[Peridural anaesthesia with ropivacaine for a patient with Friedrich's ataxia. Caesarean section after dorsal stabilisation of the spinal column (Th5-L1)].

Friedreich's ataxia (FA) is a hereditary disease, which leads to degenerative changes in the spinal cord and cerebellum (incidence 1:50,000). These changes are caused by a defect in the gene that encodes a mitochondrial gene called frataxin and causes muscle weakness, scoliosis, cardiomyopathy and impaired glucose tolerance. Therefore, these patients require special care during anaesthesia. We report the case of a 25-year-old primigravida with a history of FA and dorsal stabilisation of the vertebral column, who was admitted to our hospital for elective caesarean section. Due to increased sensitivity to muscle relaxants, peridural anaesthesia with 8 ml 0.75% ropivacaine and 10 microg sufentanil was used in this case. The perioperative neurological consultation revealed no undue exacerbation of symptoms.