CClinicalTrials.gg
CompletedNCT00473694Updated Mar 19, 2019Results posted

Comparison of Sugammadex (MK-8616/Org 25969) With Neostigmine Administered at 1-2 Post-tetanic Counts (PTCs) After Administration of Rocuronium or Vecuronium (19.4.302/P05945/MK-8616-025)

A Phase 3 interventional study of sugammadex and neostigmine in Anesthesia, General, sponsored by Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC. Completed. Open to participants aged 18 Years and older. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2019-03-19.

Sponsored by Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC · Phase 3, Interventional, and Treatment

From the registry’s dates

  • Registered 1 year 5 months after the study started (first participant enrolled Nov 2005, registered May 2007).
Phase
Phase 3
Study type
Interventional
Enrollment
182
Allocation
Randomized
Ages
18 Years and older
Sex
All
01

Study summary

The purpose of the trial is to demonstrate a faster recovery from neuromuscular block (NMB) induced with rocuronium or vecuronium after reversal by 4.0 mg/kg of Org 25969 compared with reversal by 70 μg/kg of neostigmine in combination with 14 μg/kg glycopyrrolate.

02

Conditions studied

  • Anesthesia, General
03

In context

Lead sponsor

Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC is the lead sponsor of 2,114 studies on the registry; 133 are open to participants now.

Of its 489 completed or terminated interventional studies of FDA-regulated products, 362 (74%) have results posted.

Counted across the registry records on this site, refreshed daily.

04

Who can participate

Ages eligible
18 Years and older
Sexes eligible
All
Accepts healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

  • American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Class 1 to 4
  • 18 years or older
  • Scheduled to undergo an elective surgical procedure under general anesthesia requiring the use of rocuronium or vecuronium for endotracheal intubation and maintenance of neuromuscular block
  • Scheduled for surgery in supine position
  • Given written informed consent

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Participants in whom a difficult intubation is expected due to anatomical malformations
  • Known or suspected to have neuromuscular disorders impairing neuromuscular blockade and/or significant renal dysfunction
  • Known or suspected to have a (family) history of malignant hyperthermia
  • Known or suspected to have an allergy to narcotics, muscle relaxants, or other medications used during surgery
  • Receiving medication known to interfere with neuromuscular blocking agents such as anticonvulsants, antibiotics, and magnesium (Mg2+)
  • Participants in whom the use of neostigmine and/or glycopyrrolate may be contraindicated
  • Female participants who are pregnant or breast-feeding
  • Females participants of childbearing potential not using an acceptable method of birth control [condom or diaphragm with spermicide, vasectomized partner (> 6 months), IUD, abstinence]
  • Participants who had already participated in an Org 25969 trial
  • Participants who had participated in another clinical trial, not pre-approved by Organon, within 30 days of entering into Protocol 19.4.302
05

Study design

Phase
Phase 3
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomized
Intervention model
Parallel assignment
Masking
Single (Outcomes assessor)
Enrollment
182 participants (actual)

Study arms

  • Experimental
    rocuronium+sugammadex

    Participants received a single bolus dose of 0.60 mg/kg rocuronium prior to intubation. The neuromuscular block was maintained with 0.15 mg/kg rocuronium if needed. At 1-2 post-tetanic counts (PTC) and after the last dose of rocuronium, a single bolus dose of 4.0 mg/kg sugammadex was administered.

    Drug: sugammadex · Drug: rocuronium

  • Active comparator
    rocuronium+neostigmine

    Participants received a single bolus dose of 0.60 mg/kg rocuronium prior to intubation. The neuromuscular block was maintained with 0.15 mg/kg rocuronium if needed. At 1-2 PTC and after the last dose of rocuronium, a single bolus dose of 70.0 μg/kg neostigmine (up to a maximum dose of 5 mg) was administered in combination with 14.0 μg/kg glycopyrrolate.

    Drug: neostigmine · Drug: rocuronium · Drug: glycopyrrolate

  • Experimental
    vecuronium+sugammadex

    Participants received a single bolus dose of 0.1 mg/kg vecuronium prior to intubation. The neuromuscular block was maintained with 0.015 mg/kg vecuronium if needed. At 1-2 PTC and after the last dose of vecuronium, a single bolus dose of 4.0 mg/kg sugammadex was administered.

    Drug: sugammadex · Drug: vecuronium

  • Active comparator
    vecuronium+neostigmine

    Participants received a single bolus dose of 0.1 mg/kg vecuronium prior to intubation. The neuromuscular block was maintained with 0.015 mg/kg vecuronium if needed. At 1-2 PTC and after the last dose of vecuronium, a single bolus dose of 70.0 μg/kg neostigmine (up to a maximum dose of 5 mg) was administered in combination with 14.0 μg/kg glycopyrrolate.

