Malignant Hyperthermia

Abstract

Malignant hyperthermia is considered as a life-threatening hypermetabolic crisis resulting from exposure to volatile anesthetic agents and depolarizing muscle relaxants. The sequel of event followed by the exposure to these triggers results in massive release of the calcium ions in the skeletal muscle resulting in sustained muscle contraction. The symptoms include hyperventilation, tachycardia, tachypnea, hyperthermia to acidosis, hypercapnia, and even rhabdomyolysis. The introduction of dantrolene has resulted in significant improvement in mortality associated with MH. This chapter aims to discuss the genetic factors associated with MH, the typical clinical presentation along with the diagnostic criteria, and appropriate management protocol used in case of malignant hyperthermia.