Existence of a silent gene for pseudocholinesterase in a Trinidad population

Although the values reported were higher than those reported for Caucasians, differences in dibucaine number for pseudocholinesterase values among the three ethnic groups in Trinidad and Tobago, were not significant. Eight individuals had intermediate dibucaine numbers values between 40 and 70; one of them was African, 3 were East Indians, and 4 Mixed. Two of the mixed group were of Portuguese lineage and had significantly lower dibucaine numbers and enzyme concentration. Two sisters of East Indian origin had an inestimable dibucaine number and their pseudocholinesterase values were just detectable, suggesting the presence of a 'silent gene' for pseudocholinesterase. These studies, which are being extended, suggest that the dibucaine number should be estimated prior to succinylcholine administration in patients in Trinidad and Tobago who are at risk of apnoea (AU)

The relation of oedema to serum protein and psudocholinesterase levels in the malnourished infant

The extent of clinical oedema in 200 Jamaican cases of infantile protein malnutrition has been compared with the levels of serum proteins and serum pseudocholinesterase activity and with the degree of hepatomegaly. Two separate analyses were made, oedema being assessed clinically and by the amount of initial weight loss during recovery. In both analyses there was significant correlation between the degree of oedema and the values of serum albumin and total proteins. Cases with severe oedema and the values of serum albumin and total protein. Cases with severe oedema consistently had low serum proteins, but only about half of the cases with very low proteins had severe oedema. Both hepatomegaly and low serum pseudocholinesterase activity were significantly related to severe oedema. On the other hand there was no evidence of correlation between liver dysfunction and liver size except in the largest livers. Mortality was highest in cases with severe oedema and very low serum proteins. Liver enlargement and very low serum pseudocholinesterase levels were more constant features of fatal cases, with or without oedema. The possible mechanisms of oedema in kwashiorkor, and the significance of the fatty liver, are briefly discussed(SUMMARY)

Levels of pseudocholinesterase and alkaline phosphatase in the sera of malnourished infants (abstract only)

The levels of these enzymes in malnourished children were estimated at regular intervals from the day of their admission to hospital until their discharge. The very different rates of increase of these enzymes are discussed and compared with the changes in weight, plasma albumin and haemoglobin. (AU)