The Effect of Neuromuscular Blockade on Oxygen Consumption and Energy Expenditure in Mechanically Ventilated Acute Respiratory Insufficiency Patients

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of neuromuscular blockade on oxygen consumption and energy expenditure in sedated patients with acute respiratory failure who were followed under mechanical ventilation support. Material and Method: 21 acute respiratory failure patients under mechanical ventilation support were included in the study. All patients were sedated with propofol infusion to have a sedation level of 3 on the Ramsay scale. After adequate sedation and hemodynamic stability was achieved, baseline values of oxygen consumption, carbondioxide production and energy consumption of the patients were measured by indirect calorimetry device and recorded. Neuromuscular transmission was monitorized by TOF-Guard, and then 0,1 mg/kg bolus dose vecuronium was administered to the patients. When TOF 0, 25, 50, 90 values were obtained, oxygen, carbondioxide and energy consumption were measured by indirect calorimetry device and recorded. Results: No statistically significant difference were found between pre- and post-curarisation hemodynamic parameters, ventilation parameters, arterial blood gas values (p>0.05). A statistically significant decrease was observed between the oxygen consumption, carbondioxide production and energy consumption measured before curarisation and when TOF value was 0 (p<0.05). However, there was no significant difference between TOF 25, 50, 90 values and the baseline value (p>0.05). Conclusion: It was concluded that the effect of neuromuscular blockage on reducing energy and oxygen consumption should be taken into consideration while calculating the daily energy need in intensive care in patients curarized at TOF 0 level. (Journal of the Turkish Society Intensive Care 2012; 10: 8-12