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Dangers of succinylcholine in anesthesia
Author(s) -
McStravog L. J.
Publication year - 1974
Publication title -
the laryngoscope
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.181
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1531-4995
pISSN - 0023-852X
DOI - 10.1288/00005537-197406000-00005
Subject(s) - anesthesiology , anesthesia , apnea , medicine , malignant hyperthermia , sedation , intensive care medicine , psychology
This paper is written so that I may discuss some of the experiences I have encountered in the operating room with succinylcholine. It is my hope that this paper might stimulate your reading the anesthesiology journals for further knowledge of succinylcholine. The chemical breakdown of succinylcholine by the body may be found in all of the anesthesiology journals. It has been established that succinylcholine can cause prolonged apnea. The usual figure given is one in 4,000 cases. My experience with prolonged apneas does not coincide with this figure. I personally feel that it occurs more often. The second complication of succinylcholine is cardiac arrest and the third malignant hyperthermia. I have never encountered either of these two conditions. The complications associated with the administration of succinylcholine can be avoided only if we have a basic understanding of the pharmacology of the drug, its side effects and the various conditions which will alter the normal response. This in turn will achieve the one thing we all strive for, a safe and sensible procedure for the patient.