CWRU MSA Alums Published in ASA Monitor

Male certified anesthesiologist assistant in suit

David Dunipace (‘08, top right) and Samuel Lee (‘15, bottom right) recently co-authored the article “Sugammadex: A New Reversal Drug with the Same Risk – A Continued Need for Neuromuscular Blockade Monitoring” with Jamie L. Sparling, M.D.

The article, which was published in the American Society of Anesthesiologists’ Monitor, examines the inconsistency of neuromuscular blockade monitoring by anesthesia providers, particularly after administering sugammadex to patients.

Male certified anesthesiologist assistant in suit

Sugammadex, a drug approved for usage by the FDA in 2015, has grown in popularity in recent years due to its ability to reverse moderate and deep neuromuscular blockades. However, as the authors point out, the ability of the drug does not offset its risks, and “there is a well-documented risk of residual neuromuscular blockade after administration” (31). Using a survey of anesthesia professionals and PACU nurses conducted by the Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation, the authors expose a knowledge gap in practitioners regarding proper patient monitoring and safe usage of sugammadex.

Therefore, the article argues that “all anesthesia providers should incorporate NMB monitoring into their practice when deciding the appropriate dose of sugammadex and when confirming adequate reversal has been achieved” (31).

Read the full article here.