    Drug: neostigmine · Drug: vecuronium · Drug: glycopyrrolate

Interventions

  • Drugsugammadex

    Administered as an intravenous (IV) infusion

    Also known as: Org 25969, MK-8616, BRIDION®

  • Drugneostigmine

    Administered as an IV infusion

    Also known as: PROSTIGMIN®

  • Drugvecuronium

    Administered as an IV infusion

    Also known as: NORCURON®

  • Drugrocuronium

    Administered as an IV infusion

    Also known as: ZEMURON®

  • Drugglycopyrrolate

    Administered as an IV infusion

    Also known as: ROBINUL®

06

What researchers measure

Primary outcomes

  1. Time From Start of Administration of Sugammadex or Neostigmine to Recovery of the T4/T1 Ratio to 0.9 After Neuromuscular Block (NMB) Induced by Rocuronium

    Mean time from start of sugammadex or neostigmine administration to recovery of T4/T1 ratio to 0.9 was assessed by applying repetitive train of four (TOF) electrical stimulations to the ulnar nerve every 15 seconds and assessing twitch response at the adductor pollicis muscle. Nerve stimulation continued until the ratio of the magnitude of the fourth twitch (T4) to first twitch (T1) reached at least 0.9. The greater the T4/T1 ratio represented the greater the recovery from NMB; with a value of 0.0 representing no recovery and 1.0 representing full recovery. Reduced recovery time of the T4/T1 ratio to 0.9 indicated faster recovery from NMB. Mean time was collected in minutes and seconds but converted to and presented in minutes only. The analysis included a procedure for the imputation of missing recovery times.

    Time frame: Up to approximately 3 hours after administration of study drug

  2. Time From Start of Administration of Sugammadex or Neostigmine to Recovery of the T4/T1 Ratio to 0.9 After Neuromuscular Block (NMB) Induced by Vecuronium

    Mean time from start of sugammadex or neostigmine administration to recovery of T4/T1 ratio to 0.9 was assessed by applying repetitive train of four (TOF) electrical stimulations to the ulnar nerve every 15 seconds and assessing twitch response at the adductor pollicis muscle. Nerve stimulation continued until the ratio of the magnitude of the fourth twitch (T4) to first twitch (T1) reached at least 0.9. The greater the T4/T1 ratio represented the greater the recovery from NMB; with a value of 0.0 representing no recovery and 1.0 representing full recovery. Reduced recovery time of the T4/T1 ratio to 0.9 indicated faster recovery from NMB. Mean time was collected in minutes and seconds but converted to and presented in minutes only. The analysis included a procedure for the imputation of missing recovery times.

    Time frame: Up to approximately 6 hours after administration of study drug

Secondary outcomes

  1. Time From Start of Administration of Sugammadex or Neostigmine to Recovery of the T4/T1 Ratio to 0.7 After Neuromuscular Block (NMB) Induced by Rocuronium

    Mean time from start of sugammadex or neostigmine administration to recovery of T4/T1 ratio to 0.7 was assessed by applying repetitive train of four (TOF) electrical stimulations to the ulnar nerve every 15 seconds and assessing twitch response at the adductor pollicis muscle. Nerve stimulation continued until the ratio of the magnitude of the fourth twitch (T4) to first twitch (T1) reached at least 0.7. The greater the T4/T1 ratio represented the greater the recovery from NMB; with a value of 0.0 representing no recovery and 1.0 representing full recovery. Reduced recovery time of the T4/T1 ratio to 0.7 indicated faster recovery from NMB. Mean time was collected in minutes and seconds but converted to and presented in minutes only. The analysis included a procedure for the imputation of missing recovery times.

    Time frame: Up to approximately 2 hours after administration of study drug

  2. Time From Start of Administration of Sugammadex or Neostigmine to Recovery of the T4/T1 Ratio to 0.7 After Neuromuscular Block (NMB) Induced by Vecuronium

    Mean time from start of sugammadex or neostigmine administration to recovery of T4/T1 ratio to 0.7 was assessed by applying repetitive train of four (TOF) electrical stimulations to the ulnar nerve every 15 seconds and assessing twitch response at the adductor pollicis muscle. Nerve stimulation continued until the ratio of the magnitude of the fourth twitch (T4) to first twitch (T1) reached at least 0.7. The greater the T4/T1 ratio represented the greater the recovery from NMB; with a value of 0.0 representing no recovery and 1.0 representing full recovery. Reduced recovery time of the T4/T1 ratio to 0.7 indicated faster recovery from NMB. Mean time was collected in minutes and seconds but converted to and presented in minutes only. The analysis included a procedure for the imputation of missing recovery times.

