The Effect of Circulation Time on the Neuromuscular Action of Suxamethonium

Abstract

In 22 patients about to undergo cardiac surgery, a study was made of the effects of variations in circulation time on the neuromuscular action of suxamethonium. There was a definite relationship between the arm-to-arm circulation time and the time from the injection of suxamethonium to the onset of action, and to the development of 95% depression of the evoked twitch tension in the hypothenar muscles. The circulation time also related to the presence and vigour of fasciculations but not to the duration of action of suxamethonium. The clinical implications are discussed.