Failure of reversion of neuromuscular block with sugammadex in patient with myasthenia gravis: case report and brief review of literature

BMC Anesthesiol. 2019 Aug 17;19(1):160. doi: 10.1186/s12871-019-0829-0.

Abstract

Background: Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a challenge for anesthesia management. This report shows that the use of rocuronium-sugammadex is not free from flaws and highlights the importance of cholinesterase inhibitors management and neuromuscular block monitoring in the perioperative period of myasthenic patients.

Case presentation: Myasthenic female patient submitted to general balanced anesthesia using 25 mg of rocuronium. Under train-of-four (TOF) monitoring, repeated doses of sugammadex was used in a total of 800 mg without recovery of neuromuscular blockade, but TOF ratio (TOFR) was stabilized at 60%. Neostigmine administration led to the improvement of TOFR.

Conclusions: Although the use of rocuronium-sugammadex seems safe, we should consider their unpredictability in myasthenic patients. This report supports the monitoring of neuromuscular blockade as mandatory in every patient, especially the myasthenic ones.

Keywords: Myasthenia gravis; Neuromuscular blockade reversal; Sugammadex.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cholinesterase Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Myasthenia Gravis
  • Neostigmine / therapeutic use
  • Neuromuscular Blockade / methods*
  • Neuromuscular Monitoring*
  • Neuromuscular Nondepolarizing Agents
  • Rocuronium / therapeutic use*
  • Sugammadex / therapeutic use*
  • gamma-Cyclodextrins / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Cholinesterase Inhibitors
  • Neuromuscular Nondepolarizing Agents
  • gamma-Cyclodextrins
  • Sugammadex
  • Neostigmine
  • Rocuronium