Article Notes
Small study of data collected more than 15 years ago suggests hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier HBOC-201 may reduce transfusion requirements in a non-cardiac surgery cohort. Although no significant difference in adverse events or mortality, a trend to higher incidence of both among the HBOC-201 group requires a much larger trial to be conducted before any conclusion regarding safety of such a novel therapy can be made.
I find the existence of this study perplexing. This meta-analysis appears to simply confirm basic neuromuscular pharmacology and age-related cardiovascular changes. The unanswered question is why are they so interested in using mivacurium anyway?
I conclude that good conditions for tracheal intubation are more likely when using a muscle relaxant other than mivacurium.