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

Eliminating residual neuromuscular blockade: a literature review

Background and Objective

Although millions of patients receive neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) each year as part of an anesthetic, residual neuromuscular blockade (NMB) remains a too-frequent occurrence and its adverse consequences continue to negatively impact patient outcomes. The goal of this manuscript is to provide clinicians with the information they need to decrease the incidence of residual NMB.

Methods

Published literature was reviewed and incorporated into the narrative as appropriate. Search terms for articles included nondepolarizing NMBAs, residual NMB, monitoring depth of NMB, qualitative monitoring, quantitative monitoring, reversal agents, sugammadex, and anticholinesterases.

Key Content and Findings

This review will define what is currently considered adequate recovery of neuromuscular function, discuss and compare the different modalities to determine the depth of NMB, discuss the currently available NMBAs-including their durations of action and dosing, describe the incidence and complications associated with residual NMB, and discuss reversal of nondepolarizing NMB with neostigmine or sugammadex. Nondepolarizing NMBAs are commonly used as part of a general anesthetic. Understanding the pharmacology of the neuromuscular blocking and reversal agent, in combination with quantitative monitoring of depth of NMB is essential to avoid residual paralysis.

Conclusions

Quantitative monitoring and dosing of either neostigmine or sugammadex based on the results of monitoring is essential to eliminate residual NMB associated with the use of nondepolarizing NMBAs.

Sugammadex and neuromuscular disease: a systematic review with assessment of reporting quality and content validity

BACKGROUND

Efficacy and safety of sugammadex for the reversal of neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) in patients with neuromuscular diseases remains unclear. We summarised the available evidence and evaluated the quality of data reporting and the validity of published reports.

METHODS

We searched for reports (any design) on the usage of sugammadex (any regimen) for the reversal of an NMBA in patients (any age) with any neuromuscular disease. We used a modified CARE checklist (maximum score 23) to assess the quality of data reporting and an original specific validity checklist (maximum score 41) that was developed through a Delphi process.

RESULTS

We retrieved 126 observational reports (386 patients). Most dealt with myasthenia gravis patients receiving rocuronium. The train-of-four ratio returned to ≥0.9 in 258 of 265 (97.4%) patients in whom neuromonitoring was used. Adverse events occurred in 14 of 332 (4.2%) patients in whom adverse events were reported as present or absent. In 90 case reports, the median score of the 23-point CARE checklist was 13.5 (inter-quartile range [IQR] 11-16). In all 126 reports, the median score of the 41-point validity checklist was 23 (IQR 20-27). Scores were positively correlated.

CONCLUSIONS

These uncontrolled observations (of mainly low to moderate quality and validity) do not allow confident assessment of the efficacy and safety of sugammadex for the reversal of NMBAs in patients with neuromuscular diseases. Reporting of observational data should follow established guidelines, include specific information to ensure validity, and emphasise what the new data add to current knowledge.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW PROTOCOL

PROSPERO 2019 (CRD42019119924).

Improving Neuromuscular Monitoring Through Education-Based Interventions and Studying Its Association With Adverse Postoperative Outcomes: A Retrospective Observational Study

BACKGROUND

We assessed the association between education-based interventions, the frequency of train-of-four (TOF) monitoring, and postoperative outcomes.

METHODS

We studied adults undergoing noncardiac surgery from February 1, 2020 through October 31, 2021. Our education-based interventions consisted of 3 phases. An interrupted time-series analysis, adjusting for patient- and procedure-related characteristics and secular trends over time, was used to assess the associations between education-based interventions and the frequency of TOF monitoring, postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs), 90-day mortality, and sugammadex dosage. For each outcome and intervention phase, we tested whether the intervention at that phase was associated with an immediate change in the outcome or its trend (weekly rate of change) over time. In a sensitivity analysis, the association between education-based interventions and postoperative outcomes was adjusted for TOF monitoring.

