Comparison of 0.3mg/kg, 0.6mg/kg and 1.0mg/kg succinylcholine in producing acceptable intubating conditions among adult patients at the Jos University Teaching Hospital

Abstract

Background: Succinylcholine at 1.0 mg/kg usually provides acceptable tracheal intubation condition within 60 seconds. The return of respiratory function following this dose is not quick enough to prevent oxyhaemoglobin desaturation when ventilation is not assisted. This randomized, double blind study was conducted to investigate if smaller doses of succinylcholine can provide acceptable intubating conditions.

Methods: 180 patients, aged 18-65 years were randomly assigned to three groups A, B or C to receive 0.3, 0.6, or 1.0 mg/kg succinylcholine respectively. Anaesthesia was induced in all patients with 2μg/kg fentanyl and 2 mg/kg propofol. Following induction, they received the appropriate dose of succinylcholine according to allocated group. Tracheal intubation was performed 60 seconds later. A blinded investigator performed laryngoscopy and graded the intubating conditions.

Results: Intubating conditions were acceptable in 91.7%, 96.7%, and 96.7% after in group A, B and C respectively. There was no significant difference between group A and B (p=0.235) and between group A and C (p=0.235). Group B and C equally showed no significant difference (p=1.00).

Conclusions: The use of 0.3mg/kg and 0.6 mg/kg succinylcholine can produce acceptable intubating conditions after 60 seconds following administration. We therefore recommend that 0.6mg/kg of succinylcholine may be administered to patients in order to achieve acceptable tracheal intubation.

Keywords: succinylcholine, tracheal intubation