Abstract
Numerous pediatric genetic disorders have anesthetic implications; however,
the ones that should be familiar to all anesthesiologists are those associated with
malignant hyperthermia, pseudocholinesterase deficiency, and opioid prescribing.
Genetic defects leading to ryanodine receptor mutations in malignant hyperthermia
require attention in both anesthetic technique and pre-induction preparation.
Pseudocholinesterase deficiency associated with rare mutations of
pseudocholinesterase may be encountered by all anesthesiologists and has specific
operative and postoperative considerations. Finally, opioids are a common modality for
pain control throughout surgical care. Awareness of genetic differences in activation
and metabolism for different opioids, as illustrated with codeine usage in pediatrics, is
necessary for safe pain management prescribing.
Keywords: Butyrylcholinesterase, Central Core disease, Codeine, CYP enzyme, King-Denborough syndrome, Malignant hyperthermia, Native American myopathy, Opioids, Pediatric anesthesia, Pediatric, pseudocholinesterase deficiency, Pediatric analgesia