Familial Reduction in Red-Cell Cholinesterase

IN 1956 several cases were reported in which there A was a familial reduction in plasma cholinesterase.1 , 2 Attention was called to this defect only because of prolonged apnea, which followed the administration of succinylcholine at surgery or electroshock therapy. Apart from this biochemical sensitivity to succinylcholine these patients were healthy and free of liver disease and had normal levels of red-cell cholinesterase.In the present case the red-cell cholinesterase activity was profoundly reduced whereas the plasma activity was normal. But for the unique circumstance of the patient's occupation the defect would not have been discovered for he was otherwise in . . .