    Time frame: Up to approximately 4 hours after administration of study drug

  3. Time From Start of Administration of Sugammadex or Neostigmine to Recovery of the T4/T1 Ratio to 0.8 After Neuromuscular Block (NMB) Induced by Rocuronium

    Mean time from start of sugammadex or neostigmine administration to recovery of T4/T1 ratio to 0.8 was assessed by applying repetitive train of four (TOF) electrical stimulations to the ulnar nerve every 15 seconds and assessing twitch response at the adductor pollicis muscle. Nerve stimulation continued until the ratio of the magnitude of the fourth twitch (T4) to first twitch (T1) reached at least 0.8. The greater the T4/T1 ratio represented the greater the recovery from NMB; with a value of 0.0 representing no recovery and 1.0 representing full recovery. Reduced recovery time of the T4/T1 ratio to 0.8 indicated faster recovery from NMB. Mean time was collected in minutes and seconds but converted to and presented in minutes only. The analysis included a procedure for the imputation of missing recovery times.

    Time frame: Up to approximately 3 hours after administration of study drug

  4. Time From Start of Administration of Sugammadex or Neostigmine to Recovery of the T4/T1 Ratio to 0.8 After Neuromuscular Block (NMB) Induced by Vecuronium

    Mean time from start of sugammadex or neostigmine administration to recovery of T4/T1 ratio to 0.8 was assessed by applying repetitive train of four (TOF) electrical stimulations to the ulnar nerve every 15 seconds and assessing twitch response at the adductor pollicis muscle. Nerve stimulation continued until the ratio of the magnitude of the fourth twitch (T4) to first twitch (T1) reached at least 0.8. The greater the T4/T1 ratio represented the greater the recovery from NMB; with a value of 0.0 representing no recovery and 1.0 representing full recovery. Reduced recovery time of the T4/T1 ratio to 0.8 indicated faster recovery from NMB. Mean time was collected in minutes and seconds but converted to and presented in minutes only. The analysis included a procedure for the imputation of missing recovery times.

    Time frame: Up to approximately 5 hours after administration of study drug

  5. Number of Participants Awake and Oriented After Anesthesia (Clinical Assessment of Level of Consciousness)

    The number of participants who were awake and oriented was assessed as part of an overall assessment of the clinical level of consciousness by the investigator. The clinical level of consciousness was used as a measure of recovery from NMB at 2 timepoints: prior to transfer to the recovery room after extubation and prior to discharge from the recovery room. Attempts were made to arouse participants every 15 minutes with mild prodding, mild shaking, and asking questions regarding name, location, and day of the week. The assessment ended once the participant was awake and fully orientated, 24 hours, or discharged from the hospital if discharge occurs before 24 hours; whichever occurred first. Participants were given a level of consciousness based on what type of stimulation they responded to. Participants who were not cooperative with the examination were not included in the assessment.

    Time frame: Up to 24 hours

  6. Number of Participants Aroused With Minimal Stimulation After Anesthesia (Clinical Assessment of Level of Consciousness)

    The number of participants aroused with minimal stimulation was assessed as part of an overall assessment of the clinical level of consciousness by the investigator. The clinical level of consciousness was used as a measure of recovery from NMB at 2 timepoints: prior to transfer to the recovery room after extubation and prior to discharge from the recovery room. Attempts were made to arouse participants every 15 minutes with mild prodding, mild shaking, and asking questions regarding name, location, and day of the week. The assessment ended once the participant was awake and fully orientated, 24 hours, or discharged from the hospital if discharge occurs before 24 hours; whichever occurred first. Participants were given a level of consciousness based on what type of stimulation they responded to. Participants who were not cooperative with the examination were not included in the assessment.

    Time frame: Up to 24 hours

  7. Number of Participants Responsive Only to Tactile Stimulation After Anesthesia (Clinical Assessment of Level of Consciousness)

    The number of participants responsive only to tactile stimulation was assessed as part of an overall assessment of the clinical level of consciousness by the investigator. The clinical level of consciousness was used as a measure of recovery from NMB at 2 timepoints: prior to transfer to the recovery room after extubation and prior to discharge from the recovery room. Attempts were made to arouse participants every 15 minutes with mild prodding, mild shaking, and asking questions regarding name, location, and day of the week. The assessment ended once the participant was awake and fully orientated, 24 hours, or discharged from the hospital if discharge occurs before 24 hours; whichever occurred first. Participants were given a level of consciousness based on what type of stimulation they responded to. Participants who were not cooperative with the examination were not included in the assessment.

