Succinylcholine versus rocuronium for rapid sequence intubation in intensive care: a prospective, randomized controlled trial

Table 4 Incidence of complications other than oxygen desaturation of emergent intubations in 401 critically ill patients

	Succinylcholine (n= 200)	Rocuronium (n= 201)
Failed first intubation attempt	32 (16%)	36 (18%)
Anatomical difficult airway*	10 (5%)	12 (6%)
Difficult laryngoscopy^§	7 (3.5%)	5 (2.5%)
Oesophageal intubation	2 (1%)	2 (1%)
Equipment problems	1 (0.5%)	3 (1.5%)
Aspiration^†	4 (2%)	3 (1.5%)
Need of a vasopressor after intubation^¶	84 (42%)	90 (45%)
Cardiac arrest	6 (3%)	4 (2%)
Ventricular fibrillation	2 (1%)	1 (0.5%)
Pulsless electrical activity	4 (2%)	3 (1.5%)
Asystole	0	0
Death	0	0

* An anatomically difficult airway was defined as more than two attempts or a successful second attempt with the help of additional equipment (for example, a different blade) or a modified technique (for example, preforming a stylet).
^§ Difficult laryngoscopy was defined as impaired vision of laryngeal structures due to non-anatomical reasons (for example, blood or secretion).
† Blood, gastric content, or foreign body visible below the vocal cords during laryngoscopy
¶ Need of vasopressor was defined as an intravenous bolus of a vasopressor or an increase in infusion rate of a running catecholamine infusion.

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