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.