Myasthenia gravis and sugammadex: A case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Anesthesia care during surgical procedures in patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) can be challenging, as these patients have increased sensitivity to neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) and may be at high risk for postoperative weakness and respiratory failure. Even intermediate-acting NMBAs may have a prolonged effect resulting in residual weakness after reversal with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (neostigmine). Sugammadex (Bridion®, Merck and Co, Whithouse Stations, New Jersey) is a novel pharmacologic agent that reverses neuromuscular blockade by encapsulating rocuronium or vecuronium. We report the perioperative management of a 13-year-old adolescent girl with MG undergoing thymectomy. The use of sugammadex for reversal of neuromuscular blockade is discussed and the previous reports regarding its use in patients with MG are reviewed.

Keywords

• myasthenia gravis; neuromuscular blockade; rocuronium; sugammadex