Malignant Hyperthermia Syndrome

Genetics:

Autosomal dominant
Ca++ ryanodine receptor 1 RYR1.
Ca++ CACN1A3 muscle DPH sensitive Ca++ channel

Clinical features:

Hyperthermia
Rigidity, tachycardia, hypertension, fever, rising CO2, lactic acidosis, rhabdomyolysis
Triggered by anesthetic administration e.g. halothane. Also suxamethonium
Findings on investigations:
Rhabdomyolysis

Muscle biopsy:

Normal or Non-specific changes
Or pre-existing underlying myopathy: central core disease. Some forms of myotonic syndromes.

Investigations to consider:

ABG
Creatine kinase
Urine Myoglobin
Basic metabolic panel

Treatment:

Stop anaesthesia
Give Dantrolene
If acidotic; give bicarbonate
Following surgeries:
Pre-treat with dantrolene four times daily on the preceding day
Atropine is contraindicated
Consider the following anaesthetics:

  • Nitrous oxide, opiates, barbiturates, droperidol

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