02-28-2008, 02:43 PM
The answer is: E
Induction of anesthesia by parenteral administration of thiopental sodium and other barbiturates is absolutely contraindicated in patients who have acute intermittent porphyria. These patients have a defect in regulation of -aminolevulinic acid synthetase; thus, administration of a barbiturate that increases this enzyme may cause a dangerous increase in levels of porphyrins. Administration of a barbiturate would exacerbate the symptoms of gastrointestinal and neurologic disturbances, cause extensive demyelination of peripheral and cranial nerves, and could lead to death
Induction of anesthesia by parenteral administration of thiopental sodium and other barbiturates is absolutely contraindicated in patients who have acute intermittent porphyria. These patients have a defect in regulation of -aminolevulinic acid synthetase; thus, administration of a barbiturate that increases this enzyme may cause a dangerous increase in levels of porphyrins. Administration of a barbiturate would exacerbate the symptoms of gastrointestinal and neurologic disturbances, cause extensive demyelination of peripheral and cranial nerves, and could lead to death