Does discontinuation of desflurane at the time of neostigmine administration speed recovery from cisatracurium block compared to that with a propofol-based technique?

Background: Volatile anaesthetics are known to influence the effect of neostigmine as an antagonist of neuromuscular block. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether discontinuation of desflurane at the time of neostigmine administration shortens reversal time from cisatracurium block, compared to that with a propofol-based anaesthesia.

Methods: Ten volunteers were studied twice.

Effect of renal failure and cirrhosis on the pharmacokinetics and neuromuscular effects of rapacuronium administered by bolus followed by infusion.

Background: Recent trials indicate that rapacuronium's pharmacokinetic characteristics are influenced by both renal failure and cirrhosis but the time course of a single bolus dose of 1.5 mg/kg is affected minimally. The authors reassessed these pharmacokinetic findings and examined the time course of the same bolus dose followed by a 30-min infusion.