Effects of Neostigmine and Sugammadex for Reversal of Neuromuscular Blockade on QT Dispersion Under Propofol Anesthesia: A Randomized Controlled Trial

INTRODUCTION: Reversal of non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent neostigmine is associated with QT prolongation under general anesthesia. To clarify the effects of neostigmine and sugammadex on hemodynamic status, the QT interval and QT dispersion after reversal of neuromuscular blockade were evaluated with a 12-lead electrocardiogram. To exclude QT prolongation due to sevoflurane, the present study was performed under propofol anesthesia. METHODS: After receiving approval from the ethics committee of Dokkyo Medical University Hospital, 40 patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I or II were randomly allocated to group N (n = 20) or group S (n = 20). Group N was administered neostigmine (40 μg/kg) and atropine (20 μg/kg), while Group S was administered sugammadex (4 mg/kg) for reversal of neuromuscular blockade after surgery. The changes in RR interval, QT interval (QT), corrected QT interval (QTc), QT dispersion (QTD), and corrected QT dispersion (QTcD) before and after administration of reversal agents were recorded using computerized measurements. Statistical analysis was performed using two-way analysis of variance. RESULTS: The RR interval significantly decreased after reversal of the neuromuscular blockade in group N, compared with group S (p < 0.05). Compared with group S, the QT decreased, whereas QTc and QTcD increased, in group N (p < 0.05). Sugammadex was not found to alter QT, QTc, QTD, or QTcD throughout the study. CONCLUSION: In the present study, a mixture of neostigmine and atropine, but not sugammadex, increased QTc and QTcD under propofol anesthesia. Thus, neostigmine may cause electrocardiogram abnormalities that could precede the development of fatal arrhythmias.