Reactions 1050 - 7 May 2005

Ropivacaine

Prolonged neuromuscular blockade: case reportA 26-year-old pregnant woman experienced prolonged

neuromuscular blockade following ropivacaine-based spinalanaesthesia for cervical cerclage.

Following administration of isobaric ropivacaine 10mg andfentanyl 20 µg at the L3–4 interspace, the woman underwentan uncomplicated surgical procedure. Ten hours later,examination revealed prolonged motor blockade, withsignificantly reduced power in her right foot, knee and hip, andloss of temperature and light-touch sensation. A lumbar spineMRI was unremarkable. Fourteen and a half hours afterropivacaine administration, she had improved strength in herankle (2/5), but persistent sensory loss and hip and kneeparalysis. Her symptoms had resolved on examination21 hours after ropivacaine administration.James ML, et al. Extremely prolonged unilateral block (20 hours) with spinalropivacaine used for cervical cerclage placement. Anesthesia and Analgesia 100:897-898, No. 3, Mar 2005 - USA 801007110

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Reactions 7 May 2005 No. 10500114-9954/10/1050-0001/$14.95 Adis © 2010 Springer International Publishing AG. All rights reserved