Neuromuscular Blocking Agents and Monitoring in China: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Current Management

HaoTian Wu; ZengMao Lin; RuiHao Zhou; SuiSui Huang; LingJun Chen; Yang Su; LuoNa Cheng; Huan Zhang

doi:10.3389/fmed.2022.770105

Neuromuscular Blocking Agents and Monitoring in China: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Current Management

Front Med (Lausanne). 2022 Apr 27:9:770105. doi: 10.3389/fmed.2022.770105. eCollection 2022.

Authors

HaoTian Wu¹, ZengMao Lin², RuiHao Zhou³, SuiSui Huang⁴, LingJun Chen⁵, Yang Su⁶, LuoNa Cheng⁷, Huan Zhang¹

Affiliations

¹ Department of Anesthesiology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
² Department of Anesthesiology, Peking University First Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Peking University, Beijing, China.
³ Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
⁴ Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.
⁵ Department of Anesthesiology, The Central Hospital of Yongzhou, School of Clinical Medicine, University of South China, Hengyang, China.
⁶ Department of Anesthesiology, Kaifeng People's Hospital, Kaifeng, China.
⁷ Department of Anesthesiology, Xiangdu District Hospital, Xingtai, China.

Abstract

Background: Little is known about the recent use of neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) and monitoring in China. This paper presents the results of a nationwide survey conducted to obtain information regarding the current management of NMBAs in China.

Methods: A questionnaire was sent to Chinese anesthesiologists inviting them to participate in the study. The questionnaire was available through the wenjuanxing website, and the link was sent to 1,488 anesthesiologists using the Wechat mini app.

Results: The web-based survey consisted of 28 questions, and data were collected using an online tool. Between May 19, 2021 and June 16, 2021, 637 responses were collected (response rate = 42.8%). Only 10.2% of anesthesiologists reported using neuromuscular function monitors, and 6.59% of respondents reported that they had the relevant monitors in the operating room.

Conclusion: Although PORC is a potential safety issue, the frequency of using reversal agents and monitors remains extremely low in China. Surveys such as this are important to understand the use and application customs of NMBAs in China.

Keywords: NMBAs; neuromuscular monitoring; residual neuromuscular block; reversal; survey.