Serum and red cell cholinesterase activities in pregnancy
Areekul, S.; Srichairat, S.
Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand 64(11): 584-588
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0125-2208 PMID: 7320674 Document Number: 170553
Serum and red cell cholinesterase levels were determined in 30 pregnant women who were divided into 3 groups according to the gestation period, i.e., 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimester. Each group was composed of 10 women. Serum cholinesterase levels in all 3 groups of pregnant women were significantly lower while red cell cholinesterase activity showed no significant alteration from those of the non-pregnant group. Serum cholinesterase decreased 38%, 28% and 35% in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimester, respectively. There was no relationship between low serum cholinesterase and the Hb concentration in the present study. The possible reasons for the fall in cholinesterase were suggested to be due to hemodilution, altered hepatic function or the increased function of the anticholinesterase activity of estrogen in pregnancy. The hemodilution and the altered hepatic function could not explain the low serum cholinesterase activity and the extent and significance of the anticholinesterase effect of estrogen in pregnant women were not adequately assessed at present. The significance of the findings of reduced serum cholinesterase activity in pregnant women was that occasionally pregnant women may exhibit prolonged paralysis following succinylcholine administration under cesarean deliver. This fact should be kept in mind when giving succinylcholine or other drugs metabolized by plasma cholinesterase to pregnant women.