Abstract

STEINBERG, David. Influencia de un factor geográfico en la potencia del rocuronio: Comparación con otro país. Gac Méd Caracas. [online]. 2008, vol.116, n.2, pp.125-129. ISSN 0367-4762.

Ethnic differences in sensitivity to muscle relaxants have been described, both among animal species andpatients around all continents. The present trial assesses the potency for rocuronium by using data coming from a group of patients from University of Nijmegen, The Netherlands and a strictly comparable local one. Single dose rocuronium was administered to bothgroups (n = 26 e/a) and blockade assessed. From the regression line for their log-probit transformation, slope of the curve was obtained and effective doses50, 90 and 95 for each subject calculated. Sample size and power for statistical significance were estimated. A restrictive testwas performed and original data also predicted. Non significant differences were noticed among the anthropometric features, mean doses and blockade achieved in both groups. Neither was for effective doses: ED50= 216±47 [198-234] and 220±73 [192-248] µg.kg-1 (mean ± standard deviation, and 95 % confidence limits), ED90= 356±77 [326-386] and 320±106 [279-360] and ED95= 422±92 [387-458] and 363±120 [316-409], with a variability coefficient of 0.218 and 0.332 respectively. Predictions for block were 78 % and 84 % in comparisonto actual values of 75.9 % and 70.6 % respectively. Froma restrictive assay 62.66 and 62.33 % blockade were obtained. Non statistical differences were shown on rocuronium’s potency (DE50, 90, 95) between local patients and those from The Netherlands. Comparisons includingown author’s results are not different. The present trial does not support any change in rocuronium potency due to such a geographic factor.