Assessment of Remifentanil for Rapid Sequence Induction and Intubation in Full Stomach Patient Compared to Muscle Relaxant. A Non-inferiority Simple Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND: Rapid sequence intubation is the reference anaesthetic procedure for patient at risk of pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents (for example emergency procedure, bowel obstruction, obese patients, gastroesophageal reflux ...) or difficult airway management. Nowadays the use of Succinylcholine (CELOCURINE), a neuromuscular blockade with a short duration of action, is recommended in this indication. However, several adverse events are frequently reported, especially anaphylactic reaction, restraining its use for rapid sequence intubation. Other adverse effects such as extended neuromuscular block, malignant hyperthermia or severe hyperkaliemia prohibit its use. In this case the use of another neuromuscular blockade, Rocuronium (ESMERON), is an alternative solution. Unfortunately, this other molecule causes as many anaphylactic event as Succinylcholine (1 anaphylactic event for 3000 uses) and produce a long duration of neuromuscular block. Incidence of anaphylactic reaction is increasing in France and mostly severe reactions. Its utilization is therefore reduced to 31 to 55% of crush induction despite the recommendations. Remifentanil is an opioid agent with very shorts delay and duration of action. Several study have shown similar intubation conditions in planned surgery with the use of Remifentanil instead of neuromuscular blockade and less hemodynamic reactions. Remifentanil is already approved for anesthetic induction and recognized as an alternative to neuromuscular blockade for the intubation of children. Use of remifentanil has shown satisfying intubation conditions for adults but its incidence of major complications compared to succinylcholine remains unknown.

Study hypothesis: The investigators thus hypothesized that Remifentanil is non inferior to neuromuscular blockade in terms of major complications after a crush induction.

Methods: A multicenter simple blind randomized controlled trial. 11 centers will participate in this project.

Experimental treatment arm: During anesthetic induction remifentanil will be injected immediately after hypnotic drug through bolus intravenous injection by a peripheral or verified central venous access, at 3 to 4 µg/kg. Orotracheal intubation will be performed 30 to 60 seconds later by a graduated anesthesiologist or a resident with 4 validated semesters.

Control arm treatment: A neuromuscular blockade will be injected right after the hypnotic drug. Whether succinylcholine (CELOCURINE) at 1mg/kg or Rocuronium (ESMERON) at 1mg/kg in a bolus intravenous injection by a peripheral or verified central venous access. Orotracheal intubation will be performed after occurring of fasciculations with succinylcholine or 30 to 60 seconds after injection of Rocuronium by a graduated anesthesiologist or a resident with 4 validated semesters.