Neuromuscular disorders and anesthesia.

The neuromuscular disorders are associated with diminished cardiopulmonary reserves, deficient airway protection mechanisms, and atypical responses to drugs used during anesthesia. Many of these conditions are uncommon, and methodologically sound evidence to guide clinical practice is limited. The disorders discussed in the present review are the motor neuron diseases, peripheral neuropathies, myasthenic syndromes, and myopathies, including malignant hyperthermia. Recent data on pathogenesis and medical management are outlined, as are studies relating to anesthesia and the perioperative period.