title: Plasma cholinesterase deficiency.
abstract: Plasma cholinesterase (PCE) is an enzyme necessary for the metabolism of certain anesthetic-related medications. Individuals with abnormal cholinesterase activity (e.g., insufficient quantity of functional PCE or atypical PCE genotypes) may exhibit a prolonged paralytic response to the muscle relaxants succinylcholine and mivacurium. A review of perianesthesia nursing considerations and treatment modalities relating to patients presenting with this interesting clinical picture will be offered.
authors.forename: D D
authors.initials: DD
authors.lastname: Dell
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Kehoe
mesh_terms: D002802:Cholinesterases / Q000172:deficiency*; D006801:Humans; D008661:Metabolism, Inborn Errors / Q000150:complications / Q000451:nursing*; D009467:Neuromuscular Depolarizing Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003473:Neuromuscular Nondepolarizing Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016528:Postanesthesia Nursing; D012121:Respiration, Artificial / Q000451:nursing; D012307:Risk Factors; D013390:Succinylcholine / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D009467:Neuromuscular Depolarizing Agents; D003473:Neuromuscular Nondepolarizing Agents; D002802:Cholinesterases; D013390:Succinylcholine