Use of Sugammadex in a Patient With Myotonic Dystrophy

One of the challenges during the perioperative care of patients with myotonic dystrophy is the reversal of neuromuscular blocking agents. Agents that inhibit acetylcholinesterase, such as neostigmine, may precipitate myotonia, and are therefore relatively contraindicated. Sugammadex is a novel pharmacologic agent, which encapsulates rocuronium or vecuronium, thereby reversing their effect. We report anecdotal experience with the use of sugammadex to reverse neuromuscular blockade in a patient with myotonic dystrophy. Concerns with the reversal of neuromuscular blockade in patients with myotonic dystrophy are presented, previous reports of the use of sugammadex in similar clinical scenarios are reviewed, and its advantages are discussed.