BACKGROUND: Rocuronium administration after the induction of general anesthesia is associated with localized withdrawal of limbs or generalized movements in children and adolescents. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of normal saline, lidocaine, sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃), and lidocaine-NaHCO₃ mixed with rocuronium reduces withdrawal response.

METHODS: Eighty-five pediatric patients (aged 5-15 years) were randomly assigned to one of four groups in a double blinded, prospective study; Group S (0.9% normal saline 5 ml mixed with rocuronium 50 mg/5 ml, n = 21), Group L (2% lidocaine 5 ml mixed with rocuronium 50 mg/5 ml, n = 22), group B (8.4% NaHCO₃ 5 ml mixed with rocuronium 50 mg/5 ml, n = 22) and Group LB (4% lidocaine 2.5 ml and 8.4% NaHCO₃ 2.5 ml mixed with rocuronium 50 mg/5 ml, n = 20). After loss of consciousness by sevoflurane inhalation, all patients received 0.6 mg/kg premixed rocuronium over 5 seconds. We investigated the incidence and severity of withdrawal movement using 4-point scales. We also measured pH values and the osmolalities of each mixture.

RESULTS: The incidence and degree of withdrawal reaction in response to rocuronium injection were significantly reduced in Groups B (18.1%) and LB (15.0%) versus Group S (57.1%). The addition of lidocaine failed to reduce withdrawal response compared with saline.

CONCLUSIONS: NaHCO₃ mixed with rocuronium is more effective than lidocaine addition with suspect to preventing withdrawal movement in pediatric patients.