Comparison of thumb acceleration and thenar EMG in a pharmacodynamic study of alcuronium

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Abstract
We compared thumb acceleration (Acc) and thenare electromyography (EMG) tehcnique by evaluating neuromuscle blooking properties of alcumonium in 14 ASA physical status I patients. The dose-response curves determined by the two techniques wre parallel but the EMG-curve was shifted25.degree. to the right (P<0.001). Acc reflected 8-11% greter neuromuscularblock than simultaneous EMG in every patinent (.PI.90% neurmuscular block maintanesd by alcuronium 280 .mu.g/kg was significantly longer when measured by the Acc transducer (30 vs. 19 min, P <0.001). Although the TOF ratios were in good correlation (r2=0.82), clinically significant differences existed between the two simultaneous techniques. The results underline the importance of the method of assessment of neuromuscular transmission when evaluating the action of neuromuscular blocking drugs.