Muscle atrophy in severe exacerbation of asthma requiring mechanical ventilation

An unusual case of acute muscular atrophy in a patient with a severe exacerbation of asthma requiring mechanical ventilation is reported. High doses of pancuronium bromide and 6-methylprednisolone were administered. It is suggested that the conditions of mechanical ventilation increase in some way the potential of corticosteroids to cause myopathy. The possible implication of myorelaxant drugs in the development of this complication is also suggested.