Comparison of efficacy of rocuronium with priming and without priming on endotracheal intubation in adults

Rocuronium produces faster neuromuscular blockade compared with other drugs. It produces similar intubating conditions to that of succinylcholine, but it does not have short intubation time. Hence, it cannot be used for rapid sequence intubation, but rocuronium with priming may produce similar intubating time and conditions to that of succinylcholine. Rocuronium with priming can be an alternative to succinylcholine in rapid sequence intubation in conditions where latter is contraindicated. To compare the efficacy of Rocuronium with priming and without priming on endotracheal intubation in adults. 80 patients of ASA physical status I and II, aged between 18 and 60 years, of both sexes, were divided into priming and control groups of 40 each. Patients in the priming group received 0.07mg/kg of rocuronium and those in the control group received normal saline. All patients received Midazolam 0.02mg/kg and Fentanyl 2 μg/kg followed by Propofol 2 mg/kg for induction. Intubating dose of rocuronium 0.63mg/kg in the priming group and 0.7mg/kg in the control group were administered 3 min after priming. Onset time of intubation was assessed using Train of Four stimuli, and the intubating conditions were compared by the Cooper scoring system. The onset time of intubation was 38.7 ± 8.80 sec in the priming group and 60 ± 10.17 sec in the control group, with excellent intubating conditions in both the groups and without any adverse effects. Priming with rocuronium provides excellent intubating conditions in less than 60 sec with no adverse effects.