REVERSAL OF CURARIZATION WITH ATROPINE-NEOSTIGMINE MIXTURE IN PATIENTS WITH CONGENITAL CARDIAC DISEASE

SUMMARY Electrocardiographic changes during reversal of curarization with an atropine-neostigmine mixture were studied in 41 paediatric patients with congenital cardiovascular disease. A slight statistically significant rise in heart rate was observed 1 minute following the injection of the mixture. There was an inverse relationship between the initial heart rate and maximum increase in rate. Normal sinus rhythm was maintained throughout the period of reversal in 29 patients while 12 patients exhibited some e.c.g. changes. Electrocardiographic findings did not indicate the occurrence of serious arrhythmias, but it is suggested that the incidence of arrhythmia may actually be higher in cyanotic than acyanotic patients.