Prolonged succinylcholine-induced paralysis in organophosphate insecticide poisoning

A case of prolonged succinylcholine-induced paralysis in a child with organophosphate insecticide poisoning is presented. Three hours and 15 minutes of apnea after the administration of succinylcholine was attributed to a decreased rate of succinylcholine metabolism from inhibition of pseudocholinesterase by the insecticide. Only one similar case has been reported previously in the English medical literature. If succinylcholine is to be used in patients with organophosphate poisoning, a prolonged paralysis should be anticipated.