[Anesthetic management of a patient with Sjögren's syndrome and pulmonary fibrosis].

We described an anesthetic management of a 63 year old man complicated with Sjögren's syndrome and pulmonary fibrosis. Sjögren's syndrome is characterized by pathological dryness of the mouth, cornea and other exocrine glands. Anesthesia was induced with thiopental and the trachea was intubated smoothly following intravenous succinylcholine. Anesthesia was maintained with enflurane in nitrous oxide and oxygen. Intraoperative muscle relaxation was adequately obtained by pancuronium. Before and during anesthesia, atropine and other drying agents were avoided. Physiological saline solution was instilled on the eyes every ten minutes against dryness. A heat and moisture exchanger (Humi-Vent) was used to maintain high moisture of the respiratory tract. Anesthesia was carried out successfully.