Diseases
malignant hyperthermia
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Overview
Malignant hyperthermia is a severe reaction to certain drugs used for anesthesia. This severe reaction typically includes a dangerously high body temperature, rigid muscles or spasms, a rapid heart rate, and other symptoms. Without prompt treatment, the complications caused by malignant hyperthermia can be fatal.
Symptoms
- severe muscle rigidity or spasms
- rapid, shallow breathing and problems with low oxygen and high carbon dioxide
- rapid heart rate
- patchy, irregular skin color (mottled skin)
- dangerously high body temperature
Causes
- malignant hyperthermia can result when you have mhs, a genetic disorder that's caused by a gene change (mutation). the affected gene increases your risk of malignant hyperthermia when you're exposed to certain anesthesia
Risk factors
- hereditary
- a history of muscle tissue breakdown called rhabdomyolysis
- certain muscle diseases and disorders caused by inherited gene changes
Diagnosis
- muscle biopsy (contracture test).
- genetic testing.
Medicines used
Frequently asked questions
What is malignant hyperthermia?
Malignant hyperthermia is a severe reaction to certain drugs used for anesthesia. This severe reaction typically includes a dangerously high body temperature, rigid muscles or spasms, a rapid heart rate, and other symptoms. Without prompt treatment, the complications caused by malignant hyperthermia can be fatal.
What are the symptoms of malignant hyperthermia?
severe muscle rigidity or spasms, rapid, shallow breathing and problems with low oxygen and high carbon dioxide, rapid heart rate, patchy, irregular skin color (mottled skin), dangerously high body temperature
What causes malignant hyperthermia?
malignant hyperthermia can result when you have mhs, a genetic disorder that's caused by a gene change (mutation). the affected gene increases your risk of malignant hyperthermia when you're exposed to certain anesthesia
Which medicines are used for malignant hyperthermia?
dantrolene
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