Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease - implications for anaesthetists in New Zealand

Since 1996 with the recognition of a variant form, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease has become more prominent in the medical literature. Of particular interest to anaesthetists is the risk of iatrogenic spread of the disease. In this article, the relevant literature is reviewed and the experience within New Zealand examined. The presentation, pathology and incidence of the disease is reviewed and the current guidelines for the preoperative management of patients with known or suspected Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease are outlined.