Abstract
Although we agree with each of 4 recent editorials discussing the use of neuromuscular blocking drugs and the monitoring of neuromuscular blockade,1-4 it is the editorial by Kopman,1 suggesting the need for evidenced-based guidelines, that prompts this letter. Consensus-based practice parameters on managing neuromuscular block have been developed by experts appointed by the Czech Society of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care a and we encourage leading anesthesia professional organizations (e.g., American Society of Anesthesiologists and/or European Society of Anaesthesiology) to produce evidence and consensus-based guidelines on how best to monitor and manage the perioperative administration of neuromuscular blocking drugs.
We believe that having such guidelines would decrease the number of anesthesiologists ignoring the strong evidence of a link between respiratory complications and residual blockade.