Increased plasma cholinesterase activity and succinylcholine resistance: a genetic variant.

Quantitative variations of plasma cholinesterase activity (also called serum cholinesterase, pseudocholinesterase, nonspecific cholinesterase, or cho- linesterase II) are associated with several diseases. Slightly elevated levels have been observed in thy- rotoxicosis (1), schizophrenia (2), hypertension (3), acute emotional disorders, and after concus- sion (4). Markedly elevated levels, two to three times normal, occur with the nephrotic syndrome (5). Plasma cholinesterase activity is decreased in various disorders of the liver (6), in carcinoma (7), and after anticholinesterase drugs (8).