 Malignant
Hyperthermia
What is Malignant Hyperthermia?
Malignant hyperthermia is a rare
inherited disease that causes rapid onset of extremely high body temperature
associated with muscle rigidity and injury in people exposed to certain
types of anesthesia. It often occurs in the operating room during surgery,
but can also occur in other places such as the recovery room.
What Causes Malignant
Hyperthermia?
Malignant hyperthermia is triggered
by gaseous, inhaled anesthetics, which cause a chain of events within
the body of a susceptible person. The chain reaction starts when the presence
of the anesthetic initiates the release of calcium within muscles. The
level of calcium increases in the muscle cells. These high levels increase
metabolism and also cause the muscle to contract and stay contracted,
which results in production of heat, acidosis, and muscle cell breakdown.
How is Malignant Hyperthermia
Diagnosed?
The most accurate way to diagnose
malignant hyperthermia is by conducting a muscle biopsy.
How is Malignant Hyperthermia
Treated?
Prevention is the key to malignant
hyperthermia. Patients should be sure to tell their doctors if they or
someone in their family has had a similar reaction to anesthia in the
past. The best way to ensure full recovery of malignant hyperthermia is
by identifying that it exists early on. Once that is done, the drug dantrolene
sodium is given to treat and reduce the symptoms.
What is the Incidence of
Malignant Hyperthermia?
Malignant hyperthermia is inherited.
If one parent has it, each child has a 50% chance of inheriting it. Anywhere
from 1 in 5000 to 1 in 65,000 people have this syndrome. 10% of Malignant
Hyperthermia episodes in the operating room result in death due to brain
damage, internal hemorrhaging, or other system failures.
How to Find a Specialist
To find a physician board-certified
to conduct needle EMGs and nerve conduction studies click here: www.abemexam.org
For More Information
Malignant Hyperthermia Association
of the US: www.mhaus.org
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