RESULTS

Of 19,422 cases, 11,636 (59.9%) had documented TOF monitoring. Monitoring frequency increased from 44.2% in the first week of preintervention stage to 83.4% in the final week of the postintervention phase. During the preintervention phase, the odds of TOF monitoring trended upward by 0.5% per week (odds ratio [OR], 1.005; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.002-1.007). Phase 1 saw an immediate 54% increase (OR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.33-1.79) in the odds, and the trend OR increased by 3% (OR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.01-1.05) to 1.035, or 3.5% per week (joint Wald test, P < .001). Phase 2 was associated with a further immediate 29% increase (OR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.02-1.64) but no significant association with trend (OR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.93-1.01) of TOF monitoring (joint test, P = .04). Phase 3 and postintervention phase were not significantly associated with the frequency of TOF monitoring (joint test, P = .16 and P = .61). The study phases were not significantly associated with PPCs or sugammadex administration. The trend OR for 90-day mortality was larger by 24% (OR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.06-1.45; joint test, P = .03) in phase 2 versus phase 1, from a weekly decrease of 8% to a weekly increase of 14%. However, this trend reversed again at the transition from phase 3 to the postintervention phase (OR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.68-0.99; joint test, P = .05), from a 14% weekly increase to a 6.2% weekly decrease in the odds of 90-day mortality. In sensitivity analyses, adjusting for TOF monitoring, we found similar associations between study initiatives and postoperative outcomes. TOF monitoring was associated with lower odds of PPCs (OR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.55-0.86) and 90-day mortality (OR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.63-0.98), but not sugammadex dosing (mean difference, -0.02; 95% CI, -0.04 to 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Our education-based interventions were associated with both TOF utilization and 90-day mortality but were not associated with either the odds of PPCs or sugammadex dosing. TOF monitoring was associated with reduced odds of PPCs and 90-day mortality.

Identification and Management of Acute Neuromuscular Respiratory Failure in the ICU

Respiratory failure is a common and potentially life-threatening complication of neuromuscular diseases. Prompt recognition and accurate diagnosis of new or worsening chronic neuromuscular disease have important clinical management and prognostic implications. In this article, we present an approach to the acute presentation of undifferentiated neuromuscular respiratory failure in the ICU and guidance for determination and respiratory management of the underlying disorder.

Assessment of Motor Unit Potentials Duration as the Biomarker of DT-DEC01 Cell Therapy Efficacy in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Patients up to 12 Months After Systemic-Intraosseous Administration

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a lethal X-linked disease caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene, leading to muscle degeneration and wasting. Electromyography (EMG) is an objective electrophysiological biomarker of muscle fiber function in muscular dystrophies. A novel, DT-DEC01 therapy, consisting of Dystrophin Expressing Chimeric (DEC) cells created by fusing allogeneic myoblasts from normal donors with autologous myoblasts from DMD-affected patients, was assessed for safety and preliminary efficacy in boys of age 6-15 years old (n = 3). Assessments included EMG testing of selected muscles of upper (deltoideus, biceps brachii) and lower (rectus femoris and gastrocnemius) extremities at the screening visit and at 3, 6, and 12 months following systemic-intraosseous administration of a single low dose of DT-DEC01 therapy (Bioethics Committee approval no. 46/2019). No immunosuppression was administered. Safety of DT-DEC01 was confirmed by the lack of therapy-related Adverse Events or Serious Adverse Events up to 22 months following DT-DEC01 administration. EMG of selected muscles of both, ambulatory and non-ambulatory patients confirmed preliminary efficacy of DT-DEC01 therapy by an increase in motor unit potentials (MUP) duration, amplitudes, and polyphasic MUPs at 12 months. This study confirmed EMG as a reliable and objective biomarker of functional assessment in DMD patients after intraosseous administration of the novel DT-DEC01 therapy.

Undiagnosed Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome in the Era of Sugammadex: A Case Report

OBJECTIVE

In this case report, we discuss the rare manifestation of prolonged neuromuscular blockade in a patient with history of small cell lung cancer and undiagnosed Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) who had previously received succinylcholine for general anesthesia without incident but subsequently exhibited prolonged neuromuscular blockade during a laparoscopic procedure. We aimed to emphasize the importance of reversal agent safety and precision as well as vigilant perioperative and postoperative care.

METHODS

We used the patient's electronic medical record, direct patient care experiences, and comprehensive literature review for this case report.

RESULTS

Sugammadex was administered with mild improvement. Suspecting undiagnosed LEMS, neostigmine was administered, yielding satisfactory muscle strength and successful extubation. In retrospect, the patient reported history of weakness when lifting weights that improved upon exertion.

CONCLUSIONS

Sugammadex is an efficient and effective agent for reversal of neuromuscular blockade. However, proper monitoring of the depth and recovery of blockade is imperative to when using sugammadex with optimal safety and precision in all patients. Perioperative care teams must remain vigilant with a high index of suspicion for neuromuscular junction pathology to properly plan perioperative care for patients at risk, especially those with small cell lung cancer who may have undiagnosed LEMS.

