Clinical Patterns of Rocuronium and Cisatracurium Use in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: A Retrospective Cohort Study

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Abstract
Background: Neuromuscular blockade (NMB) is frequently used in moderate-to-severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) to optimize ventilatory synchrony and minimize ventilator-induced lung injury. However, comparative real-world data on different NMB strategies remain limited. Objective: To describe patterns of neuromuscular blockade use in ARDS and describe clinical outcomes across four NMB strategies: intermittent rocuronium, continuous cisatracurium, escalation from rocuronium to cisatracurium, and de-escalation from cisatracurium to rocuronium. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted in an 18-bed tertiary ICU at Hôpital Montfort (Ottawa, Canada) between November 2021 and March 2025. Adult ARDS patients who received NMB for >24 h were included. Continuous variables (age, ventilation time, ICU stay) were summarized as means ± SD and median [IQR]; categorical variables (sex, ARDS etiology, mortality) as counts and percentages. Inferential testing was limited to baseline characteristics; clinical outcomes were summarized descriptively. Results: Fifty-one patients met inclusion criteria: rocuronium (n = 20), cisatracurium (n = 14), rocuronium→cisatracurium (n = 8), and cisatracurium→rocuronium (n = 9). Mean ventilation durations were 280, 195, 272, and 262 h, respectively; corresponding ICU stays were 245, 237, 380, and 299 h. Mortality ranged from 25% to 56%. Escalation from rocuronium to cisatracurium typically reflected persistent dyssynchrony or worsening oxygenation, whereas de-escalation occurred in improving patients with residual ventilatory drive. Variability in corticosteroid use, adjunctive proning, and epoprostenol were potential confounders. Conclusions: Distinct NMB use patterns in ARDS reflect bedside clinical judgment rather than predefined thresholds. Patient trajectory and dyssynchrony severity appear to drive NMBA escalation decisions more than oxygenation indices alone. These findings highlight the need for prospective studies defining standardized criteria for NMB initiation, escalation, and weaning in ARDS.
Funding Information
  • Association Médicale Universitaire Montfort (AMUM), Department of Medicine (2025-A15)

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