Myasthenic Crisis in the Setting of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Authors

Irim Salik, New York Medical CollegeFollow
Heather Brosnan Rodhouse
Samuel BarstFollow

DOI

10.1016/j.jclinane.2020.110001

Journal Title

Journal of Clinical Anesthesia

First Page

110001

Last Page

110001

Document Type

Case Report

Publication Date

12-1-2020

Department

Anesthesiology

Abstract

1. A patient with Myasthenia Gravis (MG) on immunosuppressive therapy with underlying respiratory compromise may be more susceptible to infection with COVID-19 or severe manifestations of the virus.

2. It is theorized that patients with MG may be more vulnerable to bacterial and viral infections, due to respiratory muscle weakness and use of immunosuppressive medications.

3. It is critical for practitioners to be prepared for severe respiratory compromise in patients with MG and concomitant COVID-19 superinfection.

4. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, MG patients should be encouraged to continue their current treatment regimens, but engage in extra vigilant social distancing.

Recommended Citation

Salik, I., Rodhouse, H. B., & Barst, S. (2020). Myasthenic Crisis in the Setting of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Journal of Clinical Anesthesia, 67, 110001-110001. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclinane.2020.110001