Dibucaine number

Dibucaine Number

The Dibucaine Number is a term used in the field of pharmacology to measure the sensitivity of an individual to the effects of certain local anesthetics. It is named after the drug dibucaine, which is commonly used in the test to determine an individual's Dibucaine Number.

Definition

The Dibucaine Number is defined as the percentage of inhibition of butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) activity caused by dibucaine. Butyrylcholinesterase is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the metabolism of certain drugs, including local anesthetics. The Dibucaine Number is used to assess the genetic variation in the BChE enzyme, which can affect an individual's response to local anesthetics.

Testing Procedure

To determine an individual's Dibucaine Number, a blood sample is collected and the activity of the BChE enzyme is measured. This is done by adding dibucaine to the blood sample and measuring the inhibition of BChE activity. The percentage of inhibition is then calculated, which represents the individual's Dibucaine Number.

Clinical Significance

The Dibucaine Number is used to identify individuals who may be at risk of prolonged or exaggerated responses to certain local anesthetics. It is particularly relevant in the case of drugs such as succinylcholine, which is commonly used during anesthesia. Individuals with a low Dibucaine Number (less than 30%) are considered to have a genetic variant of the BChE enzyme, known as the atypical variant. These individuals may experience prolonged paralysis and respiratory depression when exposed to succinylcholine.

Importance of Dibucaine Number

The Dibucaine Number is an important tool in the field of pharmacology as it helps healthcare professionals tailor anesthesia plans to individual patients. By knowing an individual's Dibucaine Number, an anesthesiologist can adjust the dosage and choice of local anesthetics to minimize the risk of adverse reactions. This personalized approach to anesthesia can greatly enhance patient safety and improve the overall quality of care.

See Also

• Local Anesthesia
• Pharmacogenomics
• Anesthesia

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