Does Rocuroinum Dose Adjusted Due to Lean Body Weight Provide Adequate Intubation Conditions?: A Prospective Observational Study

Abstract

Introduction and Aim. There is no consensus on the weight parameters to use when titrating the dosage of the neuromuscular blocking agents during intubation. In our study, we administered rocuronium, based on either the lean body weight (LBW) or the total body weight in patients with body mass index (BMI) of 18.5 to 34.9 and compared the duration of action of the drug and its effects on tracheal intubation conditions and hemodynamic parameters. Methods. This is a prospective, observational study. Patients between the ages of 18 and 65 with BMI of 18.5–34.9, who are expected to be under general anesthesia for less than 6 hours, were divided into 3 groups according to their BMI (Group 1 BMI = 18.5–24.9, Group 2 BMI = 25–29.9, Group 3 BMI = 30–34.9). These groups were randomly divided into 2 subgroups: Groups LBW; 1 LBW, 2 LBW, and 3 LBW were given rocuronium intubation dosages based on their LBW while control groups; 1K, 2K, and 3K were given 0.6 mg/kg rocuronium according to their total body weight. The data on the duration of action of rocuronium and its effects on the endotracheal intubation conditions were evaluated. Results. In Group 1, T1 time was found to be significantly longer ( $p=0.001$ ). Intubation score and the use of additional rocuronium dose were found to be significantly higher in Group 1 LBW than in Group 1K ( $p=0.001$ ). In Group 1, an additional rocuronium dose was needed to achieve optimal intubation conditions for subgroup 1 LBW. Rocuronium duration of action was found to be significantly longer in control groups 2 and 3, that received TBW-based dosage. Conclusion. In adult patients with a BMI of 18.5 and 24.9 BMI, we report optimal intubation conditions with the LBW-adjusted rocuronium dosage. This trial is registered with NCT05476952.