Hipertermia maligna: A propósito de un caso

Abstract

A 22-year old man underwent surgery due to an acute appendicitis. Anectine and sevoflurane were used to intubate him and to keep the anesthesia at a correct level. However, after a few minutes of anesthesia, there was a surprising exhaled carbon dioxide increase, tachycardia and hypotension. However, in the following hours in the observation room, CPK levels increased over 50,000 and prothrombine activity turned around 50%. Nowadays, malignant hyperthermia is one of the main worries and it is sometimes hard to be diagnosed due to incomplete medical profiles in previous anaesthesias without troubles. In summary, the best way to avoid a tragic evolution is to diagnose a malignant hyperthermia case as soon as possible and to implement immediate treatment. Copyright © 2007 Aran Ediciones, s. l.