Korean J Anesthesiol.  1997 Oct;33(4):784-787. 10.4097/kjae.1997.33.4.784.

Prolonged Apnea after Cesarean Section in Patient with Low Level of Plasma Cholinesterase Activity: A case report

• Tae IS
• Rhyu JH
• Sim KH
• Chun BD
• Lee SW

• KMID: 2237744
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4097/kjae.1997.33.4.784

Abstract

Succinylcholine-induced prolonged neuromuscular blockade may occur in patients with either a low level of plasma cholinesterase activity or genotypically abnormal form of that enzyme. We experienced a case of succinylcholine-induced prolonged apnea due to a low level of plasma cholinesterase activity. A 31-year-old woman, full term primigravida, underwent cesarean section for breech presentation under general anesthesia. Familial and past medical history were nonspecific and preoperative physical and laboratory findings were within normal range. After operation, delayed apnea was detected and lasted for about one hour. We performed controlled and assisted ventilation for two and half hours. Plasma cholinesterase activity measured 30.00 IU/L (colorimetric method, normal value: 1130~1960 IU/L) at the first postoperative day. She was discharged on 7th postoperative day without any sequelae. From follow-up study after six months, it measured 1.02 U/ml (EIA, normal value: 7~9 U/ml).

Keyword

Complications, apnea; Enzyme, plasma cholinesterase; Neuromuscular relaxants, succinylcholine

MeSH Terms

Adult
Anesthesia, General
Apnea*
Breech Presentation
Cesarean Section*
Cholinesterases*
Female
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Neuromuscular Blockade
Plasma*
Pregnancy
Reference Values
Ventilation
Cholinesterases