Bladder exstrophy in a neonate at risk of transient myasthenia gravis: A role for remifentanil and epidural analgesia

Abstract

Infants born to mothers with myasthenia gravis may exhibit a transient form of the disease, with similar sensitivity to non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking drugs. We report the case of an infant at risk who required major surgery when 48 h old for closure of bladder exstrophy. A combined epidural-general anaesthetic technique, with remifentanil supplementation, enabled us to avoid unnecessary neuromuscular blocking drugs and prolonged intensive care, which had been anticipated. The potential benefits of remifentanil and epidural analgesia in neonates are discussed.