Predicting personalised remifentanil effect site concentration for surgical incision using the nociception level index: A prospective calibration and validation study.

Background: Inadequate antinociception can cause haemodynamic instability. The nociception level (NOL) index measures response to noxious stimuli, but its capacity to predict optimal antinociception is unknown.

Objective: To determine if NOL index change to a tetanic stimulus in cardiac and noncardiac surgery patients could predict the required remifentanil concentration for haemodynamic stability at skin incision.

Earlier and lower dose administration of sugammadex: A randomised placebo-controlled trial.

Background: Sugammadex allows for rapid reversal of muscle relaxation after the use of rocuronium or vecuronium. The lowest recommended dose is 2 mg kg-1 intravenously when there are two twitches during the train-of-four stimulation.

Objective: To study the efficacy and risks of a lower dose of sugammadex administered earlier.