Prolonged residual paralysis after a single intubating dose of rocuronium

Abstract

It is often argued that neuromuscular monitoring is unnecessary when only one dose of an intermediate-acting neuromuscular blocking agent is given. This case report documents that it may take more than 3.5 h before it is possible to antagonize a block caused by a normal dose of rocuronium (0.6 mg kg-1). Possible causes of the extremely prolonged duration of action are discussed, as is the importance of quantitative neuromuscular monitoring. © The Board of Management and Trustees of the British Journal of Anaesthesia 2007. All rights reserved.