Remimazolam Anesthesia for a Pediatric Patient With Glutaric Aciduria Type I: A Case Report

Glutaric aciduria type I (GA-1) is a rare metabolic disorder caused by an autosomal, recessive, inherited deficiency of glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase. Reports on the anesthetic management of patients with GA-1 are limited. It has been suggested that inhalation anesthesia is safer than propofol due to the mitochondrial dysfunction inherent in GA-1. However, inhalation anesthesia poses a risk, albeit rare, of malignant hyperthermia, which can result in severe neurological damage in GA-1 patients. Therefore, we considered that management using remimazolam might be effective and, provided a successful general anesthesia using it for a pediatric patient with GA-1. We report a case of a four-year-old girl with GA-1 who underwent a laparoscopic gastrostomy under general anesthesia. Remimazolam was used for both induction and maintenance of anesthesia. Our perioperative management also included measures to prevent a hypercatabolic condition such as adequate hydration and blood glucose control. The patient had an uneventful perioperative course and was discharged on postoperative day 7. Thus, remimazolam is proposed as a new option for anesthetic management in patients with GA-1. Additionally, tailored perioperative management that addresses the unique characteristics of GA-1 is crucial for favorable outcomes.