Treatment:

During an episode of malignant hyperthermia, wrapping the patient in a cooling blanket can help reduce fever and the risk of serious complications. Drugs such as dantrolene, lidocaine, or a beta-blocker drug can help with heart rhythm problems.

To preserve kidney function during an episode, you must get fluids through a vein and by mouth, as well as certain medications.

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:

• Amputation
• Breakdown of muscle tissue (rhabdomyolysis)
• Compartment syndrome (swelling of the hands and feet and problems with blood flow and nerve function)
• Death
• Disseminating intravascular coagulation (abnormal blood clotting and bleeding)
• Heart rhythm problems
• Kidney failure
• Metabolic acidosis
• Respiratory dysfunction (fluid buildup in the lungs)
• Weak muscles (myopathy) or muscular dystrophy (deformity)

Calling your health care provider:

Tell both the surgeon and anesthesiologist before having any surgery if:

• You know that you or a member of your family has had problems with general anesthesia
• You know you have a family history of malignant hyperthermia