259th ENMC international workshop: Anaesthesia and neuromuscular disorders 11 December, 2020 and 28-29 May, 2021

A Review on the Anesthetic Management of Patients with Neuromuscular Diseases

Context: Neuromuscular diseases (NMDs) are regarded as a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of diseases characterized by weakening muscle strength and dystrophic changes in the muscle. Due to the nature of these diseases, it can be challenging for anesthesiologists to provide appropriate pain medications, symptom management, and other necessary techniques that are implemented to anesthetize the patient properly. Evidence Acquisition: This study was based on the available literature and the authors’ experience. The current study aimed to review the available anesthesia for patients suffering from NMDs. The search process resulted in the detection of relevant articles using valid keywords on electronic databases, including Embase, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. Subsequently, 24 articles published between 2009 to 2022 were identified as eligible for this review. Results: When anesthetizing a patient with NMD, special attention should be paid to preoperative evaluation, medical-history taking, risk of difficult intubation or cardiac incidents, respiratory insufficiency, and frequent pulmonary infections. It is also necessary to keep in mind that these patients are at risk of prolonged paralysis, hyperkalemia, rigidity, malignant hyperthermia, cardiac arrest, rhabdomyolysis, or even death. Conclusions: Problems of anesthesia in patients with NMDs arise from the nature of the condition itself and the interaction of anesthetics and muscle relaxants with anticholinesterase drugs used in therapy. Each patient’s individual risk should be assessed before anesthesia. Therefore, it is important (and even necessary before major surgery) to perform a thorough preoperative examination to not only determine perioperative risk but also to ensure optimal perioperative follow-up.

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 & 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.

Perioperative Care for Patients with Neuromuscular Disorders in the Netherlands –A Questionnaire Study Among Anaesthesiologists, Neurologists and Clinical Geneticists

Background: Patients with neuromuscular disorders are at increased risk of suffering perioperative complications. Current knowledge concerning this topic is based on small retrospective studies and expert opinion. Therefore, an individualized multidisciplinary approach to perioperative anaesthesia planning is invaluable to anticipate difficulties and to optimize outcomes. Objective: To evaluate current practice regarding preoperative counselling and perioperative care of neuromuscular patients, with the aim to facilitate standardization and improvement of perioperative care for neuromuscular patients. Methods: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional, observational study was conducted between July, 1st 2020 and December, 31st, 2020 in Dutch anaesthesia, neurology and clinical genetics departments. Main outcome measures were 1.) frequency of consultation requests for neuromuscular patients prior to surgery, 2.) current practice, educational activities and departmental approach to this topic and 3.) preoperative counselling of neuromuscular patients. Results: A total of 83 departments participated. Consultations for a neuromuscular patient scheduled for anaesthesia were requested from anaesthesia and neurology department only infrequently. Local guidelines concerning perioperative care of neuromuscular patients were available in 36.4% of the participating departments. Quality of specific training for residents and staff anaesthetists/neurologists covering perioperative care of neuromuscular patients was rated as ‘very good’ or ‘good’ by 42.9% . Neuromuscular patients scheduled for surgery were ‘always’ or ‘often’ discussed in multidisciplinary meetings involving anaesthesiologists and neurologists in 20.8% of the participating departments. Conclusion: Perioperative care for neuromuscular patients in the Netherlands is highly variable and might benefit from guidelines, education of health care professionals and multidisciplinary meetings between anaesthesiologists and neurologists on a regular basis.

Mapping the current evidence on the anesthetic management of adult patients with neuromuscular disorders-a scoping review

PURPOSE

Patients with neuromuscular disorders (NMDs) are at increased risk of perioperative complications. The objective of this scoping review was to examine emerging evidence from published studies, case reports, and review articles on anesthetic management of patients with NMDs, following the methodological frame for scoping reviews.

SOURCES

We searched PubMed and EMBASE for articles published between 1 January 2000 and 14 July 2021.

PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

Three prospective and 21 retrospective studies on altered pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBA) in NMD patients were included. Furthermore, 168 case reports/series reporting 212 anesthetics in 197 patients were included. These studies showed that preanesthetic neuromuscular monitoring can be used for precise NMBA dosing in myasthenia gravis patients. Sugammadex was associated with fewer postoperative myasthenic crises. Perioperative complications were not associated with specific anesthetic agents. Case reports/series showed that in 32% (67/212) of anesthetics, at least one complication was reported. Unexpected intensive care unit admission was a frequently reported complication. Patients with a complicated disease course may have had a higher use of succinylcholine (unadjusted relative risk, 0.13; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.20 to 0.86) and volatile anesthetics (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 0.38; 95% CI, 0.20 to 0.73; P = 0.004).

CONCLUSION

Evidence on the anesthetic management and perioperative complications of patients with NMDs is mainly based on small retrospective studies and case reports. Further clinical trials or large retrospective studies are required to investigate the choice of safe anesthetic agents. Main areas of interest are the potential benefits of neuromuscular monitoring and sugammadex and the risks possibly associated with volatile anesthetics and succinylcholine.