EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTS OF ROCURONIUM BROMIDE ON HEMODYNAMICS AND LEFT-VENTRICULAR FUNCTION IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING ABDOMINAL AORTIC-SURGERY

In an open study of 26 patients undergoing abdominal aortic surgery, the effects of rocuronium 0.6 mg kg-1 (eight patients) and 0.9 mg kg-1, (nine patients) were compared with those of pancuronium 0.085 mg kg-1 (eight patients) on haemodynamic parameters and transoesophageal echocardiography. The anaesthetic technique was based on a benzodiazepine and low dose fentanyl (6 mug kg-1). Pancuronium was associated with a significant increase in mean arterial pressure, end-diastolic area and heart rate, none of which were seen after rocuronium at either dose level.