Nihon Ronen Igakkai zasshi. Japanese journal of geriatrics
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Nihon Ronen Igakkai Zasshi · Mar 2000
Case Reports[A senile case of acute necrotizing myopathy presenting prolonged severe muscle paralysis due to high dose glucocorticoid and muscle relaxant].
An 82-year old man was admitted with dyspnea, productive cough and wheezing. In addition to antibiotics (meropenem trihydrate 0.5 g/day), glucocorticoids (hydrocortisone 1.250 mg, methylpredonisolone 4.250 mg) were administered for the severe bronchospasms. Since his respiratory condition deteriorated, he underwent mechanical ventilation using a muscle relaxant (vecuronium bromide, total dose 776 mg) in combination with high dose glucocorticoid. ⋯ Acute necrotizing myopathy was diagnosed due to high doses of glucocorticoid, muscle relaxant, or both. He required about 3 months to be weaned from the mechanical ventilation, and another 3 months to leave the hospital. Based on our experience, we should consider acute myopathy as an adverse effect of glucocorticoids, muscle relaxants or both in elderly patients who require mechanical ventilation.