Prolongd apnea may occur in patients with a genertically determined abnormal variant of cholinesterase following intravenous administration of
**Core Concept**
Prolonged apnea in patients with a genetically determined abnormal variant of cholinesterase is a rare but serious adverse effect of certain medications. This phenomenon occurs due to the accumulation of a specific anesthetic agent, which is normally metabolized by cholinesterase, an enzyme responsible for breaking down acetylcholine.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is succinylcholine, a depolarizing muscle relaxant commonly used in surgical anesthesia. Succinylcholine is metabolized by plasma cholinesterase, an enzyme that normally breaks down acetylcholine. However, in individuals with a genetically determined abnormal variant of cholinesterase, succinylcholine is not metabolized efficiently, leading to prolonged apnea due to the accumulation of the drug.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** Vecuronium is a non-depolarizing muscle relaxant, which does not undergo significant metabolism by cholinesterase. Therefore, it is not associated with prolonged apnea in patients with abnormal cholinesterase variants.
* **Option B:** Fentanyl is an opioid analgesic, which is not metabolized by cholinesterase. Its effects are not prolonged in patients with abnormal cholinesterase variants.
* **Option C:** Isoflurane is a volatile anesthetic, which is metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes, not cholinesterase. Its effects are not prolonged in patients with abnormal cholinesterase variants.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
When administering succinylcholine to patients, it is essential to consider their genetic predisposition to abnormal cholinesterase variants. Patients with a history of prolonged apnea or muscle weakness after succinylcholine administration should be evaluated for this condition.
**Correct Answer: D. Succinylcholine**