Related Experiment Videos
Anaesthesia and acute dermatomyositis/polymyositis.
R Ganta1, I T Campbell, S M Mostafa
1University Department of Anaesthesia, Royal Liverpool Hospital.
British Journal of Anaesthesia
|June 1, 1988
Summary
Anesthetic management for patients with severe muscle weakness due to dermatomyositis and polymyositis is presented. Safe anesthesia was achieved using etomidate/thiopentone, alfentanil, and atracurium, with normal recovery observed.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Neuromuscular Disorders
- Oncology
Background:
- Severe muscle weakness poses challenges for anesthetic management.
- Dermatomyositis and polymyositis are inflammatory myopathies causing significant muscle weakness.
- Surgical intervention for malignancy in these patients requires careful anesthetic planning.
Observation:
- Two cases of anesthetic management for patients with acute dermatomyositis and polymyositis undergoing surgery for malignancy are detailed.
- Anesthesia induction agents included etomidate and thiopentone.
- Alfentanil for analgesia and atracurium for neuromuscular blockade were utilized in both patients.
Findings:
- Neuromuscular blockade was monitored using a peripheral nerve stimulator.
- No adverse events related to neuromuscular blockade were encountered.
- Both patients exhibited normal recovery of neuromuscular transmission and ventilatory function post-operatively.
Implications:
- This case series suggests that standard anesthetic techniques can be safely employed in patients with severe inflammatory myopathies.
- Careful monitoring of neuromuscular function is crucial for optimizing anesthetic care in these patients.
- Further research into anesthetic protocols for patients with neuromuscular disorders is warranted.