International Succinylcholine Survey

International Succinylcholine Survey

Anaesthetic Department

Sheffield Children’s Hospital

Sheffield

United Kingdom

Dear Professor Vimlati,

We are conducting an international survey regarding the use of Succinylcholine in paediatric anaesthetic practice. So far we have received about 200 returns, the majority of which are from the UK through the Association of Paediatric Anaesthetist, though we have returns from all the European Countries through the FEAPA, Georgia, USA and Canada. I am keen to increase the representation of non-UK anaesthetists. Therefore if you consider it appropriate, could you circulate this letter to anaesthetists in Hungary, both consultant and trainee grades. It is preferable if they anaesthetist children regularly.

A more complete explanation of the survey is given below, but I would be happy to oblige more details should you wish to contact myself via the email link David Turnbull.

Succinylcholine is used in the UK to secure an airway during general anaesthesia where there is a risk of aspiration. A pilot study conducting in Sheffield of adult and paediatric anaesthetic practice suggests that Propofol or Thiopentone with Succinylcholine and Cricoid pressure is widely adopted as the technique of choice for patients considered at risk of aspiration. However, anecdotal data indicated this is not international practice. The objective of our survey is to stimulate debate, both about the role of succinylcholine in anaesthetic practice and the risks of aspiration.

The link to the web based survey can be found below or the address:- “http://www.hypnophilus.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/zisp/mailer?ID=88”

can be pasted into your browser if it fails.

The survey has three parts; part one is for demographic data, the second part invites you to describe your technique for aspiration prevention, the third and final part presents ten grey clinical cases where succinylcholine and intubation may be considered. We estimate that the survey takes no longer than 10 minutes to complete. Details of the survey results will be posted to respondents, and the results will be presented at an APA meeting.

In addition we are looking for trainees in children’s units to take part in the survey. If you think that your unit could take part, then we would be grateful if you could contact any of us via the email address below or leave a comment at the conclusion of the survey.

You may also wish to comment on the effect that the new Rocuronium antagonist will have on your choice of muscle relaxant for rapid sequence induction. A free text box is provided at the conclusion of the survey.

Reference: Chemical encapsulation of rocuronium

Reference: Org 25969 (sugammadex), a selective relaxant binding agent for antagonism of prolonged rocuronium-induced neuromuscular block

Many thanks for your assistance. Please feel free to contact the survey authors directly if you have any comments, criticisms or thoughts regarding our survey. We would also welcome ideas regarding ideas for future international surveys.

Please note that one or two respondents have experienced problems when submitting the data. Please let us know if you experience similar problems and we will try to rectify it.

Best wishes

David Turnbull

cahillturnbull@doctors.org.uk

Consultant Anaesthetist

Sheffield Children’s Hospital

Fleur Roberts

fleur-roberts@hotmail.com

Anaesthetic Trainee

Sheffield Teaching Hospitals Trust

Sheffield

Ayman Eissa

ayman.eissa@sch.nhs.uk