Succinylcholine-Induced Acute Myopathy and Rhabdomyolysis: A Case Report

Succinylcholine is the only depolarizing neuromuscular blocker available which has been used for more than 50 years in the emergency cases, rapid sequence induction, and when aspiration treated as a risk factor. Unlike the nondepolarizing neuromuscular blockers, Succinylcholine has rapid time-to-onset of action and short duration of action. However, there are a number of potential side effects associated with succinylcholine. Case Report: A thirty-year old women was settled in cesarean ward under general anesthesia in Rafsanjan Niknafs hospital in 2007. Patient begun to breath after closing the volatile agent s and administration of reversal drugs, but she was not able to raise her head. Despite second reverse injection, after 30 minutes, her breathing was not adequate. Gradually, her body temperature increased up to 37. 9 ◦c and urine color turned to brown. Dantrolene infusion was started and patient was transferred to ICU. Tracheal intubated and oxygenation was done by ventilator because of respiration muscular weakness. Weaning of ventilator was performed after 7 days, and three days later the patient was discharged. Anesthesiologist should be aware of potential side effects of succinylcholine and be prepared to manage it. Consideration of rapid action non-depolarising neuromuscular blocking drugs in the prevention of these types of complications is useful.