ANESTHETIC MANAGEMENT IN EPIDERMOLYSIS-BULLOSA - REVIEW OF 129 ANESTHETIC EPISODES IN 32 PATIENTS

Background: Anesthestic and monitoring instrumentations such as endotracheal intubation may cause skin and mucosal damage with potentially serious consequences in patients with epidermolysis bullosa (EB). Objective: This study defines the risks of skin and mucosal damage from anesthetic and monitoring techniques in patients with EB and formulates management guidelines. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the outcome of 129 anesthetic episodes in 32 patients with various types of EB. Results: Serious complications did not occur in any patient with EB from the use of endotracheal intubation, face mask, nerve blocks, local anesthetics, and intravenous or intramuscular anesthetic agents. Conclusion: With appropriate precautions, patients with EB can undergo standard anesthetic techniques with only minor and infrequent complications.