Acquired pseudocholinesterase deficiency after high-dose cyclophosphamide

Bone Marrow Transplant. 1999 Dec;24(12):1367-8. doi: 10.1038/sj.bmt.1702097.

Abstract

Succinylcholine, a depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent used in anesthesia is hydrolyzed in the plasma by the enzyme pseudocholinesterase (PSC). Conditions associated with reduced PSC activity lead to sustained action of succinylcholine and result in prolonged apnea. Cyclophosphamide is an inhibitor of PSC and its suppressive effect may be dose-dependent. We report a case of severe PSC deficiency after high-dose cyclophosphamide at 7 g/m2. The patient received succinylcholine during anesthesia 9 h after chemotherapy and developed prolonged apnea. This case highlights the potential risk of drug-induced PSC deficiency and cautions the use of depolarizing muscular relaxants soon after high-dose cyclophosphamide.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / therapy
  • Apnea / chemically induced
  • Butyrylcholinesterase / blood
  • Butyrylcholinesterase / deficiency*
  • Butyrylcholinesterase / drug effects*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cyclophosphamide / administration & dosage
  • Cyclophosphamide / pharmacology*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Neuroblastoma / therapy
  • Succinylcholine / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Succinylcholine / metabolism

Substances

  • Cyclophosphamide
  • Butyrylcholinesterase
  • Succinylcholine