Safety and Efficacy of DT-DEC01 Therapy in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Patients: A 12 - Month Follow-Up Study After Systemic Intraosseous Administration

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive and fatal muscle-wasting disease with no known cure. We previously reported the preliminary safety and efficacy up to six months after the administration of DT-DEC01, a novel Dystrophin Expressing Chimeric (DEC) cell therapy created by fusion of myoblasts of DMD patient and the normal donor. In this 12-month follow-up study, we report on the safety and functional outcomes of three DMD patients after the systemic intraosseous administration of DT-DEC01. The safety of DT-DEC01 was confirmed by the absence of Adverse Events (AE) and Severe Adverse Events (SAE) up to 21 months after intraosseous DT-DEC01 administration. The lack of presence of anti-HLA antibodies and Donors Specific Antibodies (DSA) further confirmed DT-DEC01 therapy safety. Functional assessments in ambulatory patients revealed improvements in 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) and timed functions of North Star Ambulatory Assessment (NSAA). Additionally, improvements in PUL2.0 test and grip strength correlated with increased Motor Unit Potentials (MUP) duration recorded by Electromyography (EMG) in both ambulatory and non-ambulatory patients. DT-DEC01 systemic effect was confirmed by improved cardiac and pulmonary parameters and daily activity recordings. This follow-up study confirmed the safety and preliminary efficacy of DT-DEC01 therapy in DMD-affected patients up to 12 months after intraosseous administration. DT-DEC01 introduces a novel concept of personalized myoblast-based cellular therapy that is irrespective of the mutation type, does not require immunosuppression or the use of viral vectors, and carries no risk of off target mutations. This establishes DT-DEC01 as a promising and universally effective treatment option for all DMD patients.

Propofol TCI or sevoflurane anesthesia without muscle relaxant for thoracoscopic thymectomy in myasthenia gravis patients: a prospective, observational study

BACKGROUND

Myasthenia gravis (MG) patients interact unpredictably with anesthetic agents, including neuromuscular blocking agents. Here, we investigate the effectiveness of general anesthesia without muscle relaxants using either propofol via target-controlled infusion systems (TCI) or sevoflurane in MG patients undergoing thoracoscopic thymectomy.

METHODS

This prospective, open-label, observational study was conducted in a university hospital. We included 90 myasthenic patients undergoing thoracoscopic thymectomy with general anesthesia. Patients received induction and maintenance anesthesia with propofol TCI (group P, n = 45) or induction with propofol 2-3 mg.kg-1 and maintenance anesthesia with sevoflurane (group S, n = 45). In both groups, the procedure was performed under the guidance of entropy with sufentanil but not a muscle relaxant. Intubation conditions, hemodynamic changes, respiratory function, neuromuscular transmission, arterial blood gas, and complications were evaluated.

RESULTS

All patients achieved good intubation conditions. Hemodynamic instability was more frequent in group S than in group P, mostly in the induction stage, and was controllable. The reduction in the intraoperative train-of-four ratio from baseline at 30 min, 60 min, and 90 min in group S was 10.3%, 14.2%, and 14.3%, respectively, significantly higher than that in group P (6.8%, 7.2%, and 8.4%, respectively), which completely recovered at the end of the surgery. All patients were extubated in the operating room without complications. No other significant differences between the groups were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Anesthesia with propofol TCI or sevoflurane without muscle relaxants in MG patients offered safe and effective conditions for thoracoscopic thymectomy. Sevoflurane achieved higher levels of intraoperative muscular relaxation than propofol TCI. Postoperative neuromuscular function was not affected by these anesthetics.

Perioperative management of obstructive sleep apnea in lower extremity orthopedic procedures: A review of evidence to inform the development of a clinical pathway

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is unrecognized in as high as 80% of patients before surgery. When untreated, OSA increases a surgical patient's propensity for airway collapse and sleep deprivation lending to a higher risk for emergent re-intubation, prolonged recovery time, escalation of care, hospital readmission, and longer length of stay. We have reviewed the evidence regarding diagnostic performance of OSA screening methods and the impact of perioperative management strategies on postoperative complications among patients with diagnosed or suspected OSA who are undergoing orthopedic surgery. We then integrated the data and recommendations from professional society guidelines to develop an evidence-based clinical care pathway to optimize the perioperative management of this surgical population. Successful management of patients with diagnosed or suspected OSA encompass five facets of care: screening, education, airway management, medications, and monitoring. This narrative review revealed two gaps in the evidence to inform management of patients undergoing orthopedic surgery 1) during the perioperative setting to include evidence-based interventions that reduce postoperative complications and 2) after discharge to an unmonitored environment. The clinical care pathway as well as perspectives for future research are discussed.

