Effect of reversal of residual neuromuscular blockade on the amplitude of motor evoked potentials: a randomized controlled crossover study comparing sugammadex and placebo.

PURPOSE: To compare the amplitude changes in motor evoked potentials (MEP) with reversal of residual neuromuscular blockade using sugammadex or placebo in patients with cervical myelopathy.

METHODS

In this prospective randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial, 38 patients with cervical myelopathy undergoing posterior cervical decompression and fusion were randomized to either sugammadex (2mg/kg) or placebo. The primary outcome measure was the increase in amplitude of the MEP in the first dorsal interossei (FDI) muscle at 3 min. Mann-Whitney U test was used to analyze the primary outcome measure.

RESULTS

There was a significant increase in the amplitude of MEP at 3 min with sugammadex when compared to placebo group. The median (IQR) increase in MEP amplitude (μV) at 3 min from the left FDI in sugammadex and placebo group was 652.9 (142:1650) and 20.6 (-183.5:297.5) (p <0.001), respectively. Corresponding values from right FDI were 2153.4 (1400:4536.8) and 55(-65.2:480.8) (p=<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Our study showed that there was a 200% increase in the MEP amplitude in the first dorsal interosseous muscle at 3 min following reversal of residual neuromuscular blockade with sugammadex. By ensuring that maximal MEP amplitude is recorded at baseline, early commencement of neuromonitoring can be achieved.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER AND DATE OF REGISTRATION: The study was registered at http://clinicaltrials.gov , ID NCT03087513, Feb 5th 2018.