4)、气管插管后3min(T5)的MAP、HR、SpO2变化,监测并记录静脉注射插管剂量罗库溴铵前的T1值、TOF值和起效时间,评估气管插管条件,记录患者呼吸困难等不良反应的发生情况。结果与Ⅳ组比较,T3、T4时Ⅱ组、Ⅲ组患者的MAP明显降低、HR明显减慢(P0.05);T1时Ⅱ组、Ⅲ组患者的T1值、TOF值明显降低,起效时间明显缩短(P0.05),且Ⅲ组患者的T1值、TOF值明显低于、起效时间明显短于Ⅱ组(P0.05);四组患者的气管插管条件评级差异无统计学意义;所有患者无呼吸困难、吞咽困难、复视等不良反应。结论预注间期为3min的预注法可以明显缩短罗库溴铵的起效时间。     

Prehabilitation for general surgery: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials

Background

Prehabilitation seeks to optimize patient health before surgery to improve outcomes. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been conducted on prehabilitation, however an updated synthesis of this evidence is required across General Surgery to inform potential Supplementary discipline-level protocols. Accordingly, this systematic review of RCTs aimed to evaluate the use of prehabilitation interventions across the discipline of General Surgery.

Methods

This study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023403289), and adhered to PRISMA 2020 and SWiM guidelines. PubMed/MEDLINE and Ovid Embase were searched to 4 March 2023 for RCTs evaluating prehabilitation interventions within the discipline of General Surgery. After data extraction, risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane RoB 2 tool. Quantitative and qualitative data were synthesized and analysed. However, meta-analysis was precluded due to heterogeneity across included studies.

Results

From 929 records, 36 RCTs of mostly low risk of bias were included. 17 (47.2%) were from Europe, and 14 (38.9%) North America. 30 (83.3%) investigated cancer populations. 31 (86.1%) investigated physical interventions, finding no significant difference in 16 (51.6%) and significant improvement in 14 (45.2%). Nine (25%) investigated psychological interventions: six (66.7%) found significant improvement, three (33.3%) found no significant difference. Five (13.9%) investigated nutritional interventions, finding no significant difference in three (60%), and significant improvement in two (40%).

Conclusions

Prehabilitation interventions showed mixed levels of effectiveness, and there is insufficient RCT evidence to suggest system-level delivery across General Surgery within standardized protocols. However, given potential benefits and non-inferiority to standard care, they should be considered on a case-by-case basis.     

Comparison of rocuronium and suxamethonium for use during rapid sequence induction of anaesthesia

This study was designed to compare the tracheal intubating conditions during a rapid sequence induction of anaesthesia using rocuronium 0.6 ( n  = 61) or 1.0 mg.kg⁻¹ ( n  = 130) or suxamethonium 1.0 mg.kg⁻¹ ( n  = 127) as the neuromuscular blocking drugs. Anaesthesia was induced with fentanyl 1–2 μg.kg⁻¹ and thiopentone 5 mg.kg⁻¹ (median dose) and intubating conditions were assessed 60 s after the administration of the neuromuscular blocking drug by an observer unaware of which drug had been given. Intubating conditions were graded on a three-point scale as excellent, good or poor, the first two being considered clinically acceptable. The study was carried out in two parts. At the end of the first part a comparison between the two doses of rocuronium was carried out when at least 50 patients had been enrolled in each group. The results showed the intubating conditions to be significantly superior with the 1.0 mg.kg⁻¹ dose of rocuronium (p < 0.01). Final comparison between the 1.0 mg.kg⁻¹ doses of rocuronium and suxamethonium showed no significant difference in the incidence of acceptable intubations (96 and 97%, respectively). The incidence of excellent grade of intubations was, however, significantly higher with suxamethonium (80% vs. 65%; p = 0.02). It is concluded that rocuronium 1.0 mg.kg⁻¹ can be used as an alternative to suxamethonium 1.0 mg.kg⁻¹ as part of a rapid sequence induction provided there is no anticipated difficulty in intubation. The clinical duration of this dose of rocuronium is, however, 50–60 min.