Multiple sclerosis: basic knowledge and new insights in perioperative management

Anaesthetic management of people with multiple sclerosis

There is a lack of published guidelines on the management of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) undergoing procedures that require anaesthesia and respective advice is largely based on retrospective studies or case reports. The aim of this paper is to provide recommendations for anaesthetists and neurologists for the management of patients with MS requiring anaesthesia. This review covers issues related to the anaesthetic management of patients with MS, with a focus on preoperative assessment, choice of anaesthetic techniques and agents, side-effects of drugs used during anaesthesia and their potential impact on the disease evolution, drug interactions that may occur, and the need to use monitoring devices. A systematic PubMed research was performed to retrieve relevant articles.

Delayed Extubation of a Patient With Multiple Sclerosis

The potential complications associated with gastroparesis in the perioperative setting for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) are inadequately recognized. While gastroparesis is commonly associated with diabetes mellitus-induced neuropathy and postsurgical complications, its prevalence and impact on patients with MS are less understood. This is particularly crucial as the systemic autoimmune nature of MS may extend its neurological effects to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. In this context, we present a case wherein undiagnosed gastroparesis significantly contributed to postoperative challenges, leading to delayed extubation in a patient with MS. This underscores the importance of considering gastroparesis as a potential differential diagnosis and developing a comprehensive approach to evaluating and managing MS patients, which may help mitigate perioperative complications and inform tailored anesthetic management strategies.

Prospective analyses of alertness, sleep, and fitness to drive one year after de novo multiple sclerosis diagnosis

BACKGROUND

The prevalence and functional burden of the chronic demyelinating disease multiple sclerosis (MS) are well documented; however, little is known about the initial clinical course of alertness, sleep, cognitive, and psychological symptoms.

OBJECTIVES

This exploratory, prospective, longitudinal study multidimensionally investigated the development and progression of alertness, sleep, fitness to drive, and psychological symptoms in the first year after de novo MS diagnosis.

METHODS

Twenty-five people with MS (pwMS) were assessed cognitively, psychologically, and using polysomnography soon after diagnosis and one year later, with outcomes compared to matched healthy controls.

RESULTS

In the early stage of the disease, psychological symptoms of pwMS were comparable with those of controls, and patient conditions did not deteriorate within the first disease year. A small percentage of pwMS experienced increased levels of anxiety and depression after diagnosis. Alertness, sustained attention, and fitness to drive were comparable between both groups, and fatigue levels remained low over the course of the year.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights patient experiences within the initial clinical course of MS in a small group of patients. Further research is needed to understand the progression of symptoms and impairments in MS over a longer period and in different stages of the disease.

Neuraxial Use Among Total Knee and Hip Arthroplasty Patients With Multiple Sclerosis or Myasthenia Gravis

BACKGROUND

Surgical patients with preexisting neurological diseases create greater challenges to perioperative management, and choice of anesthetic is often complicated. We investigated neuraxial anesthesia use in total knee and hip arthroplasty (TKA/THA) recipients with multiple sclerosis or myasthenia gravis compared to the general population.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed patients undergoing a TKA/THA with a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis or myasthenia gravis (Premier Health Database, 2006-2019). The primary outcome was neuraxial anesthesia use in multiple sclerosis or myasthenia gravis patients compared to the general population. Secondary outcomes were length of stay, intensive care unit admission, and mechanical ventilation. We measured the association between the aforementioned subgroups and neuraxial anesthesia use. Subsequently, subgroup-specific associations between neuraxial anesthesia and secondary outcomes were measured. We report odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

Among 2,184,193 TKA/THAs, 7559 and 3176 had a multiple sclerosis or myasthenia gravis diagnosis, respectively. Compared to the general population, neuraxial anesthesia use was lower in multiple sclerosis patients (OR, 0.61; CI, 0.57-0.65; P < .0001) and no different in myasthenia gravis patients (OR, 1.05; CI, 0.96-1.14; P = .304). Multiple sclerosis patients administered neuraxial anesthesia (compared to those without neuraxial anesthesia) had lower odds of prolonged length of stay (OR, 0.63; CI, 0.53-0.76; P < .0001) mirroring neuraxial anesthesia benefits seen in the general population.

CONCLUSIONS

Neuraxial anesthesia use was lower in surgical patients with multiple sclerosis compared to the general population but no different in those with myasthenia gravis. Neuraxial use was associated with lower odds of prolonged length of stay.

Neuro-anesthesiology in pregnancy

Management of the pregnant patient requiring neurosurgery poses multiple challenges, juxtaposing pregnancy-specific considerations with that accompanying the safe provision of intracranial or spine surgery. There are no specific evidence-based recommendations, and case-by-case interdisciplinary discussions will guide informed decision-making about the timing of delivery vis-à-vis neurosurgery, the performance of cesarean delivery immediately before neurosurgery, consequences of neurosurgery on subsequent delivery, or even the optimal anesthetic modality for neurosurgery and/or cesarean delivery. In general, identifying whether increased intracranial pressure poses a risk for herniation is crucial before allowing neuraxial procedures. Modified rapid sequence induction with advanced airway approaches (videolaryngoscopic or fiberoptic) allows improved airway manipulation with reduced risks associated with endotracheal intubation of the obstetric airway. Currently, very few anesthetic drugs are avoided in the neurosurgical pregnant patient; however, ensuring access to critical care units for prolonged monitoring and assistance of the respiratory-compromised patient is necessary to ensure safe outcomes.

