Sugammadex is changing the paradigm in neuromuscular blockade in patients with myotonic dystrophy

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy under total intravenous anaesthesia in a patient with myotonic dystrophy type 1 (Steinert’s disease) – a case report

Myotonic dystrophy type 1 or Steinert’s disease is an autosomal dominant multisystem disease which is characterized by consistent contracture of muscle following stimulation (myotonia). Hypothermia, shivering, mechanical or electric stimulation during surgery can precipitate episodes of myotonia which may complicate the course of anaesthesia. The present case report focuses on successful strategies for providing general anaesthesia for laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a patient affected by this genetic disorder, at a hospital which does not have the facility for postoperative ventilation.

Use of sugammadex in patients with neuromuscular disorders: a systematic review of case reports

Background

Sugammadex is a modified gamma-cyclodextrin that acts by selectively encapsulating free amino-steroidal neuromuscular relaxants. Several case reports have been published on the use of sugammadex in patients with neuromuscular disorders that include neuromuscular junction diseases, myopathies, neuropathies, and motor neurone disorders. The primary aim of this review is to systematically review the evidence on the use of sugammadex in patients with this heterogeneous group of diseases and provide recommendations for clinical practice.

Methods

A systematic electronic search of Medline, Embase and CINAHL databases was done until June 2019, to identify case reports describing the use of sugammadex in adult surgical patients with neuromuscular disorders.

Results

Of the 578 records identified through database searches, 43 articles were finally included for the systematic review. Of these, 17 reports were on patients with myopathy, 15 reports on myasthenia gravis, 9 reports on motor neuron diseases and 2 reports on neuropathies.

Conclusions

Majority of the articles reviewed report successful use of sugammadex to reverse steroidal muscle relaxants, especially rocuronium, in patients with neuromuscular diseases. However, with sugammadex, unpredictability in response and uncertainty regarding optimum dose still remain issues. Quantitative neuromuscular monitoring to ensure complete reversal and adequate postoperative monitoring is strongly recommended in these patients, despite the use of sugammadex.