Prolonged Apnoea after Suxamethonium, Diagnosis & Treatment: A Case Report

Abstract

Plasma Cholinesterase Deficiency is an autosomal recessive inherited blood plasma enzyme abnormality in which the Body’s production of butyrylcholinesterase is impaired resulting in prolonged apnoea following depolarising muscle relaxants like Succinyl Choline (Suxamethonium) or Mivacurium. This is associated with paralysis & little or no neurological response. Individuals with plasma cholinesterase (Pseudocholinesterase) deficiency are often diagnosed only after experiencing prolonged apnoea after standard intubating dose of Succinyl Choline. Plasma Cholinesterase is not produced artificially & can be supplied through Blood & fresh frozen plasma. Hence treatment includes mechanical ventilation & supplementation of either whole blood or fresh frozen plasma.