[The effect of suxamethonium chloride on serum potassium levels during kidney transplantation].

The aim of the investigation was to determine the effect of suxamethonium chloride on potassium concentrations in serum during anaesthesia in renal transplantation. Potassium values were measured before the operation (control values), after the administration of suxamethonium chloride, after reinstatement of the blood flow in the transplanted kidney, and after the operation. The mean potassium values after suxamethonium chloride administration (5.33 mmol/L) and after the operation (5.17 mmol/L) were significantly higher than the values before the operation (4.82 mmol/L) (P less than 0.05). The difference between potassium concentrations before the operation (4.82 mmol/L) and those measured after reinstatement of the blood flow in the transplanted kidney (5.06 mmol/L) was not statistically significant (P greater than 0.05). Increase in potassium concentration following suxamethonium chloride administration calls for caution as it may produce a toxic effect on the cardiovascular system. The potassium values in patients with terminal renal failure should not be higher than 5 mmol/L before inducing anaesthesia.