Neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs or “paralytics”) are categorized as depolarizing (classically succinylcholine) and nondepolarizing. They’re important drugs to know because we routinely use them in the operating room, intensive care unit, and during elective endotracheal intubations. They have potential life threatening complications like malignant hyperthermia and anaphylaxis as well as different metabolic profiles.
Succinylcholine (Anectine) is structurally composed of two acetylcholine (ACh) molecules linked together. It binds the post-synaptic neuromuscular junction (NMJ) motor end plate to cause depolarization at the acetylcholine receptor (AChR). This is exactly what normal ACh neurotransmitter molecules do as they leave the active zone, traverse the synaptic cleft, and bind the AChR. Initially, this depolarizing effect stimulates muscle contraction which we see as diffuse fasciculations. Unlike ACh which is rapidly hydrolyzed by acetylcholinesterase (AChE), sux remains on the AChR causing continued depolarization and profound muscular relaxation as calcium is reuptaken into the sarcoplasmic reticulum. This phase 1 block explains why we see fasciculations (contractions) followed by relaxation.
With higher doses of sux (typically > 4 mg/kg), continuous binding to the acetylcholine receptors causes an ongoing influx of sodium and efflux of potassium. The sodium-potassium ATPase’s activity is upregulated bringing ion concentrations back towards their resting states. The receptor no longer responds appropriately to acetylcholine, and the NMJ blockade is prolonged. This phase 2 block has features similar to non-depolarizing blockers (ie, rocuronium, vecuronium) such as a fade with train-of-four (TOF) peripheral nerve stimulation. If a phase 2 block develops, supportive care is often the best management until the block wears off.
As an anesthesiologist, whenever I’m called for a stat intubation, I’m looking for reasons NOT to use sux.
- Known familial or prior history of malignant hyperthermia
- Known hypersensitivity reactions
- Skeletal muscle myopathies
- Acute burn injury, extensive denervation injury, and upper motor neuron injury
- Extrajunctional AchR proliferation will peak at 7-10 days after injury
- Severe hyperkalemia
A standard induction dose of sux will raise one’s potassium by 0.5 mEq. This usually is insignificant unless you’re already hyperkalemic and have evidence of end-organ involvement (EKG with peaked T waves and/or widened QRS complexes… think about ESRD patients). In fact, cardiac arrest minutes after sux administration is due to hyperkalemia until proven otherwise and should be treated accordingly with hyperventilation, bicarbonate, glucose/insulin, albuterol, etc.
Burn and denervation injuries cause an upregulation of NMJ acetylcholine receptors, so giving these patients a dose of sux will result in the depolarization of a LOT more receptors and subsequent release of MORE potassium. Ultimately, sux will diffuse out of the synaptic cleft and undergo metabolism by pseudocholinesterase in the plasma.
Drop me a below comment with questions! 🙂
Can you throw some light on use of sux in pediatrics population?
The general teaching is to avoid it because of the concern for occult neuromuscular disease (ie, undiagnosed myopathies) which can have catastrophic outcomes with the administration of succinylcholine. I feel like many pediatric anesthesiologists have different levels of comfort using succinylcholine across different age groups… but this is outside of my speciality.
Amazing! How are the acetylcholine being combined? I see the CH3 loses a H+ and the two ACh are joining at the methyl group. Is there a halogen being introduced to cause the bond between the two ACh?
Oh I have no idea how the actual molecule is formed, haha. What’s important is that most of succinylcholine gets converted to succinylmonocholine before it ever gets to the acetylcholine receptors.
A lot of basic science to review…..
We don’t have sux in my workplace so my goto paralytic in stat intubations is rocuronium.
If I get the picture here, it is only with sux that we get phase one block right?
Another question: when facing an unpredicted difficult airway, edpecially in cannot ventilate situations, would you give the paralytic or use a supraglottic device and see, and it case it doesn’t work would you go for sux or roc?
Keep the good work up
Yeah, the normal effect of sux generates a phase 1 block. If you run a train-of-four, all four twitches will be similar in magnitude (ie, no “fade”). In “cannot ventilate” situations, I would push sux (assuming no contraindications) or high dose rocuronium to facilitate placement of a supraglottic device and/or mask ventilation.