Effect of suxamethonium, pancuronium, neostigmine and halothane on serum cholinesterase activity

Serum cholinesterase (Ch E) estimations were done in 30 healthy Nigerians scheduled for elective surgical procedures and were studied in two groups. Half of the patients were given general anesthesia using a muscle relaxant technique and the other half had halothane as the main anesthetic. Suxamethonium reduced Ch E by 9%, pancuronium by 25% and neostigmine by 58% compared to preinduction levels. Halothane reduced Ch E by 7% and 15% at 10 minutes and 24 hours postanesthetic respectively, compared to preinduction levels. The normal control value of Ch E in 30 healthy Nigerians was on the lower side of the normal range, observed mostly in Caucasians.