Unexpected delayed reversal of rocuronium-induced neuromuscular blockade by sugammadex: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND

Rocuronium, a nondepolarizing muscle relaxant, is usually administered during general anesthesia to facilitate endotracheal intubation and keep patients immobile during the surgery. Sugammadex, the selective reversal agent of rocuronium, fully reverses the neuromuscular blockade (NMB) at the end of surgery. Most reports show that sugammadex rapidly achieves a ratio of train-of-four (TOF), a quantitative method of neuromuscular monitoring, of 0.9 which ensures adequate recovery for safe extubation. However, very rare patients with neuromuscular diseases may respond poorly to sugammadex.

CASE SUMMARY

A 69-year-old female presented with abdominal fullness and nausea, and was diagnosed with gastroparesis. She underwent gastric peroral endoscopic myotomy under general anesthesia with rocuronium (0.7 mg/kg). At the end of surgery, sugammadex 3.6 mg/kg was administered when TOF showed 2 counts. Afterward, the TOF ratio recovered to 0.65 in 30 min. She was awake but could not fully open her eyelids. The tidal volume during spontaneous breathing was low. After additional doses of sugammadex (up to 7.3 mg/kg) in the following 3 h, the TOF ratio was 0.9, and the endotracheal tube was smoothly removed. After excluding possible mechanisms underlying the prolonged recovery course, we speculated our patient may have had an undiagnosed neuromuscular disease, hinted by her involuntary movement of the tongue and mouth. Furthermore, her poor renal function and history of delayed recovery from general anesthesia may be related to the long duration of rocuronium.

CONCLUSION

In our case, both prolonged rocuronium-induced NMB and poor response to sugammadex were noted. To optimize the dose of rocuronium, perioperative TOF combined with other neuromuscular monitoring is suggested.

European Neuromuscular Centre consensus statement on anaesthesia in patients with neuromuscular disorders

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Patients with neuromuscular conditions are at increased risk of suffering perioperative complications related to anaesthesia. There is currently little specific anaesthetic guidance concerning these patients. Here, we present the European Neuromuscular Centre (ENMC) consensus statement on anaesthesia in patients with neuromuscular disorders as formulated during the 259th ENMC Workshop on Anaesthesia in Neuromuscular Disorders.

METHODS

International experts in the field of (paediatric) anaesthesia, neurology, and genetics were invited to participate in the ENMC workshop. A literature search was conducted in PubMed and Embase, the main findings of which were disseminated to the participants and presented during the workshop. Depending on specific expertise, participants presented the existing evidence and their expert opinion concerning anaesthetic management in six specific groups of myopathies and neuromuscular junction disorders. The consensus statement was prepared according to the AGREE II (Appraisal of Guidelines for Research &amp; Evaluation) reporting checklist. The level of evidence has been adapted according to the SIGN (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network) grading system. The final consensus statement was subjected to a modified Delphi process.

RESULTS

A set of general recommendations valid for the anaesthetic management of patients with neuromuscular disorders in general have been formulated. Specific recommendations were formulated for (i) neuromuscular junction disorders, (ii) muscle channelopathies (nondystrophic myotonia and periodic paralysis), (iii) myotonic dystrophy (types 1 and 2), (iv) muscular dystrophies, (v) congenital myopathies and congenital dystrophies, and (vi) mitochondrial and metabolic myopathies.

CONCLUSIONS

This ENMC consensus statement summarizes the most important considerations for planning and performing anaesthesia in patients with neuromuscular disorders.

Pitfalls of cubital electrical nerve stimulation for neuromuscular transmission monitoring: A case report of familial amyloid polyneuropathy

Transthyretin familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP) is a rare autosomal dominant disease that provokes systemic deposition of amyloid. It affects the nervous system and it is characterized by progressive sensory, motor, and autonomic neuropathy. Patients with FAP often require surgery and anesthetic care for hepatic transplantation and cardioverter-defibrillator/pacemaker implantation. Peripheric neuropathy is a common finding, but there are no reported cases of its interference with anesthetic neuromuscular transmission monitoring. We report a case of a FAP patient where lack of awareness and distracting factors led to misinterpretation of neuromuscular monitoring and unnecessary sedation and ventilation in the post anesthetic care unit. FAP may interfere with the usual cubital nerve neuromuscular monitoring. Anesthesiologists should be aware of potential neuromuscular compromise to find the best monitoring location for each patient. Sugammadex was safe and reliable in the antagonism of rocuronium neuromuscular blockade in this case, despite the lack of adequate quantitative monitoring.

