Prolonged neuromuscular blockade as a result of malnutrition-induced pseudocholinesterase deficiency.

Abstract

Mivacurium is a short-acting neuromuscular blocking drug, ideal for short surgical procedures. The brief duration of action depends on rapid hydrolysis by plasma cholinesterase. An inherited or acquired deficiency of plasma cholinesterase can prolong the effect of mivacurium. We present an unusual case of unanticipated postoperative apnea following mivacurium administration, as a result of acquired plasma cholinesterase deficiency, in a patient with previous uneventful exposure to both mivacurium and suxamethonium (succinylcholine).

• Authors: Ahtsham Niazi, Irene E Leonard, Breda O'Kelly
• Journal: Journal of clinical anesthesia (J Clin Anesth) Vol. 16 Issue 1 Pg. 40-2 (Feb 2004) ISSN: 0952-8180 [Print] United States
• PMID: 14984858 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Isoquinolines
• Neuromuscular Nondepolarizing Agents
• Mivacurium
• Butyrylcholinesterase

Topics

• Aged
• Apnea (etiology)
• Butyrylcholinesterase (deficiency)
• Humans
• Isoquinolines
• Male
• Malnutrition (complications)
• Mivacurium
• Neuromuscular Blockade
• Neuromuscular Nondepolarizing Agents
• Postoperative Complications