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Malignant hyperthermia is an inherited disease that causes a rapid rise in body temperature (fever) and severe muscle contractions when the affected person receives general anesthesia.
This condition is not the same as hyperthermia that is due to medical emergencies such as heat stroke or infection.
Alternative NamesHyperthermia - malignant; Hyperpyrexia - malignant
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsMalignant hyperthermia is inherited. Only one parent has to carry the disease for a child to inherit the condition. It may be associated with muscular diseases such as multiminicore myopathy and central core disease.
SymptomsSymptoms include:
- Rapid rise in temperature to 105 degrees F or higher
- Muscle rigidityand stiffness
- Dark brown urine
- Muscle ache without obvious exercise to explain sore muscles
- Bleeding
Malignant hyperthermia is often discovered after a patient is given anesthesia during a surgical procedure.
There may be a family history of malignant hyperthermia or unexplained death during anesthesia.
The person may have a rapid and often irregular heart rate.
Tests that may be done include:
- Chem-20
- Genetic testing to look for defects in the RYR1 gene
- Muscle biopsy
- Myoglobin in the urine
During an episode of malignant hyperthermia, wrapping the patient in a cooling blanket can help reduce fever and the risk of serious complications. Drugs such as dantrolene, lidocaine, or a beta-blocker drug can help with heart rhythm problems.
Fluids given by through a vein and by mouth, as well as certain medications, are essential for maintaining kidney function during an acute episode.
Support GroupsMalignant Hyperthermia Association of the United States - www.mhaus.org
Expectations (prognosis)Repeated episodes or untreated episodes can cause kidney failure. Untreated episodes can be fatal.
Complications- Breakdown of muscle tissue (rhabdomyolysis)
- Weak muscles (myopathy) or muscular dystrophy
- Kidney failure
- Metabolic acidosis
- Death
Notify both the surgeon and anesthesiologist before having any surgery if:
- You know that you or a member of your family has had problems with general anesthesia
- You know you have a family history of malignant hyperthermia
If you or anyone in your family has malignant hyperthermia it is very important to tell your doctor, especially before having surgery with general anesthetic. The use of appropriate medications can prevent the complications of malignant hyperthermia during surgery.
It is important to avoid stimulant drugs such as cocaine, amphetamine (speed), and ecstasy. They may produce malignant hyperthermia-like problems in people who are susceptible.
Genetic counseling is recommended for anyone with a family history of myopathy, muscular dystrophy, or malignant hyperthermia.
ReferencesVicario S. Heat illness. In: Marx J, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 6th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2006:chap 139.
Dinarello CA, Porat R. Fever and hyperthermia. In: Fauci A, Kasper D, Longo DL, et al, eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 17th ed. [online version]. New York, NY:McGraw Hill;2008:chap 17.
What else can I help you with?
How can you tell if you have malignant hyperthermia?
The only way to get malignant hyperthermia is (1) have the genes and (2) get a drug called succinylcholine, which is used to paralyze muscles for surgery.
Can Marijuana cause a Malignant Hyperthermia reaction?
yes....................
What is the drug of choice for malignant hyperthermia?
Dantrolene Sodium
Is there a cure or treatment for malignant hyperthermia?
yup there is treatment
Relief of dantrolene suggests that the fever was due to malignant hyperthermia?
yes
What is a late clinical sign associated with the end stages of malignant hyperthermia?
which is a late clinical sign associated with the end stges of malignant hyperthermiia
Can can Necrosis and gangrene can result from malignant hyperthermia?
Malignant hyperthermia is anesthesia induced and causes genetic predisposed individuals to suffer from uncontrolled increase in skeletal muscle oxidative metabolism. This overwhelms the body responses and may lead to circulatory collapse, necrosis , gangrene and death.
What has the author Arthur Lazarus written?
Arthur Lazarus has written: 'The neuroleptic malignant syndrome and related conditions' -- subject(s): Adverse effects, Antipsychotic drugs, Catatonia, Major Tranquilizing Agents, Malignant hyperthermia, Neuroleptic malignant syndrome, Side effects
What are criteria used in diagnosing neuroleptic malignant syndrome?
The usual diagnostic criteria for neuroleptic malignant syndrome includes the presence of hyperthermia (temperature over 38?C or 101?F) with no other assignable cause, muscle rigidity.
What is the metabolic storm that develops during malignant hyperthermia?
Malignant hyperthermia is a potentially life-threatening condition triggered by certain medications used during anesthesia. It results in uncontrolled hypermetabolism, leading to high fever, muscle rigidity, and potentially dangerous metabolic imbalances such as increased oxygen consumption, acidosis, and electrolyte abnormalities. This metabolic storm can be fatal if not promptly diagnosed and treated.
What muscle relaxant is also used to prevent hyperthermia?
Dantrolene is a muscle relaxant that appears to work to prevent the release of calcium. After the widespread introduction of treatment with dantrolene, the mortality of malignant hyperthermia fell from 80% in the 1960s to less than 5%. Azumolene has also been shown to be as effective as dantrolene.
What has the author Jiefei Tong written?
Jiefei Tong has written: 'Defects in the Ca2+ release channel of skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum that are associated with malignant hyperthermia and central core disease'