Anesthesia for a Patient With Aicardi-Goutières Syndrome: A First Case Report

We present a case of a child with Aicardi-Goutières Syndrome (AGS) undergoing general anesthesia for placement of a laparoscopic gastrostomy tube. AGS is a rare genetic leukodystrophy that can affect most organ systems with extensive neurologic effects. These changes potentially have great anesthetic implications. We describe our anesthetic management and discuss these implications. The patient had a prolonged duration of action of rocuronium and an otherwise uneventful anesthetic course.

[Self-applied sphenopalatine ganglion block for postdural puncture headache: four case reports]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block (SGB) is an effective, low-risk treatment option for Postdural Puncture Headache (PDPH) refractory to conservative management.

CASE REPORT

This report presents four complex cases of patients with headache related to low cerebrospinal fluid pressure. Three of them were successfully treated with the application of local anesthetic topical drops through the nasal cavity.

CONCLUSION

The novel approach described in this report has minimal risks of discomfort or injury to the nasal mucosa. It is quick to apply and can be administered by the patient himself.

Multiple sclerosis relapse risk in the postoperative period: Effects of invasive surgery and anesthesia

BACKGROUND

Postoperative multiple sclerosis (MS) relapses are a concern among patients and providers.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether MS relapse risk is higher postoperatively.

METHODS

Data were extracted from medical records of MS patients undergoing surgery at a tertiary center (2000-2016). Conditional logistic regression estimated within-patient unadjusted and age-adjusted odds of postoperative versus preoperative relapse.

RESULTS

Among 281 patients and 609 surgeries, 12 postoperative relapses were identified. The odds of postoperative versus preoperative relapse in unadjusted (odds ratio (OR) = 0.56, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.18-1.79; p = 0.33) or age-adjusted models (OR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.20-2.16; p = 0.49) were not increased.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgery/anesthesia exposure did not increase postoperative relapse risk. These findings require confirmation in larger studies.

Anesthetic management for cesarean section and tubal ligation in a patient with Marfan syndrome, multiple sclerosis, and multiple postdural puncture headaches

We report a 29-year-old woman with Marfan syndrome, multiple sclerosis, and multiple postdural puncture headaches who presented for a scheduled repeat cesarean delivery with bilateral tubal ligation at 37 weeks gestation. During an outpatient preoperative visit, a general anesthetic plan was ultimately selected through a shared decision-making process. The patient had an uneventful general anesthetic that included a rapid sequence induction with direct laryngoscopy. Neonatal Apgar scores were 8 at 1 minute and 9 at 5 minutes. Prior to emergence, fentanyl, acetaminophen, and ketorolac were administered intravenously and a transversus abdominus plane block was performed. On the first postoperative day, the patient expressed satisfaction with the anesthetic plan and, in particular, the avoidance of a neuraxial technique and postdural puncture headache. The patient was discharged on the second postoperative day with no apparent sequelae. A neuraxial anesthetic technique is usually preferred in patients undergoing cesarean delivery, and it is safe to perform this technique in patients with either Marfan syndrome or multiple sclerosis. We formulated an anesthetic plan that honored our patient's autonomy and produced a good maternal and neonatal outcome.

Anesthetic Management of a Patient With Multiple Sclerosis

A 54-year-old woman diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) at the age of 19 years was scheduled to undergo temporomandibular joint mobilization. She was currently in a remission phase from her MS but with persistent sequelae, including impaired eyesight and muscle weakness of the limbs. In addition, the blood vessels in her upper limbs were compromised by the formation of internal shunts secondary to vascular prosthesis replacements for plasma exchange therapy in MS. After a previous joint mobilization surgery, her temporomandibular joint developed adhesions with resultant trismus. One of the adverse effects of general anesthesia can be exacerbations of MS symptoms. Minimizing mental and physical stress caused by surgical and anesthetic procedures and maintenance of stable body temperature are important considerations. Awake intubation was performed under sedation with midazolam and fentanyl. After intubation, anesthesia was induced with propofol, remifentanil, and rocuronium. Maintenance of anesthesia was achieved with oxygen-N2O-sevoflurane, remifentanil, fentanyl, and rocuronium. In this case, no adverse events occurred intraoperatively. However, the patient experienced lingering weakness of the limbs in the postoperative period, and activities of daily living of the patient were affected.