    Time frame: Up to 24 hours

  8. Number of Participants Able to Perform a 5-second Head Lift

    The number of participants who were able to lift their head for 5 seconds was assessed by the investigator as a measure of recovery from NMB at 2 timepoints: prior to transfer to the recovery room after extubation and prior to discharge from the recovery room. The assessment was performed every 15 minutes until the first successful 5-second head lift was achieved. Participants who were not cooperative with the examination were not included in the assessment.

    Time frame: Up to 24 hours

  9. Number of Participants Experiencing General Muscle Weakness

    The number of participants experiencing general muscle weakness was assessed by the investigator as a measure of recovery from NMB at 2 timepoints: prior to transfer to the recovery room after extubation and prior to discharge from the recovery room. The assessments were performed every 15 minutes until the absence of general muscle weakness. A standardized examination form was used to determine the presence or absence of muscle weakness in various muscle groups. Participants who were not cooperative with the examination were not included in the assessment.

    Time frame: Up to 24 hours

07

Results

Posted Mar 7, 2019

Participant flow

The trial was conducted in 8 trial sites in the United States. A total of 182 participants were randomized with 157 participants treated.

Participant flow — Overall Study
MilestoneRocuronium+SugammadexRocuronium+NeostigmineVecuronium+SugammadexVecuronium+Neostigmine
Started48415142
Treated37384636
Completed37374635
Not completed11457
Withdrew: Adverse event0100
Withdrew: Participants did not receive treatment11356
Withdrew: Lost to follow-up0001

Outcome measures

PrimaryTime From Start of Administration of Sugammadex or Neostigmine to Recovery of the T4/T1 Ratio to 0.9 After Neuromuscular Block (NMB) Induced by Rocuronium

Mean time from start of sugammadex or neostigmine administration to recovery of T4/T1 ratio to 0.9 was assessed by applying repetitive train of four (TOF) electrical stimulations to the ulnar nerve every 15 seconds and assessing twitch response at the adductor pollicis muscle. Nerve stimulation continued until the ratio of the magnitude of the fourth twitch (T4) to first twitch (T1) reached at least 0.9. The greater the T4/T1 ratio represented the greater the recovery from NMB; with a value of 0.0 representing no recovery and 1.0 representing full recovery. Reduced recovery time of the T4/T1 ratio to 0.9 indicated faster recovery from NMB. Mean time was collected in minutes and seconds but converted to and presented in minutes only. The analysis included a procedure for the imputation of missing recovery times.

Time frame:
Up to approximately 3 hours after administration of study drug
Reported as:
Mean · Minutes
Time From Start of Administration of Sugammadex or Neostigmine to Recovery of the T4/T1 Ratio to 0.9 After Neuromuscular Block (NMB) Induced by Rocuronium
MinutesRocuronium+SugammadexRocuronium+Neostigmine
Time From Start of Administration of Sugammadex or Neostigmine to Recovery of the T4/T1 Ratio to 0.9 After Neuromuscular Block (NMB) Induced by Rocuronium3.28 ± 2.4055.50 ± 27.10
Statistical analysis
  • Rocuronium+Sugammadex vs Rocuronium+Neostigmine · ANOVA · p = <0.0001 (A two-way ANOVA model was used with the logarithm of the recovery time taken as the response variable, and trial site and treatment group were the factors of the model.) · Estimated treatment effect: 17.29 · 95% CI 13.95 to 21.42The value for estimated treatment effect represents how many times faster the mean time to recovery of the T4/T1 ratio to 0.9 was for participants receiving sugammadex after NMB compared to participants receiving neostigmine after NMB.
PrimaryTime From Start of Administration of Sugammadex or Neostigmine to Recovery of the T4/T1 Ratio to 0.9 After Neuromuscular Block (NMB) Induced by Vecuronium

Mean time from start of sugammadex or neostigmine administration to recovery of T4/T1 ratio to 0.9 was assessed by applying repetitive train of four (TOF) electrical stimulations to the ulnar nerve every 15 seconds and assessing twitch response at the adductor pollicis muscle. Nerve stimulation continued until the ratio of the magnitude of the fourth twitch (T4) to first twitch (T1) reached at least 0.9. The greater the T4/T1 ratio represented the greater the recovery from NMB; with a value of 0.0 representing no recovery and 1.0 representing full recovery. Reduced recovery time of the T4/T1 ratio to 0.9 indicated faster recovery from NMB. Mean time was collected in minutes and seconds but converted to and presented in minutes only. The analysis included a procedure for the imputation of missing recovery times.

