Thiopentone and suxamethonium crash induction. An assessment of the potential hazards.

A technique of 'crash induction' using thiopentone and suxamethonium with cricoid pressure was studied in 100 unselected patients at risk from vomiting or regurgitation. No episode of regurgitation occurred. There was difficulty with intubation due to poor relaxation in 7 patients and, in 61 cases, it was believed that there was some evidence of a potential hazard from raised intra-abdominal pressure other than due to fasciculation. Systolic blood pressure rose more than 20% in 19 patients, and fell more than 20% in 9 patients.