[Neuraxial anesthesia in patients with multiple sclerosis - a systematic review]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Current guidelines for neuraxial analgesia in patients with multiple sclerosis are ambiguous and offer the clinician only a limited basis for decision making. This systematic review examines the number of cases in which multiple sclerosis has been exacerbated after central neuraxial analgesia in order to rationally evaluate the safety of these procedures.

METHODS

A systematic literature search with the keywords "anesthesia or analgesia" and "epidural, peridural, caudal, spinal, subarachnoid or intrathecal" in combination with "multiple sclerosis" was performed in the databases PubMed and Embase, looking for clinical data on the effect of central neuraxial analgesia on the course of multiple sclerosis.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Over a period of 65 years, our search resulted in 37 reports with a total of 231 patients. In 10 patients multiple sclerosis was worsened and nine multiple sclerosis or neuromyelitis optica was first diagnosed in a timely context with central neuraxial analgesia. None of the cases showed a clear relation between cause and effect. Current clinical evidence does not support the theory that central neuraxial analgesia negatively affects the course of multiple sclerosis.

Use of rocuronium and sugammadex under neuromuscular transmission monitoring in a patient with multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a potentially disabling disease characterized by demyelinating lesions in the central nervous system. One of the anesthetic challenges encountered in surgical patients with MS is the management of neuromuscular blockade (NMB) and its reversal. We report a case of a 31-year-old female patient suffering from MS, who underwent gynecological surgery under general anesthesia with sevoflurane, fentanyl, and rocuronium which was successfully reversed with sugammadex. Neuromuscular transmission (NMT) monitoring was used to guide the intraoperative doses of rocuronium and also the reversal of NMB by the use of sugammadex to ensure a safe tracheal extubation. In addition, delivered volatile was titrated according to anesthetic depth monitoring (Bispectral Index) while esophageal temperature was also monitored for the maintenance of normothermia. Postoperatively, a multimodal analgesic scheme offered a high-quality analgesia and sleep, minimization of anxiety, and increased patient satisfaction. At 1-month follow-up, the patient's course was uncomplicated without any MS exacerbation. We consider that the use of rocuronium and sugammadex under NMT monitoring may represent a useful and safe choice in patients with MS.

Repeated sugammadex usage in a patient with multiple sclerosis: a case report

A 42-year-old woman been suffering from multiple sclerosis for 2 years received an emergency laparotomy because of acute pancreatitis. Anesthesia was induced with propofol and fentanil and maintained with nitrous oxide and sevoflurane. Rocuronium was used for tracheal intubation and muscle relaxation. Train of four ratio was monitored for tracing muscle relaxation. Three days later the patient was operated again due to abdominal cavity infection and followed up with "open abdomen strategy" receiving general anesthesia with 3 days intervals. In all of the six general anesthesia procedures in 18 days the patient was successfully reversed with sugammadex.

Neurologic disease with pregnancy and considerations for the obstetric anesthesiologist

Women with neurologic conditions present a challenge during pregnancy and in the peripartum period. Given the low prevalence of these diseases during pregnancy, most management decisions are guided by retrospective reviews and case reports. This article reviews current literature for some of the more common or complex neurologic conditions affecting pregnancy with special consideration for anesthetic management. In particular, epilepsy; multiple sclerosis; primary intracranial hypertension; secondary intracranial hypertension-Arnold-Chiari malformations and intracranial neoplasms; spinal cord injury; neuromuscular junction disorders-myasthenia gravis; and hereditary neuromuscular disorders-myotonic dystrophy and spinal muscular atrophy will be discussed. By increasing understanding of anesthetic issues for parturients with neurologic disease, providers may more effectively anticipate anesthetic considerations, thereby optimizing care plans.

Common defects of mitochondria and iron in neurodegeneration and diabetes (MIND): a paradigm worth exploring

A popular, if not centric, approach to the study of an event is to first consider that of the simplest cause. When dissecting the underlying mechanisms governing idiopathic diseases, this generally takes the form of an ab initio genetic approach. To date, this genetic 'smoking gun' has remained elusive in diabetes mellitus and for many affected by neurodegenerative diseases. With no single gene, or even subset of genes, conclusively causative in all cases, other approaches to the etiology and treatment of these diseases seem reasonable, including the correlation of a systems' predisposed sensitivity to particular influence. In the cases of diabetes mellitus and neurodegenerative diseases, overlapping themes of mitochondrial influence or dysfunction and iron dyshomeostasis are apparent and relatively consistent. This mini-review discusses the influence of mitochondrial function and iron homeostasis on diabetes mellitus and neurodegenerative disease, namely Alzheimer's disease. Also discussed is the incidence of diabetes accompanied by neuropathy and neurodegeneration along with neurodegenerative disorders prone to development of diabetes. Mouse models containing multiple facets of this overlap are also described alongside current molecular trends attributed to both diseases. As a way of approaching the idiopathic and complex nature of these diseases we are proposing the consideration of a MIND (mitochondria, iron, neurodegeneration, and diabetes) paradigm in which systemic metabolic influence, iron homeostasis, and respective genetic backgrounds play a central role in the development of disease.