Time frame:
Up to approximately 6 hours after administration of study drug
Reported as:
Mean · Minutes
Time From Start of Administration of Sugammadex or Neostigmine to Recovery of the T4/T1 Ratio to 0.9 After Neuromuscular Block (NMB) Induced by Vecuronium
MinutesVecuronium+SugammadexVecuronium+Neostigmine
Time From Start of Administration of Sugammadex or Neostigmine to Recovery of the T4/T1 Ratio to 0.9 After Neuromuscular Block (NMB) Induced by Vecuronium8.73 ± 14.6077.80 ± 56.98
Statistical analysis
  • Vecuronium+Sugammadex vs Vecuronium+Neostigmine · ANOVA · p = <0.0001 (A two-way ANOVA model was used with the logarithm of the recovery time taken as the response variable, and trial site and treatment group were the factors of the model.) · Estimated treatment effect: 14.86 · 95% CI 10.18 to 21.67The value for estimated treatment effect represents how many times faster the mean time to recovery of the T4/T1 ratio to 0.9 was for participants receiving sugammadex after NMB compared to participants receiving neostigmine after NMB.
SecondaryTime From Start of Administration of Sugammadex or Neostigmine to Recovery of the T4/T1 Ratio to 0.7 After Neuromuscular Block (NMB) Induced by Rocuronium

Mean time from start of sugammadex or neostigmine administration to recovery of T4/T1 ratio to 0.7 was assessed by applying repetitive train of four (TOF) electrical stimulations to the ulnar nerve every 15 seconds and assessing twitch response at the adductor pollicis muscle. Nerve stimulation continued until the ratio of the magnitude of the fourth twitch (T4) to first twitch (T1) reached at least 0.7. The greater the T4/T1 ratio represented the greater the recovery from NMB; with a value of 0.0 representing no recovery and 1.0 representing full recovery. Reduced recovery time of the T4/T1 ratio to 0.7 indicated faster recovery from NMB. Mean time was collected in minutes and seconds but converted to and presented in minutes only. The analysis included a procedure for the imputation of missing recovery times.

Time frame:
Up to approximately 2 hours after administration of study drug
Reported as:
Mean · Minutes
Time From Start of Administration of Sugammadex or Neostigmine to Recovery of the T4/T1 Ratio to 0.7 After Neuromuscular Block (NMB) Induced by Rocuronium
MinutesRocuronium+SugammadexRocuronium+Neostigmine
Time From Start of Administration of Sugammadex or Neostigmine to Recovery of the T4/T1 Ratio to 0.7 After Neuromuscular Block (NMB) Induced by Rocuronium2.27 ± 1.2537.68 ± 21.88
Statistical analysis
  • Rocuronium+Sugammadex vs Rocuronium+Neostigmine · ANOVA · p = <0.0001 (A two-way ANOVA model was used with the logarithm of the recovery time taken as the response variable, and trial site and treatment group were the factors of the model.) · Estimated treatment effect: 15.84 · 95% CI 12.58 to 19.95The value for estimated treatment effect represents how many times faster the mean time to recovery of the T4/T1 ratio to 0.7 was for participants receiving sugammadex after NMB compared to participants receiving neostigmine after NMB.
SecondaryTime From Start of Administration of Sugammadex or Neostigmine to Recovery of the T4/T1 Ratio to 0.7 After Neuromuscular Block (NMB) Induced by Vecuronium

Mean time from start of sugammadex or neostigmine administration to recovery of T4/T1 ratio to 0.7 was assessed by applying repetitive train of four (TOF) electrical stimulations to the ulnar nerve every 15 seconds and assessing twitch response at the adductor pollicis muscle. Nerve stimulation continued until the ratio of the magnitude of the fourth twitch (T4) to first twitch (T1) reached at least 0.7. The greater the T4/T1 ratio represented the greater the recovery from NMB; with a value of 0.0 representing no recovery and 1.0 representing full recovery. Reduced recovery time of the T4/T1 ratio to 0.7 indicated faster recovery from NMB. Mean time was collected in minutes and seconds but converted to and presented in minutes only. The analysis included a procedure for the imputation of missing recovery times.

Time frame:
Up to approximately 4 hours after administration of study drug
Reported as:
Mean · Minutes
Time From Start of Administration of Sugammadex or Neostigmine to Recovery of the T4/T1 Ratio to 0.7 After Neuromuscular Block (NMB) Induced by Vecuronium
MinutesVecuronium+SugammadexVecuronium+Neostigmine
Time From Start of Administration of Sugammadex or Neostigmine to Recovery of the T4/T1 Ratio to 0.7 After Neuromuscular Block (NMB) Induced by Vecuronium4.10 ± 8.7856.17 ± 36.65
Statistical analysis
  • Vecuronium+Sugammadex vs Vecuronium+Neostigmine · ANOVA · p = <0.0001 (A two-way ANOVA model was used with the logarithm of the recovery time taken as the response variable, and trial site and treatment group were the factors of the model.) · Estimated treatment effect: 18.45 · 95% CI 13.98 to 24.35The value for estimated treatment effect represents how many times faster the mean time to recovery of the T4/T1 ratio to 0.7 was for participants receiving sugammadex after NMB compared to participants receiving neostigmine after NMB.
SecondaryTime From Start of Administration of Sugammadex or Neostigmine to Recovery of the T4/T1 Ratio to 0.8 After Neuromuscular Block (NMB) Induced by Rocuronium

