Malignant hyperthermia

• A
• B
• C
• D
• E
• F
• G
• H
• I
• J
• K
• L
• M
• N
• O
• P
• Q
• R
• S
• T
• U
• V
• W
• X
• Y
• Z

Hyperthermia - malignant; Hyperpyrexia - malignant

The best course of action for this condition is prevention. The use of appropriate anesthetic medication can prevent the complications of malignant hyperthermia during surgery. If you or other members of your family have a history of anesthesia-related problems, you must inform your surgeon and anesthesiologist.

For an episode of malignant hyperthermia, fever-reducing medicines (antipyretics) such as acetaminophen and a cooling blanket can help reduce fever. The use of a drug called dantrolene during episodes of malignant hyperthermia has greatly reduced the number of deaths.

Fluids given by IV and mouth, as well as certain medications, are essential for maintaining kidney function during an acute episode.

Malignant Hyperthermia Association of the United States - www.mhaus.org

Repeated episodes or untreated episodes can cause kidney failure. Untreated episodes can be fatal.

• Rhabdomyolysis, a kidney injury caused by excess myoglobin
• Renal failure
• Myopathy (weak muscles) or muscular dystrophy
• Death

If you know that you or a member of your family has had problems with general anesthesia, or if you know you have a family history of malignant hyperthermia, be sure to notify both the surgeon and the anesthesiologist before having any surgery.

Review Date: 09/08/2005
Reviewed By: Neal Sondheimer, M.D., PhD., Division of Genetics and Metabolism, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.