Key result
Low levels of rocuronium (0.002–0.007 mg/L) were detected in biological samples from two patients 53 and 76 days after their last exposure, indicating prolonged retention in humans.
Case Report (n=2)
Low levels of rocuronium may be retained in humans for prolonged periods of time (up to 76 days), which is relevant for forensic toxicology.
May affect forensic sample interpretation long after exposure; leaves open human pharmacokinetic characterization.
Rocuronium is a neuromuscular blocking agent mainly used in anesthetic procedures. Two patients who died 53 and 76 days, respectively, after their last rocuronium exposure had low (0.002–0.007 mg/L) levels of the drug in femoral blood, urine and vitreous humor samples obtained at autopsy. In neither case, the cause of death was related to the exposure to rocuronium. Here, these two cases are presented and the implications of the findings discussed. • After receiving three doses of rocuronium 115–53 days previously, a patient died. • Another patient died 76 days after receiving a single dose of rocuronium. • Biological samples from both subjects contained low levels of rocuronium. • The deaths were considered unrelated to rocuronium exposure. • Low levels of rocuronium may be retained in humans for prolonged periods of time.
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Frost et al. (2023) conducted a case report in Deceased subjects with prior rocuronium exposure (n=2). Rocuronium was evaluated on Rocuronium levels in biological samples at autopsy. Low levels of rocuronium (0.002–0.007 mg/L) were detected in biological samples from two patients 53 and 76 days after their last exposure, indicating prolonged retention in humans.
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