Mean time from start of sugammadex or neostigmine administration to recovery of T4/T1 ratio to 0.8 was assessed by applying repetitive train of four (TOF) electrical stimulations to the ulnar nerve every 15 seconds and assessing twitch response at the adductor pollicis muscle. Nerve stimulation continued until the ratio of the magnitude of the fourth twitch (T4) to first twitch (T1) reached at least 0.8. The greater the T4/T1 ratio represented the greater the recovery from NMB; with a value of 0.0 representing no recovery and 1.0 representing full recovery. Reduced recovery time of the T4/T1 ratio to 0.8 indicated faster recovery from NMB. Mean time was collected in minutes and seconds but converted to and presented in minutes only. The analysis included a procedure for the imputation of missing recovery times.

Time frame:
Up to approximately 3 hours after administration of study drug
Reported as:
Mean · Minutes
Time From Start of Administration of Sugammadex or Neostigmine to Recovery of the T4/T1 Ratio to 0.8 After Neuromuscular Block (NMB) Induced by Rocuronium
MinutesRocuronium+SugammadexRocuronium+Neostigmine
Time From Start of Administration of Sugammadex or Neostigmine to Recovery of the T4/T1 Ratio to 0.8 After Neuromuscular Block (NMB) Induced by Rocuronium2.65 ± 1.5845.82 ± 24.95
Statistical analysis
  • Rocuronium+Sugammadex vs Rocuronium+Neostigmine · ANOVA · p = <0.0001 (A two-way ANOVA model was used with the logarithm of the recovery time taken as the response variable, and trial site and treatment group were the factors of the model.) · Estimated treatment effect: 17.04 · 95% CI 13.62 to 21.31The value for estimated treatment effect represents how many times faster the mean time to recovery of the T4/T1 ratio to 0.8 was for participants receiving sugammadex after NMB compared to participants receiving neostigmine after NMB.
SecondaryTime From Start of Administration of Sugammadex or Neostigmine to Recovery of the T4/T1 Ratio to 0.8 After Neuromuscular Block (NMB) Induced by Vecuronium

Mean time from start of sugammadex or neostigmine administration to recovery of T4/T1 ratio to 0.8 was assessed by applying repetitive train of four (TOF) electrical stimulations to the ulnar nerve every 15 seconds and assessing twitch response at the adductor pollicis muscle. Nerve stimulation continued until the ratio of the magnitude of the fourth twitch (T4) to first twitch (T1) reached at least 0.8. The greater the T4/T1 ratio represented the greater the recovery from NMB; with a value of 0.0 representing no recovery and 1.0 representing full recovery. Reduced recovery time of the T4/T1 ratio to 0.8 indicated faster recovery from NMB. Mean time was collected in minutes and seconds but converted to and presented in minutes only. The analysis included a procedure for the imputation of missing recovery times.

Time frame:
Up to approximately 5 hours after administration of study drug
Reported as:
Mean · Minutes
Time From Start of Administration of Sugammadex or Neostigmine to Recovery of the T4/T1 Ratio to 0.8 After Neuromuscular Block (NMB) Induced by Vecuronium
MinutesVecuronium+SugammadexVecuronium+Neostigmine
Time From Start of Administration of Sugammadex or Neostigmine to Recovery of the T4/T1 Ratio to 0.8 After Neuromuscular Block (NMB) Induced by Vecuronium5.55 ± 9.8767.42 ± 44.85
Statistical analysis
  • Vecuronium+Sugammadex vs Vecuronium+Neostigmine · ANOVA · p = <0.0001 (A two-way ANOVA model was used with the logarithm of the recovery time taken as the response variable, and trial site and treatment group were the factors of the model.) · Estimated treatment effect: 17.70 · 95% CI 12.85 to 24.38The value for estimated treatment effect represents how many times faster the mean time to recovery of the T4/T1 ratio to 0.8 was for participants receiving sugammadex after NMB compared to participants receiving neostigmine after NMB.
SecondaryNumber of Participants Awake and Oriented After Anesthesia (Clinical Assessment of Level of Consciousness)

The number of participants who were awake and oriented was assessed as part of an overall assessment of the clinical level of consciousness by the investigator. The clinical level of consciousness was used as a measure of recovery from NMB at 2 timepoints: prior to transfer to the recovery room after extubation and prior to discharge from the recovery room. Attempts were made to arouse participants every 15 minutes with mild prodding, mild shaking, and asking questions regarding name, location, and day of the week. The assessment ended once the participant was awake and fully orientated, 24 hours, or discharged from the hospital if discharge occurs before 24 hours; whichever occurred first. Participants were given a level of consciousness based on what type of stimulation they responded to. Participants who were not cooperative with the examination were not included in the assessment.

