Malignant hyperthermia
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| Malignant hyperthermia | |
|---|---|
| RYR1 protein structure | |
| Synonyms | N/A |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Muscle rigidity, high fever, tachycardia, acidosis |
| Complications | Rhabdomyolysis, renal failure, cardiac arrest |
| Onset | During or after exposure to triggering agents |
| Duration | Variable |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Genetic mutation in RYR1 or CACNA1S |
| Risks | Family history, certain anesthetic agents |
| Diagnosis | Caffeine-halothane contracture test, genetic testing |
| Differential diagnosis | Neuroleptic malignant syndrome, thyroid storm, sepsis |
| Prevention | Avoidance of triggering agents, genetic counseling |
| Treatment | Dantrolene, supportive care |
| Medication | Dantrolene |
| Prognosis | Good with prompt treatment |
| Frequency | 1 in 5,000 to 1 in 50,000 anesthesia cases |
| Deaths | Rare with treatment |
Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a type of severe reaction that occurs in response to particular medications used during general anesthesia, among other triggers. This reaction results in a high body temperature and severe muscle contractions. If not treated promptly, MH can result in serious complications and even death.
Causes[edit]
MH is usually triggered by exposure to certain drugs used for general anesthesia, such as volatile anesthetic agents and the muscle relaxant succinylcholine. These drugs can cause a rapid increase in the body's calcium level, leading to severe muscle contractions. In some cases, MH can also be triggered by extreme physical exertion or a high fever. MH is often inherited in an autosomal dominant manner, meaning that an affected person has a 50% chance of passing the disorder to each of their children.
Symptoms[edit]
The symptoms of MH can include a high body temperature, muscle rigidity, rapid heart rate, and rapid breathing. In severe cases, MH can lead to complications such as cardiac arrest, kidney failure, and disseminated intravascular coagulation, a condition that causes small blood clots to form throughout the body.
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of MH can be challenging, as the symptoms can be similar to those of other conditions. However, a definitive diagnosis can be made through a muscle biopsy, which involves removing a small sample of muscle tissue for examination under a microscope. Genetic testing can also be used to identify mutations associated with MH.
Treatment[edit]
The primary treatment for MH is the administration of the drug dantrolene, which helps to reduce muscle rigidity and lower body temperature. In addition to dantrolene, supportive care is also important, which may include measures to manage symptoms and prevent complications.
See also[edit]
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