Korean J Anesthesiol.  2004 Mar;46(3):367-371. 10.4097/kjae.2004.46.3.367.

Prolonged Respiratory Failure after General Anesthesia for Cesarean Section in a Presumed Myotonic Dystrophy Patient: A case report

• Yang MK
• Song JG
• Song YM
• Choi DH

• KMID: 2236707
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4097/kjae.2004.46.3.367

Abstract

Myotonic dystrophy is the most common manifestation of mytonic disease. It is a systemic disease and its most serious complications after general anesthesia result from respiratory failure. We report a case of prolonged respiratory failure after general anesthesia for cesarean section in a presumed myotonic dystrophy patient. A 36-year-old parturient underwent emergency cesarean section under general anesthesia for premature rupture of the amniotic membrane with fetal distress. At the end of the operation, the recovery of respiratory muscle from paralysis was insufficient to maintain spontaneous ventilation despite the administration of reversel agents. Her TOF count was 3/4 and she was reintubated in the PACU. The patient was transferred to the ICU for proper respiratory care and her respiration fully recovered after 21 hours of conservative supportive care.

Keyword

cesarean section; myotonic dystrophy; prolonged respiratory failure

MeSH Terms

Adult
Amnion
Anesthesia, General*
Cesarean Section*
Emergencies
Female
Fetal Distress
Humans
Myotonic Dystrophy*
Paralysis
Pregnancy
Respiration
Respiratory Insufficiency*
Respiratory Muscles
Rupture
Ventilation