Management of anaesthesia in children with neuromuscular diseases

Neuromuscular diseases (NMDs) in childhood represent a markedly heterogenous group of acquired and congenital diseases, many of which are rare. Due to extramuscular complications of NMDs, pediatric patients often require anesthesia for medical procedures. The specific management of NMDs during perioperative periods requires the collaboration of an experienced anesthesiologist and several other experts involved in patient care. It is essential also for neurologists to be familiar with the challenges that anesthesia brings to NM patients. Improper management of anesthesia in an inadequately prepared and equipped workplace can lead to patient endangerment, possibly irreversible deterioration of the patient's condition. The article provides general recommendations for perioperative management of patients with NMDs, specific complications associated with anesthesia, and recommendations for selected NMDs. A comprehensive overview of anesthetic management in NMDs may help to improve the neurologist's orientation in the care for this rare group of patients.