Overview

Pseudocholinesterase (soo-doe-koh-lin-ES-tur-ays) deficiency is a rare condition that makes you sensitive to certain muscle relaxants ? succinylcholine or mivacurium ? used during anesthesia. The drugs are designed to briefly relax your muscles during a medical procedure. With pseudocholinesterase deficiency, the body muscles stay relaxed for a longer time. Paralysis of the respiratory muscles causes you to be unable to breathe on your own.

Pseudocholinesterase deficiency can be caused by a genetic defect (mutation) that either is inherited or is acquired due to illness, injury or certain medications.

There is no cure for pseudocholinesterase deficiency. But if you're diagnosed with the condition, your doctor can use other types of muscle relaxants that won't cause prolonged muscle relaxation.