Safety and efficacy of rocuronium for controlled intubation with paralytics in the pediatric emergency department.

BACKGROUND: Controlled intubation in the pediatric emergency department (ED) requires a paralytic agent that is safe, efficacious, and of rapid onset. The safety of succinylcholine has been challenged, leading some clinicians to use vecuronium as an alternative. Rocuronium's onset is similar to that of succinylcholine.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of rocuronium for controlled intubation with paralysis (CIP) in the pediatric ED.

METHODS: A retrospective, observational study reviewed the records of patients less than 15 years of age, who received controlled intubation with paralytics at two Dallas EDs. The patients received either vecuronium or rocuronium.

RESULTS: The study included 84 patients (vecuronium 19, rocuronium 65). Complications were similar between the two groups. Rocuronium had a shorter time from administration to intubation when compared to vecuronium (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Rocuronium is as safe and efficacious as vecuronium for CIP in the pediatric ED.