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A comparison of the effect of two doses of propofol with sodium thiopentone in the prevention of suxamethonium induced fasciculation and myalgia


Abey A. Omosanya
Motunrayo A. Oladimeji
Oyebola O. Adekola
John O. Olatosi

Abstract

Background: The use of suxamethonium commonly results in fasciculation and myalgia. This could be distressing to the patient. We compared the efficacy of high dose propofol, 3.5mg/kg with standard dose propofol, 2mg/kg and thiopentone sodium, 5mg/kg in reducing the suxamethonium induced fasciculation and myalgia.
Methods: A prospective double blind randomized study in 105 unpremedicated, ASA l or II patients, scheduled for elective general anaesthesia. They were randomized, and induced with propofol, 2mg/kg (Group P), thiopentone, 5mg/kg (Group STP) or high dose propofol, 3.5mg/kg (Group HP). Tracheal intubation was facilitated with IV suxamethonium (1mg/kg). The incidence and severity of fasciculation, 24 hours postoperative myalgia and creatine phosphokinase (CPK) levels were recorded.
Results: The incidence (p < 0.001) and severity (p =0.034) of fasciculation was significantly lower in Group HP than Groups P and STP. The incidence (p <0.001), and severity (p =0.010)of myalgia followed a similar trend. The mean 24hours postoperative CPK level was significantly lower in Group HP than Groups P and STP, p <0.001.
Conclusion: It is concluded that high dose propofol is more efficient than standard dose propofol and thiopentone in minimizing suxamethonium-induced fasciculation and myalgia.


Key Words: suxamethonium, myalgia, fasciculation, creatinine kinase, propofol, sodium thiopentone


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eISSN: 1596-2407