Comparison of rocuronium and vecuronium in paediatric cardiac surgery, using sevoflurane anaesthesia

Aim. The goal was to study the haemodynamic effects and intubating conditions, of rocuronium, vs. vecuronium in paediatric patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery. The haemodymanic effects and intubating conditions, of rocuronium, in children undergoing cardiac surgery, remain incompletely characterised. Methods. A double blind randomised study was conducted in 40 children with congenital heart disease, undergoing open heart surgery. Patients were divided into 2 groups — Group A received rocuronium (0.9 mgkg⁻¹) and Group B, vecuronium (0.2 mgkg⁻¹) (n=20 in each group) Intubating conditions and haemodynamic profile were assessed at 60 seconds and at 90 seconds. Neuromuscular monitoring was established before muscle relaxant administration. Anaesthesia technique standardised with sevoflurane 7–8% in addition, was used in both groups. Results. Compared with vecuronium, rocuronium was associated with shorter onset time (60.2±20.2 vs 88.6±41.2 secs; P<0.001) and clinical duration of action (34.3±8.4 vs 44.7±6.2 min, P<0.001). According to standardised, intubation scores, intubation conditions, at 90 seconds in Group A was 90% and Group B 80%. However at 60 seconds they were 80% and 40% respectively. Haemodynamic stability in both the groups was similar, although one patient in Group B showed transient bradycardia and hypotension. Conclusion. Rocuronium showed better intubating conditions than vecuronium at 60 seconds in paediatric patients undergoing open heart surgery.