Final answer:
Non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) must be used cautiously in certain diseases due to increased sensitivity. Conditions like myasthenia gravis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and burn injury can significantly influence the patient's response to these medications. Electrolyte imbalances such as hypokalemia, hypocalcemia, and magnesium imbalance can also affect sensitivity to NMBAs.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to what diseases are sensitive to non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs). Non-depolarizing NMBAs are medications used to cause temporary paralysis during anesthesia and are commonly used in surgical procedures. Patients with certain conditions are particularly sensitive to the effects of these agents.
One such condition is myasthenia gravis, an autoimmune disease that results in skeletal muscle weakness. Non-depolarizing NMBAs must be used with caution in these patients because they may experience a profound and prolonged paralytic effect. Another condition is amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, which can lead to increased sensitivity to these agents, requiring careful dosing and monitoring. Additionally, burn injury patients may become extremely sensitive to non-depolarizing NMBAs several days post-injury due to changes in acetylcholine receptors. Likewise, conditions like hypokalemia, hypocalcemia, and magnesium imbalance can influence the sensitivity to non-depolarizing NMBAs.
It's essential for anesthesiologists and other healthcare professionals to recognize these sensitivities to adjust dosage accordingly and ensure patient safety.