The Use of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Protocols and Sugammadex in a Friedreich Ataxia Patient Who Underwent Robotic Surgery: A Case Report of a Patient Who Required No Postoperative Opioids and Was Discharged Home Earlier Than Anticipated

Robotic surgery has shown to have numerous benefits over traditional and laparoscopic surgery, namely, superior precision and improved recovery with shorter hospital stays. However, robotic surgery also presents several issues, including hemodynamic changes related to positioning and the use of pneumoperitoneum. These matters can be problematic in patients with neuromuscular conditions such as Friedreich ataxia (FRDA). Due to a baseline weakened musculature and a higher prevalence of cardiac disease and scoliosis, patients with FRDA may not be as likely to tolerate the cardiopulmonary physiologic changes associated with robotic surgery. Additionally, positioning for robotic surgery can be challenging in FRDA patients who have progressed to spasticity and contractures. To the best of our knowledge, there are no case reports of approaches specifically discussing anesthesia management for robotic surgery in the FRDA patient population.

Anesthesia in general must be carefully planned in FRDA patients to allow for the best possible recovery and minimize complications. Due to the underlying neuromuscular compromise seen in these patients, their ability to recover from the pharmacologic and physiologic changes associated with anesthesia can be more difficult. They are prone to sensitivity to opioids, sedatives, and neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) and are less likely to tolerate hemodynamic changes. Our review revealed no literature to suggest the routine use of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols in FRDA patients or in patients with neuromuscular disease in general.

The use of sugammadex has also been shown to be safe, and literature suggests superiority in both the general population and those with neuromuscular conditions. Our understanding is that there is very limited literature in regard to the safe use of sugammadex in FRDA patients.

Adverse events of sugammadex that occurred in a Korean population

Background

With increasing use, the incidence of adverse events associated with sugammadex, a neuromuscular blockade reverser, is increasing. This study aimed to identify and analyze cases of adverse events caused by sugammadex reported in Korean population.

Methods

Out of a total of 12 cases detected using various keywords in the Korean Journal of Anesthesia, Anesthesia and Pain Medicine (Seoul), KoreaMed, PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and The Cochrane Library-CENTRAL from 2013 to December 2020, 10 cases directly associated with sugammadex were selected.

Results

Adverse events included five cases of anaphylaxis, one case of cardiac arrest, one case of profound bradycardia, one case of negative pressure pulmonary edema, and two cases of incomplete recovery. Three patients had American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status ≥ 3, two had emergency surgery, and two had a history of allergic reaction. Neuromuscular monitoring was applied in nine cases. The average dose of sugammadex was 2.87 mg/kg, and there were six cases in which one full vial was used, regardless of the state of neuromuscular recovery. Sugammadex was administered immediately after surgery in two cases, at train of four (TOF) 0 in four cases, at TOF 3 in one case, and after evaluation of the clinical signs only with no neuromuscular monitoring in one case.

Conclusions

Even with neuromuscular monitoring, an excessive dose of sugammadex was observed. Given that adverse events tend to occur within 10 min of administration, continuous monitoring is important even after administration.

Pitfalls of cubital electrical nerve stimulation for neuromuscular transmission monitoring: a case report of familial amyloid polyneuropathy

Transthyretin familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP) is a rare autosomal dominant disease that provokes systemic deposition of amyloid. It affects the nervous system and it is characterized by progressive sensory, motor, and autonomic neuropathy. Patients with FAP often require surgery and anesthetic care for hepatic transplantation and cardioverter-defibrillator/pacemaker implantation. Peripheric neuropathy is a common finding, but there are no reported cases of its interference with anesthetic neuromuscular transmission monitoring. We report a case of a FAP patient where lack of awareness and distracting factors led to misinterpretation of neuromuscular monitoring and unnecessary sedation and ventilation in the post anesthetic care unit. FAP may interfere with the usual cubital nerve neuromuscular monitoring. Anesthesiologists should be aware of potential neuromuscular compromise to find the best monitoring location for each patient. Sugammadex was safe and reliable in the antagonism of rocuronium neuromuscular blockade in this case, despite the lack of adequate quantitative monitoring.

