From the Research
Tafamidis and Anesthesia
There is no direct evidence in the provided studies regarding the necessity of withholding Tafamidis (Vyndaqel) before anesthesia.
Available Information on Tafamidis
- Tafamidis is used for the treatment of transthyretin (TTR) amyloidosis in adult patients with early stage symptomatic polyneuropathy to delay peripheral neurologic impairment 1.
- It acts to kinetically stabilize the variant TTR tetramer and thereby prevent tetramer dissociation, the rate-limiting step in TTR misfolding and amyloidogenesis 1.
- Tafamidis treatment effectively achieved and maintained TTR stabilization and was well tolerated in patients with TTR amyloid cardiomyopathy 2, 3, 4.
- The drug has been shown to reduce all-cause mortality and cardiovascular-related hospitalizations in patients with amyloidosis 3, 4.
Considerations for Patients Undergoing Anesthesia
- Patients with TTR amyloid cardiomyopathy who are undergoing anesthesia should be closely monitored due to the potential for cardiac complications 2, 4.
- However, there is no specific guidance on the management of Tafamidis in the context of anesthesia in the provided studies.
Key Points
- Tafamidis is a disease-modifying pharmacotherapy for TTR amyloidosis.
- It has been shown to be effective in delaying neurologic progression and preserving quality of life in patients with TTR-FAP 1, 5.
- The decision to withhold Tafamidis before anesthesia should be made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the individual patient's medical history and the potential risks and benefits of continuing or discontinuing the medication.