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Determination of Continuous Atracurium Infusion Rate in Dogs Undergoing Whole-Body Hyperthermia¹

School of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University [R. E. M., R. L. P., D. E. T., D. L. V.], Raleigh 27606 and Division of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Medical Center [M. W. D.], Durham, North Carolina 27710

Infusion rates for atracurium were calculated from multiple bolus injection data for normothermic (38°C; n = 4) and hyperthermic (42°C; n = 14) dogs anesthetized with thiopental and oxymorphone while undergoing whole-body hyperthermia treatment. The calculated infusion rate for atracurium at 38°C was 6.2 ± 0.3 µg/kg/min and the calculated infusion rate at 42°C was 8.5 ± 0.4 µg/kg/min. Infusion of atracurium at the calculated infusion rate of 8.5 µg/kg/min produced an estimated 90–100% neuromuscular blockade during heating from 38–42°C and at 42°C. Following discontinuation of the infusion and cooling to 38°C, neuromuscular function returned to normal within 20 min with no evidence of recurarization. Atracurium infusion rates appear to be linear and related to body temperature from 26–42°C. Clinically useful neuromuscular blockade in dogs may be obtained during whole-body hyperthermia by utilizing the 42°C atracurium infusion rate throughout the 38–42°C heating phase.

¹ Resources used to support this research were partially provided by the State of North Carolina.

² To whom requests for reprints should be addressed, at Department of Anatomy, North Carolina State University, School of Veterinary Medicine, 4700 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, NC 27606.

Received 4/11/86. Revised 8/ 5/86. Accepted 8/ 8/86.