Congenital myasthenic syndrome: a rare, potentially treatable cause of respiratory failure in a "floppy" infant.

A four-month-old infant, thought to suffer from cerebral palsy, presented with respiratory failure on the background of a gradually deteriorating general level of function. Whilst being ventilated in intensive care he was noted to have severe muscle weakness. A disorder of the neuromuscular junction was suspected and he was subsequently demonstrated to have a congenital myasthenic syndrome. Anticholinesterase therapy produced a dramatic recovery. The congenital myasthenic syndromes and the diagnosis of a "floppy baby" are briefly reviewed.

Peri-operative care for oesophagectomy patients.

The aim of this study was to evaluate factors relevant to morbidity and mortality in 54 patients undergoing oesophagectomy at Royal Newcastle Hospital between 1985 and March 1989. There was a high incidence of concurrent medical problems. Significant anaesthetic complications occurred in 6 patients. There were 16 serious general medical complications and 10 surgical complications. Respiratory complications included basal collapse (19), sputum retention (6), pulmonary oedema (2), pleural effusion/haemothorax (5), and severe aspiration syndrome (5). Seven patients required mechanical ventilation for more than 3 days. Two deaths occurred postoperatively. As a result of this audit, changes have occurred in patient selection, management of chylothorax, epidural analgesia and timing of tracheal extubation.