Pseudocholinesterase--a clinical assessment

Serum pseudocholinesterase (PC) levels were analyzed retrospectively against serum albumin, total lymphocyte count, and hematocrit using 4 to 15 data sets in 17 seriously ill surgical patients who received total parenteral alimentation for 4--21 days. A statistically significant correlation was found between PC and serum albumin but not between PC and total lymphocyte count or hematocrit. Low PC levels are found with acquired nutritional deprivation and in certain abnormal genetic states. When the use of succinylcholine is contemplated, PC levels should be measured in patients who have a low serum albumin or have an acquired nutritional deficiency.