Pharmacogenetics and genomics
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Pharmacogenet. Genomics · Jul 2016
Patients with prolonged effect of succinylcholine or mivacurium had novel mutations in the butyrylcholinesterase gene.
Mutations in the butyrylcholinesterase enzyme (BChE) can result in prolonged duration of action of the neuromuscular blocking agents, succinylcholine and mivacurium, as BChE hydrolyses these drugs. Hereditary low BChE activity can cause extensively prolonged apnoea during general anaesthesia when these drugs are used. The aim of this study was to describe novel mutations in the butyrylcholinesterase gene (BCHE) in patients who have experienced prolonged duration of action of mivacurium or succinylcholine. ⋯ We have found seven new variants of the BCHE, which seem to reduce the activity of BChE in patients undergoing anaesthesia involving succinylcholine or mivacurium.