Malignant Hyperthermia

MH is a rare, but severe reaction to certain anesthetic drugs (volatile anesthetics and succinylcholine)

Causes sustained muscle contraction which leads to: Respiratory and metabolic acidosis, generalized rigidity (hypermetabolic crisis), and excessive heat production.

Autosomal dominant condition assessed for during history-taking (operative complications in family members)

Treatment:

• Discontinue the offending volatile anesthetic (or succinylcholine)

• Active cooling

• Dantrolene is a medication that may be used if MH presents unexpectedly

• Avoidance of volatile anesthetics and succinylcholine in high-risk patients