Controlled succinylcholine infusion in a patient receiving echothiophate eye drops

A 69 year old man receiving echothiophate eye drops for glaucoma was given a controlled infusion of succinylcholine during elective surgery for incisional hernia. Neuromuscular blockade was assessed by the measurement of the force of contraction of the adductor pollicis muscle. Only 9.5 mg succinylcholine were required for tracheal intubation and 1.1 mg/min for maintenance. When the infusion was stopped, recovery of neuromuscular transmission was rapid and uneventful. Plasma cholinesterase activity was 62 per cent below normal, but the enzyme was qualitatively normal. Thus, muscle relaxation can be achieved safely with a succinylcholine infusion in patients with decreased plasma cholinesterase activity if neuromuscular function is closely monitored.