Treatment:

For an episode of malignant hyperthermia, a cooling blanket can help reduce fever. The use of a drug called dantrolene during episodes of malignant hyperthermia has greatly reduced the number of deaths.

Fluids given by IV and mouth, as well as certain medications, are essential for maintaining kidney function during an acute episode.

Support Groups:

Malignant Hyperthermia Association of the United States - www.mhaus.org

Expectations (prognosis):

Repeated episodes or untreated episodes can cause kidney failure. Untreated episodes can be fatal.

Complications:

• Rhabdomyolysis, a kidney injury caused by excess myoglobin
• Renal failure
• Myopathy (weak muscles) or muscular dystrophy
• Death

Calling your health care provider:

If you know that you or a member of your family has had problems with general anesthesia, or if you know you have a family history of malignant hyperthermia, be sure to notify both the surgeon and the anesthesiologist before having any surgery.