Related Experiment Videos
[Neuromuscular blockade with atracurium in dermatomyositis]
S Röckelein1, M Gebert, H Baar
1Abteilung für Anästhesiologie und Intensivmedizin, Klinikum, Kulmbach.
Der Anaesthesist
|June 1, 1995
Summary
Dermatomyositis patients may have increased sensitivity to muscle relaxants. This case report shows atracurium can be safely used with neuromuscular monitoring during surgery for dermatomyositis.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Neuromuscular Diseases
- Dermatomyositis
Background:
- Dermatomyositis (DM) is a rare autoimmune disease causing muscle weakness and skin issues.
- Anesthetic management for neuromuscular blockade in DM patients is not well-established due to low incidence.
- Increased sensitivity to muscle relaxants is anticipated in patients with neuromuscular diseases like DM.
Observation:
- This case report details the neuromuscular monitoring of a 53-year-old female patient with DM undergoing strumectomy.
- The patient received atracurium for muscle relaxation during surgery.
- Neuromuscular blockade was monitored using tactile methods and quantitative measurements.
Findings:
- Atracurium administration resulted in a 3-minute onset of action, 50-minute duration, and 11-minute recovery index.
- These parameters suggest a slightly increased sensitivity to atracurium in this DM patient.
- The patient experienced no postoperative muscle weakness and maintained adequate spontaneous ventilation.
Implications:
- This report contributes to the limited data on neuromuscular blockade with atracurium in dermatomyositis patients.
- Atracurium, under careful neuromuscular monitoring, appears to be a safe option for muscle relaxation in DM patients undergoing surgery.
- Further research is needed to establish standardized recommendations for non-depolarizing muscle relaxant use in DM anesthesia.