[Obstetrical anesthesia in 15 women with myasthenia gravis]

To report our experience in managing anesthesia during obstetric delivery of women with myasthenia gravis (MG) and to review the anesthetic technique of choice for vaginal or cesarean delivery in such cases.

Fifteen pregnancies in 12 patients were recorded between 1980 and 1996; 14 cases were documented. Disease course during pregnancy, delivery and postpartum, the course of pregnancy, the presence of severe neonatal myasthenia and anesthetic treatment during vaginal or cesarean delivery were analyzed.

Improvement in MG was observed in 6 cases. No change was seen in 4 patients and 3 worsened. In one woman generalized MG debuted 15 days after delivery. Two neonates were premature and a third suffered severe neonatal myasthenia. Six vaginal deliveries were aided by forceps; 8 deliveries were by cesarean and 1 fetus was aborted. Lumbar epidural anesthesia was employed in 73.33% (5 vaginal deliveries and 6 cesareans) and general anesthesia in 26.66% (1 abortion, 1 vaginal delivery and 2 cesareans).

Continuous lumbar epidural anesthesia is the technique of choice for vaginal as well as cesarean deliveries. The combination of opioids and local anesthetics is considered particularly beneficial for patients, as it allows the motor blockade to be decreased. General anesthesia is only indicated when there is bulbar involvement. Short-acting non depolarizing agents, among them atracurium Besilate, are the muscle relaxants of choice. Succinylcholine is contraindicated. Thanks to current optimization of anesthetic and recovery techniques and administration of non depolarizing muscle relaxants with neuromuscular monitoring, the prognosis for pregnant MG patients has improved considerably.