Final answer:
Factors associated with an increased risk of postoperative mechanical ventilation in patients with Myasthenia gravis include the effect on NMB duration, the role of pre-op plasmapheresis, and clinical predictors.
Step-by-step explanation:
Postoperative mechanical ventilation refers to the use of a ventilator to help patients breathe after surgery. In patients with Myasthenia gravis (MG), certain factors can increase the risk of needing mechanical ventilation after surgery. These factors include:
Effect on NMB duration: NMB stands for neuromuscular blockade, which is a condition where the muscles are temporarily paralyzed. Patients with MG may experience prolonged muscle paralysis after receiving certain medications during surgery, increasing the risk of needing mechanical ventilation.
Role of pre-op plasmapheresis: Plasmapheresis is a procedure that removes antibodies from the blood. In some cases, preoperative plasmapheresis can help improve MG symptoms and reduce the risk of postoperative complications, including the need for mechanical ventilation.
Clinical predictors: Certain clinical factors, such as the severity of MG symptoms and the presence of other medical conditions, can help predict the risk of requiring mechanical ventilation after surgery.