Hydrolysis of suxamethonium by plasma from subjects responding to the drug with prolonged apnoea, and by plasma from their relatives

Plasma cholinesterase variants and the anaesthetist

Biochemical properties of plasma cholinesterase of significance to the anaesthetist are reviewed. The role of the genetic variants of the enzyme in suxamethonium sensitivity and hyperthermia are discussed with emphasis on the pregnant patient. Altered gene frequencies of the enzyme variants in some mental disorders is commented upon.