ETOMIDATE SHORTENS THE ONSET TIME OF NEUROMUSCULAR BLOCK

We have studied 30 healthy patients allocated randomly to receivethiopentone, propofol or etomidate in equipotent doses followedby vecu-ronium 0.1 mg kg^–1. Haemodynamic variables andtime to 100% neuromuscular block were measured. The patientsreceiving etomidate had a significantly shorter onset time ofneuromuscular block compared with those receiving the two otheri.v. induction agents. There was a significant negative correlationbetween onset time of neuromuscular block and the maximum percentchange in mean arterial pressure. (Br. J. Anaesth. 1992; 69:444–446) ^*Present address: Critical Care Programme, University Hospital,University of W. Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.