[Danish Cholinesterase Research Unit diagnoses patients with prolonged paralysis after succinylcholine and mivacurium]

Abstract

The Danish Cholinesterase Research Unit (DCRU) is a nationwide unit for patients carrying mutations in the butyrylcholinesterase enzyme (BChE). BChE hydrolyzes the neuromuscular blocking drugs succinylcholine and mivacurium. Patients with mutations in the butyrylcholinesterase gene are at risk of experiencing a prolonged effect of the drugs, such as weakness or paralysis for hours. In order to diagnose the referred patients correctly, DCRU combines results such as BChE activity, genotyping, pedigree and clinical reactions to succinylcholine or mivacurium.