Facial train-of-four monitoring as an evaluation of neuromuscular blockade in a patient with ICU-acquired weakness

J. Epskamp*, P. van Duijvendijk, A. Kroner, P. E. Spronk

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Book/ReportReportAcademicpeer-review

58 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Neuromuscular blocking agents are used in the ICU for various reasons, such as during status asthmaticus and patient-ventilator dyssynchrony. We report a 76-year-old man with adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus treated with laparoscopic transthoracic oesophagectomy, which was complicated by a fistula between the gastric reconstruction and the right main bronchus. He developed extensive ICU-acquired weakness and was treated with differential lung ventilation followed by continuous rocuronium infusion. Evaluation of neuromuscular blockade by train-of-four (TOF) stimulation showed a discrepancy in facial and ulnar TOF monitoring. The different number of neuromuscular junctions at each muscle group could be an explanation for this. Therefore, it is suggested to use facial TOF monitoring in ICU patients instead of ulnar TOF monitoring to differentiate between an intoxication of neuromuscular blockade and ICU-acquired weakness.

Original languageEnglish
Number of pages3
Volume29
Edition3
Publication statusPublished - May-2021

Publication series

NameNetherlands Journal of Critical Care
PublisherNETHERLANDS SOC INTENSIVE CARE
ISSN (Print)1569-3511

Keywords

  • NMBAs
  • ICU-acquired weakness
  • train-of-four
  • INTENSIVE-CARE-UNIT
  • ORBICULARIS OCULI

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Facial train-of-four monitoring as an evaluation of neuromuscular blockade in a patient with ICU-acquired weakness'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this