Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 6, 2026

Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma
14:39

Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma

Published on: November 4, 2010

Respiratory arrest during therapy for premature labor in a patient with myasthenia gravis

V A Catanzarite, A M McHargue, E C Sandberg

    Obstetrics and Gynecology
    |December 1, 1984
    PubMed

    A case of premature labor in a woman whose pregnancy was complicated by myasthenia gravis is presented. Ritodrine was given for tocolysis, and betamethasone was administered to accelerate fetal lung maturation. An acute, life-threatening exacerbation of muscular weakness requiring intubation and mechanical ventilation occurred. It appears that betamethasone initiated the respiratory crisis. It is apparent, however, that tocolytic agents currently being used in patients with premature labor (namely, beta-2-sympathomimetics and magnesium sulfate) also have the potential to produce severe exacerbations of weakness, and even respiratory arrest in patients with myasthenia gravis. Each must be used with extreme caution if prescribed for women with this disorder.

    More Related Videos

    Utilizing the Modified T-Maze to Assess Functional Memory Outcomes After Cardiac Arrest07:02

    Utilizing the Modified T-Maze to Assess Functional Memory Outcomes After Cardiac Arrest

    Published on: January 5, 2018

    Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA) Placement in a Neonatal Patient Simulator Using a Non-Inflatable Supraglottic Airway (SGA)04:56

    Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA) Placement in a Neonatal Patient Simulator Using a Non-Inflatable Supraglottic Airway (SGA)

    Published on: July 14, 2023

    Related Concept Videos

    Myasthenia Gravis: Overview and Treatment01:20

    Myasthenia Gravis: Overview and Treatment

    Myasthenia gravis is a neuromuscular transmission disorder characterized by weakness and increased fatigability of skeletal muscles. It is an autoimmune disease affecting approximately one in 2000 people, where antibodies against the α1 subunit of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are produced.
    These antibodies interfere with the function of the nicotinic receptors in three ways: by binding to the receptor and disrupting acetylcholine binding; by causing cross-linking of receptors which leads...
    Myasthenia Gravis: Diagnostic Tests01:15

    Myasthenia Gravis: Diagnostic Tests

    Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune condition affecting neuromuscular transmission, causing generalized weakness in skeletal muscles. Initial diagnoses rely on patients' signs, symptoms, and medical history. The challenge lies in distinguishing myasthenia from other muscular dystrophies. An important diagnostic feature is the significant improvement of symptoms after administering anticholinesterase inhibitors.
    The edrophonium test is a diagnostic tool for myasthenia gravis. It involves...
    Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Adverse Effects01:21

    Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Adverse Effects

    Skeletal muscle relaxants are widely used for muscle paralysis and relieving pain following any muscle injury or stiffness. However, depending on the drug type, they can have adverse effects that range from mild to severe. Usually, nondepolarizing neuromuscular blockers have minimal side effects. For example, drugs like d-tubocurarine, cisatracurium, and rocuronium cause hypotension, whereas drugs like baclofen, when stopped abruptly, can lead to the recurrence of spastic conditions.
    Unlike...
    Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Therapeutic Uses01:31

    Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Therapeutic Uses

    Skeletal muscle relaxants are used to relax muscle tone and alleviate painful muscle contractions. However, the choice of skeletal muscle relaxants depends on the duration of the surgical procedure in order to minimize potential side effects. Skeletal muscle relaxants like neuromuscular blocking agents [NMBAs] are commonly employed as adjuvants alongside general anesthetics in clinical settings. NMBAs are also used to maintain controlled ventilation during surgery of the larynx or pharynx as...
    Acute Respiratory Failure-IV01:23

    Acute Respiratory Failure-IV

    Respiratory failure can manifest suddenly or gradually, characterized by a rapid decline in PaO2 and a rapid rise in PaCO2. This situation indicates a severe respiratory problem that may quickly become a life-threatening emergency. One of the early signs of hypoxemic Acute Respiratory Failure (ARF) is a change in mental status due to the brain's sensitivity to oxygen levels and changes in acid-base balance. Symptoms such as restlessness, confusion, and agitation suggest inadequate oxygen...
    Acute Respiratory Failure-V01:29

    Acute Respiratory Failure-V

    The treatment for acute respiratory failure varies based on factors like the underlying cause, overall health, and severity. A collaborative healthcare team is essential for early detection, often through arterial blood gas analysis. Identifying the cause is the primary goal, with treatment strategies adjusted for ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) mismatch, shunting, or diffusion impairment.
    Ensure that patients are monitored continuously for their response to therapy, including changes in...