The Maximum Depth of an Atracurium Neuromuscular Block Antagonized by Edrophonium to Effect Adequate Recovery

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Abstract
Background: The inability of edrophonium to rapidly reverse a deep nondepolarizing neuromuscular block may be due to inadequate dosage or a ceiling effect to antagonism of neuromuscular block by edrophonium. A ceiling effect means that only a certain level of neuromuscular block could be antagonized by edrophonium. Neuromuscular block greater than this could not be completely antagonized irrespective of the dose of edrophonium administered. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a ceiling effect occurred for antagonism of an atracurium-induced neuromuscular block by edrophonium and, if so, the maximum level of block that could be antagonized by edrophonium. Methods: In 30 adult patients, atracurium was administered to maintain a constant neuromuscular block. The level of block varied between patients. Evoked adductor pollicis twitch tension was monitored. Incremental doses of edrophonium were administered while the infusion of atracurium continued. Increments were given until adequate recovery occurred, as defined by a train-of-four (TOF) ratio > or = 70%, or until no further antagonism of the block could be achieved. The probability of being able to effect adequate recovery by antagonism with edrophonium was determined using a logistic regression model. Cumulative dose-response curves were constructed using the logit transformation of the neuromuscular effect versus the logarithm of the cumulative dose of edrophonium. Results: In 14 patients with a block of 25-77% depression of the first twitch response, antagonism by edrophonium to a TOF ratio > or = 70% was possible, whereas in 16 patients with a 60-92% depression of T1, a TOF ratio > or = 70% was not achievable, indicating that a ceiling effect for antagonism by edrophonium occurred. A block of 67 +/- 3% (mean +/- SE) had a 50% probability of adequate antagonism. In patients in whom block was antagonized to a TOF ratio < 70%, 95% of the peak antagonistic effect occurred with an edrophonium dose of 0.8 +/- 0.33 mg.kg-1 (mean +/- SD). Conclusions: There is a maximum level of neuromuscular block that can be antagonized by edrophonium to effect adequate recovery. The level corresponds approximately to the reappearance of the fourth response to TOF stimulation. It is probably safest to wait until this level of block occurs before edrophonium is given for reversal. Earlier administration will not hasten recovery.