How to handle myasthenic crisis. Essential steps in patient care.
Myasthenic crisis, or respiratory failure requiring intubation and mechanical ventilation, may be caused by infections, aspiration, physical and emotional stress, and changes in medication. Although no single factor determines the need for respiratory support, all patients with questionable respiratory status should be admitted to the ICU. Because management of crisis includes treatment of the underlying myasthenia gravis, a neurologist should share in any decisions regarding care.
Bedlack
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Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina 27713, USA. bedla001@mc.duke.edu
Sanders
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D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D009157:Myasthenia Gravis / Q000150:complications*; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*