A genetic disorder of the autosomal dominant type in which a person has an often-fatal reaction to anesthesia. In those affected, the temperature rises dangerously (sometimes to 110°F or higher), metabolism is speeded up, and the muscles become rigid. Treatment involves attempting to bring down body temperature and right resulting imbalances. Parents with MH in their family must inform their doctor and any medical workers who may be treating their children.
Hereditary condition (autosomal dominant disease) in which very high body temperatures and muscle rigidity occur when the person is exposed to certain anesthetics (e.g., halothane, methoxyflurane). Treatment includes cooling, administration of oxygen, and intravenous administration of the drug dantrolene.
An inherited condition whose symptoms are usually triggered by anesthesia. Symptoms include extremely high temperature and muscular rigidity.
Also known as malignant hyperpyrexia; an inherited condition that causes a severe uncontrollable fever when a person is under general anesthesia or taking muscle relaxants. This condition is often associated with diseases such as muscular dystrophy. In most cases, malignant hyperthermia is diagnosed the first time a person undergoes anesthesia. Symptoms include muscle rigidity and a high fever; muscle destruction and death due to acute renal failure can result if the person is not treated immediately with medications such as dantrolene. Malignant hyperthermia can be prevented by the person taking appropriate medications before anesthesia.
A rare dominantly inherited genetic disorder which only becomes apparent when the person concerned has a general anaesthetic with a combination of an inhalation anaesthetic (usually halothane) and a muscle-relaxant drug (usually succinycholine). A life-endangering rise in temperature occurs, with muscular rigidity the first sign. Tachycardia, acidosis and shock usually ensue. About 1: 20,000 patients having general anaesthesia suffer from this disorder, which progresses rapidly and can even be fatal. Surgery and anaesthesia must be stopped immediately and appropriate corrective measures taken, including the intravenous administration of dantrolene. It is a important that when a case is identified, relatives are screened to ascertain if they have the condition.
An autosomal dominant disease marked by skeletal muscle dysfunction after exposure to some anesthetics or other stressors. Body temperatures may climb above 105° F. The condition may be fatal.
An identifiable form of response, potentially rooted in genetics, that may manifest during the administration of general anesthesia is characterized by the patient’s encounter with elevated body temperature, accompanied by muscular rigidity and fluctuations in both heart rate and blood pressure.
Malignant hyperthermia, also known as malignant hyperpyrexia, is a rare condition characterized by a sudden and potentially dangerous spike in body temperature, triggered by general anesthesia. It typically results from exposure to inhaled anesthetics such as halothane and enflurane, or to the muscle-relaxant drug succinylcholine. In the majority of instances, susceptibility to malignant hyperthermia is inherited following an autosomal dominant pattern. Additionally, individuals with specific muscle disorders may also be at an increased risk.
The patient’s body temperature quickly elevates following the administration of anesthesia, sometimes reaching as high as 42°C (107.6°F). Concurrently, substantial amounts of lactic acid transition from the muscles into the bloodstream, triggering acidosis that can potentially result in kidney damage. There are indications of drastically boosted metabolism, such as a rise in heart and breathing rates. The muscles become rigid and the patient’s skin color may take on a bluish tint. Without prompt emergency intervention, the patient may swiftly progress to seizures and potential death.
Malignant hyperthermia might be suspected if a patient doesn’t exhibit normal relaxation during the initial stages of anesthesia. If this condition arises, the administration of anesthesia is halted immediately, and the patient’s body is cooled using ice packs. Oxygen is supplied, and repeated intravenous doses of dantrolene sodium are administered until the body temperature normalizes. The patient will also be provided with intensive care.
If an individual is known to have susceptibility to malignant hyperthermia, or there’s a family history of the condition, it’s essential that the anesthetist be notified prior to any surgical procedure. This remains necessary even if the patient has previously had general anesthesia without complications. To preemptively guard against hyperthermia, the patient may be administered dantrolene sodium prior to surgery.