Effectiveness of Sugammadex on muscle relaxant reversal in preterm neonates

Background & objective: Sugammadex is a drug used to reverse the muscle relaxation effect of rocuronium. Its use is still limited in preterm neonates. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of Sugammadex with that of neostigmine in reversing rocuronium-induced muscle relaxation in preterm neonates and to evaluate the safety of its use in this age group. Patients and methods: This randomized clinical trial was carried out on Sixty preterm neonates, planned for elective inguinal hernia repair under general anaesthesia. The patients were divided into two equal groups. Group N used neostigmine and group S used Sugammadex as the reversal agent for rocuronium. Results: In Sugammadex group the mean reversal time (1.15 ± 0.42) min and the mean recovery time (17 ± 6.64) min were significantly shorter than in the neostigmine group (8.9 ± 1.6) min and (27.16 ± 9.26) min respectively, with p value <0.001.The patients in the Sugammadex group showed significantly lower heart rate than those in neostigmine group but showed no significant difference as regard mean blood pressure at 3, 6, 9,12,15 and 18 min after drug injection.There were no significant complications noted in both group Conclusion: Sugammadex is well tolerated in the Preterm neonates with shorter recovery and reversal time when compared to neostigmine.