Steroid-Induced Myopathy and Associated Postoperative Complications

The field of anesthesiology has witnessed an abundance of technical advances in recent years. These advances, specifically involving pharmacology and awareness of drug-drug interactions, are helpful to clinicians. In addition, pharmacists have provided excellent guidance to clinicians and providers, helping them identify potential complications for patients who are at risk for weakness after extubation, especially in an elderly population with many comorbidities. There are several common reasons for postoperative complications in regards to weakness, including incomplete reversal with neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs), bronchospasm and fatigue due to comorbidities and age, and medication interactions.