Continuous infusion of vecuronium in children.

The average dose of vecuronium required in children continuous infusion to attain a steady state block of 90% was determined. The electromyographic (EMG) response and mechanical response to supramaximal stimulation of the ulnar never recorded simultaneously, were significantly correlated in four children. The steady-state infusion rate requirement of vecuronium was 1.4 +/- 0.03 micro g/kg/min during 2% enflurane anesthesia and 3.1 +/- 0.03 micro g/kg/min during 1% halothane anesthesia. The spontaneous recovery time to 25% of the control by EMG during halothane and enflurane anesthesia was 12.6 +/- 1.1 and 10.3 +/- 1.5 min, respectively, after termination of the infusion. There was no cumulative effect after prolonged vecuronium infusion.