Symptoms And Treatment Of Pseudocholinesterase Deficiency...

Abstract Pseudocholinesterase is an enzyme that breaks down certain drugs used during general anesthesia. Pseudocholinesterase deficiency syndrome is one of many genetically transferred conditions. It may also be acquired by other means. It is not a common occurrence but is more common in particular populations. When inherited the syndrome is caused by the mutation of a certain gene known as BCHE. There is often no apparent symptoms to look for in an individual. Unless there is a family history of this problem the patient does not realize that he/she may have the genetic trait for this syndrome until they are under the effect of anesthesia. Diagnosis of this deficiency is usually discovered by performing a blood test and comparing the levels of two different substances. Treatment is fairly simple once it is known that the patient is pseudocholinesterase deficient. Pseudocholinesterase Deficiency Syndrome Pseudocholinesterase deficiency syndrome is usually the result of a genetic mutation to the BCHE gene. This mutation causes the patient to be highly sensitive to drugs that are given during general anesthesia, specifically choline esters. When these choline esters are given to a patient their muscles used for breathing and movement are relaxed. If the patient is deficient of the pseudocholinesterase enzyme they are not able to metabolize the anesthetic drugs quickly enough. Therefore, it takes longer for the