Rocuronium reversed with sugammadex for thymectomy in myasthenia gravis: A retrospective analysis of complications from Japan

BACKGROUND

Postoperative respiratory failure is a serious problem in the anaesthetic management of patients with myasthenia gravis who undergo thymectomy. Although the classical recommendation is to avoid neuromuscular blockers, there is no strong evidence to support it.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the postoperative outcomes in patients with myasthenia gravis after thymectomy when anaesthetic management included rocuronium reversed with sugammadex.

DESIGN

A retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Nationwide acute in-patient care database.

PATIENTS

A total of 1143 patients with myasthenia gravis who underwent thymectomy were included. Data were collected from the medical insurance claims data of acute care in-patient hospitals.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The postoperative complications when rocuronium reversed with sugammadex was compared against no muscle relaxant use using propensity score matching. The primary outcomes were the rates of in-hospital mortality, plasma exchange following thymectomy and the use of immunoglobulins. The secondary outcomes were the length of stay in the high dependency/ICUs, the total length of hospital stay and the duration and type of respiratory support following thymectomy.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences between the propensity score matched groups in terms of plasma exchange [relative risk, 0.96; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.64 to 1.43] and use of immunoglobulins (relative risk, 1.09; 95% CI, 0.60 to 1.97). The length of hospital stay was significantly shorter in patients in whom rocuronium and sugammadex were used: 29.0 vs. 35.4 days, P = 0.035.

CONCLUSIONS

Anaesthetic management with rocuronium reversed by sugammadex was not associated with increased risk of respiratory complications. These findings could help in the anaesthetic management of patients with myasthenia gravis.

General anesthesia with remimazolam in a patient with mitochondrial encephalomyopathy: a case report

Background

Systemic anesthetic management of patients with mitochondrial disease requires careful preoperative preparation to administer adequate anesthesia and address potential disease-related complications. The appropriate general anesthetic agents to use in these patients remain controversial.

Case presentation

A 54-year-old woman (height, 145 cm; weight, 43 kg) diagnosed with mitochondrial encephalomyopathy with lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes underwent elective cochlear implantation. Infusions of intravenous remimazolam and remifentanil guided by patient state index monitoring were used for anesthesia induction and maintenance. Neither lactic acidosis nor prolonged muscle relaxation occurred in the perioperative period. At the end of surgery, flumazenil was administered to antagonize sedation, which rapidly resulted in consciousness.

Conclusions

Remimazolam administration and reversal with flumazenil were successfully used for general anesthesia in a patient with mitochondrial disease.

Endotracheal Intubation Using Alfentanil in a Pediatric Patient with a Mitochondrial Myopathy and Gastroparesis

Children with mitochondrial disorders represent a subset of patients who require unique anesthetic considerations. Routinely administered medications for general anesthesia, such as propofol, have been shown to increase the risk of developing metabolic acidosis. In addition, both depolarizing and nondepolarizing neuromuscular blockers are contraindicated due to the risk of hyperkalemic cardiac arrest and worsening of preexisting muscle weakness, respectively. These limitations pose challenges while choosing appropriate medications for induction of general anesthesia, especially when the risk of aspiration is high. We present a novel case of using inhaled sevoflurane and intravenous alfentanil to facilitate intubation in a 4-year-old girl with a complex 1 mitochondrial disorder suffering from severe gastroparesis and esophageal dysmotility.

Sugammadex

There are a large number of publications which describe the use of cyclodextrins (CDs) in numerous fields, including biomedicine, cosmetics, food industry, wastewater remediation and catalysis. These drugs contain a number of glucose monomers in a ring, creating a cone shape: α (alpha), β (beta), and γ (gamma) cyclodextrins with 6, 7 and 8 glucose subunits respectively. With a hydrophobic interior and hydrophilic exterior, they can form complexes with hydrophobic compounds often conferring solubility and stability to other drugs. The inclusion compounds of cyclodextrins with hydrophobic molecules are able to penetrate body tissues; these can be used to release biologically active compounds under specific conditions. Sugammadex is a unique, selective relaxant binding agent (SRBA) which reverses aminosteroid-induced neuromuscular blockade. It is an alternative to anticholinesterases in anaesthesia and allows use and reversal of rocuronium as a substitute for suxamethonium for rapid sequence induction (RSI).