Time frame:
Up to 24 hours
Reported as:
Count of participants · Participants
Number of Participants Awake and Oriented After Anesthesia (Clinical Assessment of Level of Consciousness)
ParticipantsRocuronium+SugammadexRocuronium+NeostigmineVecuronium+SugammadexVecuronium+Neostigmine
Prior to transfer to recovery room26202720
Prior to discharge from recovery room34323933
SecondaryNumber of Participants Aroused With Minimal Stimulation After Anesthesia (Clinical Assessment of Level of Consciousness)

The number of participants aroused with minimal stimulation was assessed as part of an overall assessment of the clinical level of consciousness by the investigator. The clinical level of consciousness was used as a measure of recovery from NMB at 2 timepoints: prior to transfer to the recovery room after extubation and prior to discharge from the recovery room. Attempts were made to arouse participants every 15 minutes with mild prodding, mild shaking, and asking questions regarding name, location, and day of the week. The assessment ended once the participant was awake and fully orientated, 24 hours, or discharged from the hospital if discharge occurs before 24 hours; whichever occurred first. Participants were given a level of consciousness based on what type of stimulation they responded to. Participants who were not cooperative with the examination were not included in the assessment.

Time frame:
Up to 24 hours
Reported as:
Count of participants · Participants
Number of Participants Aroused With Minimal Stimulation After Anesthesia (Clinical Assessment of Level of Consciousness)
ParticipantsRocuronium+SugammadexRocuronium+NeostigmineVecuronium+SugammadexVecuronium+Neostigmine
Prior to transfer to recovery room911128
Prior to discharge from recovery room0121
SecondaryNumber of Participants Responsive Only to Tactile Stimulation After Anesthesia (Clinical Assessment of Level of Consciousness)

The number of participants responsive only to tactile stimulation was assessed as part of an overall assessment of the clinical level of consciousness by the investigator. The clinical level of consciousness was used as a measure of recovery from NMB at 2 timepoints: prior to transfer to the recovery room after extubation and prior to discharge from the recovery room. Attempts were made to arouse participants every 15 minutes with mild prodding, mild shaking, and asking questions regarding name, location, and day of the week. The assessment ended once the participant was awake and fully orientated, 24 hours, or discharged from the hospital if discharge occurs before 24 hours; whichever occurred first. Participants were given a level of consciousness based on what type of stimulation they responded to. Participants who were not cooperative with the examination were not included in the assessment.

Time frame:
Up to 24 hours
Reported as:
Count of participants · Participants
Number of Participants Responsive Only to Tactile Stimulation After Anesthesia (Clinical Assessment of Level of Consciousness)
ParticipantsRocuronium+SugammadexRocuronium+NeostigmineVecuronium+SugammadexVecuronium+Neostigmine
Prior to transfer to recovery room2377
Prior to discharge from recovery room0000
SecondaryNumber of Participants Able to Perform a 5-second Head Lift

The number of participants who were able to lift their head for 5 seconds was assessed by the investigator as a measure of recovery from NMB at 2 timepoints: prior to transfer to the recovery room after extubation and prior to discharge from the recovery room. The assessment was performed every 15 minutes until the first successful 5-second head lift was achieved. Participants who were not cooperative with the examination were not included in the assessment.

Time frame:
Up to 24 hours
Reported as:
Count of participants · Participants
Number of Participants Able to Perform a 5-second Head Lift
ParticipantsRocuronium+SugammadexRocuronium+NeostigmineVecuronium+SugammadexVecuronium+Neostigmine
Prior to transfer to recovery room33283624
Prior to discharge from recovery room34334133
SecondaryNumber of Participants Experiencing General Muscle Weakness

The number of participants experiencing general muscle weakness was assessed by the investigator as a measure of recovery from NMB at 2 timepoints: prior to transfer to the recovery room after extubation and prior to discharge from the recovery room. The assessments were performed every 15 minutes until the absence of general muscle weakness. A standardized examination form was used to determine the presence or absence of muscle weakness in various muscle groups. Participants who were not cooperative with the examination were not included in the assessment.

Time frame:
Up to 24 hours
Reported as:
Count of participants · Participants
Number of Participants Experiencing General Muscle Weakness
ParticipantsRocuronium+SugammadexRocuronium+NeostigmineVecuronium+SugammadexVecuronium+Neostigmine
Prior to transfer to recovery room3542
Prior to discharge from recovery room2313

Adverse events

Collected over Up to 7 days after administration of study drug. Non-serious events are listed at a 5% frequency threshold.

