Malignant hyperthermia--still a current and dangerous problem

Malignant hyperthermia is a potentially fatal condition inducible by volatile anaesthetics and/or suxamethonium in genetically susceptible individuals. A disturbed calcium homeostasis in skeletal muscle (possibly in the ryanodin receptor) results in elevated myoplasmatic calcium. The latter causes muscle contraction and a hypermetabolic state, clinically observed as rigidity, fever, hypercarbia, metabolic acidosis and hyperkalemia. Arythmia ensues. Dantrolene inhibits the release of calcium and can halt the process if the diagnosis is made early. A fatal incident of probable malignant hyperthermia in a 13 year old boy is described and evaluated according to a multifactorial clinical grading scale. The value of the in vitro contracture test to diagnose malignant hyperthermia is discussed. Suggestions concerning the treatment of masseterspasm rigidity, an acute episode of malignant hyperthermia, and safe anaesthesia for susceptible patients are presented.