The Effects of Varying Doses of Magnesium-Sulphate on Succinylcholine-Induced Fasciculation and Postoperative Muscle Pain in A Nigerian Population.

BACKGROUND

Magnesium has been shown to attenuate succinylcholine-induced fasciculation (SIF) and postoperative muscle pain (POMP); however, the optimal dose remains undetermined. This study explores the effects of varying low doses in a Nigerian population.

METHODS

Ninety patients, aged 18 and 65 years, ASA I and II, who had succinylcholine-assisted airway management, under general anaesthesia, (with propofol-midazolam co-induction, isoflurane and pancuronium maintenance), were randomised into three groups. All patients received magnesium pretreatment before induction; group A received 7.5mg/kg, group B received 10 mg/kg, while group C received 20 mg/kg.

RESULTS

Socio-demographic characteristics were comparable in all groups, p-value > 0.05. The overall incidence of SIF was similar between groups A (24, 80.0%) and B (22, 73.3%), and significantly higher than group C (12, 40.0%) (p = 0.001). Incidence of mild SIF were similar between groups A, (13, 43.3%) and B, (16, 53.3%), and statistically lesser than C, (12, 40.0%), p-value 0.001. The overall POMP incidence was similar between group A, (15, 50.0%) and B, (14, 46.7%), and statistically higher than C, (6, 20.0%), p-value 0.021.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that a 20 mg/kg magnesium pretreatment attenuates SIF and POMP more effectively than 7.5 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg doses in patients undergoing succinylcholine-assisted airway management for general anesthesia.

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