Adverse event summary by group
GroupDeathsSeriousOther
Rocuronium+Sugammadex0/37 (0%)2/37 (5.4%)36/37 (97.3%)
Rocuronium+Neostigmine0/38 (0%)3/38 (7.9%)37/38 (97.4%)
Vecuronium+Sugammadex0/46 (0%)2/46 (4.3%)46/46 (100%)
Vecuronium+Neostigmine0/36 (0%)0/36 (0%)33/36 (91.7%)
Most frequent serious events
Most frequent serious events
EventRocuronium+SugammadexRocuronium+NeostigmineVecuronium+SugammadexVecuronium+Neostigmine
Postoperative infectionInfections and infestations1/370/380/460/36
Postoperative ileusInjury, poisoning and procedural complications1/371/380/460/36
Gastric perforationGastrointestinal disorders0/371/380/460/36
NauseaGastrointestinal disorders0/371/380/460/36
PainGeneral disorders0/371/380/460/36
Procedural complicationInjury, poisoning and procedural complications0/371/380/460/36
DyspnoeaRespiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders0/371/380/460/36
Splenic abscessInfections and infestations0/370/381/460/36
AtelectasisRespiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders0/370/381/460/36
Most frequent other events
Showing 10 of 43
Most frequent other events
EventRocuronium+SugammadexRocuronium+NeostigmineVecuronium+SugammadexVecuronium+Neostigmine
Procedural painInjury, poisoning and procedural complications26/3729/3833/4624/36
NauseaGastrointestinal disorders14/3719/3824/4612/36
HeadacheNervous system disorders3/374/3812/462/36
Incision site complicationInjury, poisoning and procedural complications9/378/3810/468/36
VomitingGastrointestinal disorders5/377/389/464/36
Pharyngolaryngeal painRespiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders3/374/388/467/36
Post procedural nauseaInjury, poisoning and procedural complications7/375/385/462/36
FlatulenceGastrointestinal disorders6/372/381/460/36
Procedural complicationInjury, poisoning and procedural complications2/376/382/462/36
InsomniaPsychiatric disorders5/374/384/462/36

Baseline characteristics

The analysis population was all randomized participants.

Age, Continuous
Age, Continuous(Years)Rocuronium+SugammadexRocuronium+NeostigmineVecuronium+SugammadexVecuronium+NeostigmineTotal
Mean53.6 ± 14.054.0 ± 10.849.9 ± 13.655.2 ± 13.353.0 ± 13.1
Sex: Female, Male
Sex: Female, Male(Participants)Rocuronium+SugammadexRocuronium+NeostigmineVecuronium+SugammadexVecuronium+NeostigmineTotal
Female26203321100
Male2220192182
Race (NIH/OMB)
Race (NIH/OMB)(Participants)Rocuronium+SugammadexRocuronium+NeostigmineVecuronium+SugammadexVecuronium+NeostigmineTotal
American Indian or Alaska Native00000
Asian03137
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander00000
Black or African American317213
White43364337159
More than one race00000
Unknown or Not Reported20103
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Study locations

No study locations are listed for this record.

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References and documents

Publications

  • Lemmens HJ, El-Orbany MI, Berry J, Morte JB Jr, Martin G. Reversal of profound vecuronium-induced neuromuscular block under sevoflurane anesthesia: sugammadex versus neostigmine. BMC Anesthesiol. 2010 Sep 1;10:15. doi: 10.1186/1471-2253-10-15. PubMed 20809967 ↗
  • Jones RK, Caldwell JE, Brull SJ, Soto RG. Reversal of profound rocuronium-induced blockade with sugammadex: a randomized comparison with neostigmine. Anesthesiology. 2008 Nov;109(5):816-24. doi: 10.1097/ALN.0b013e31818a3fee. PubMed 18946293 ↗
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Updates

Tracking since Sep 25, 2026
No changes since tracking began. The registry record was last updated on Mar 19, 2019, before this site started recording changes on Sep 25, 2026. Its history is on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
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Registry details

Key details

Study ID
NCT00473694
Lead sponsor
Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC
Responsible party
Sponsor
First posted
May 15, 2007
Start date
Nov 28, 2005
Primary completion
Nov 6, 2006
Completion
Jan 29, 2007
Results posted
Mar 7, 2019
Last update
Mar 19, 2019

Study contacts

Medical Director
study director · Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC

Oversight

Data monitoring committee
Yes
FDA-regulated drug
Yes
FDA-regulated device
No
View the source record on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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