title: Anaesthesia for Friedreich's ataxia. Case report and review of the literature.
abstract: A patient with Friedreich's ataxia was anaesthetised on two occasions. The neuromuscular blocking agent was atracurium 0.5 mg/kg on the first occasion and tubocurarine 0.5 mg/kg on the second. The effect of each was monitored using the train-of-four twitch technique. Friedreich's ataxia has been reported to cause a marked sensitivity to non-depolarising muscle relaxants and hyperkalaemia, with resulting cardiac dysrhythmias after suxamethonium. This patient did not demonstrate an abnormal response to either relaxant; the operating conditions were satisfactory and recovery was not delayed. These drugs may be safely used in this condition provided that monitoring is adequate.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000768:Anesthesia, General; D001279:Atracurium; D005260:Female; D005621:Friedreich Ataxia / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D007546:Isoquinolines; D009466:Neuromuscular Blocking Agents; D009984:Orthopedic Fixation Devices; D012086:Reoperation; D012272:Ribs / Q000601:surgery; D014403:Tubocurarine
chemical_list: D007546:Isoquinolines; D009466:Neuromuscular Blocking Agents; D001279:Atracurium; D014403:Tubocurarine