Malignant Hyperthermia Research Paper
Malignant hyperthermia
Email this page to a friend Print Facebook Twitter Google+
Malignant hyperthermia is a disease that causes a fast rise in body temperature and severe muscle contractions when someone with the disease gets general anesthesia. It is passed down through families.
Hyperthermia means high body temperature. This condition is not the same as hyperthermia from medical emergencies such as heat stroke or infection.
Causes
Malignant hyperthermia is inherited. Only 1 parent has to carry the disease for a child to inherit the condition.
It may occur with some other inherited muscle diseases, such as multiminicore myopathy and central core disease.
Symptoms
Symptoms of malignant hyperthermia include:
Bleeding
Dark brown urine …show more content…
Tests for the condition may include:
Blood clotting studies (PT, or prothombin time; PTT, or partial thrombloplastin time)
Blood chemistry panel, including CPK (creatinine phosphokinase, which is higher in the blood when muscle is destroyed during a bout of the illness)
Genetic testing to look for defects in the genes that are linked with the disease
Muscle biopsy
Urine myoglobin (muscle protein)
Treatment
During an episode of malignant hyperthermia, a medicine called dantrolene is often given. Wrapping the person in a cooling blanket can help reduce fever and the risk of serious complications.
To preserve kidney function during an episode, the person may receive fluids through a vein.
Support Groups
Malignant Hyperthermia Association of the United States -- www.mhaus.org. This organization's website has a special page for patients and families that includes information and support.
Outlook (Prognosis)
Repeated or untreated episodes can cause kidney failure. Untreated episodes can be fatal.
Possible Complications
These serious complications can occur:
Amputation
Breakdown of muscle tissue
Swelling of the hands and feet and problems with blood flow and nerve function (compartment …show more content…
Prevention
Tell your health care provider if you or anyone in your family has malignant hyperthermia, especially before having surgery with general anesthesia.
Avoid stimulant drugs such as cocaine, amphetamine (speed), and ecstasy. These drugs may cause problems similar to malignant hyperthermia in people who are prone to this condition.
Genetic counseling is recommended for anyone with a family history of myopathy, muscular dystrophy, or malignant hyperthermia.
Alternative Names
Hyperthermia - malignant; Hyperpyrexia - malignant
References
Curry SA, Garas M. Malignant hyperthermia. In: Ferri FF, ed. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2015. 1st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Mosby; 2014:section I.
Dinarello CA, Porat R. Fever and hyperthermia. In: Fauci A, Kasper D, Longo DL, et al, eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 17th ed. [online version]. New York, NY: McGraw Hill; 2008:chap
Email this page to a friend Print Facebook Twitter Google+
Malignant hyperthermia is a disease that causes a fast rise in body temperature and severe muscle contractions when someone with the disease gets general anesthesia. It is passed down through families.
Hyperthermia means high body temperature. This condition is not the same as hyperthermia from medical emergencies such as heat stroke or infection.
Causes
Malignant hyperthermia is inherited. Only 1 parent has to carry the disease for a child to inherit the condition.
It may occur with some other inherited muscle diseases, such as multiminicore myopathy and central core disease.
Symptoms
Symptoms of malignant hyperthermia include:
Bleeding
Dark brown urine …show more content…
Tests for the condition may include:
Blood clotting studies (PT, or prothombin time; PTT, or partial thrombloplastin time)
Blood chemistry panel, including CPK (creatinine phosphokinase, which is higher in the blood when muscle is destroyed during a bout of the illness)
Genetic testing to look for defects in the genes that are linked with the disease
Muscle biopsy
Urine myoglobin (muscle protein)
Treatment
During an episode of malignant hyperthermia, a medicine called dantrolene is often given. Wrapping the person in a cooling blanket can help reduce fever and the risk of serious complications.
To preserve kidney function during an episode, the person may receive fluids through a vein.
Support Groups
Malignant Hyperthermia Association of the United States -- www.mhaus.org. This organization's website has a special page for patients and families that includes information and support.
Outlook (Prognosis)
Repeated or untreated episodes can cause kidney failure. Untreated episodes can be fatal.
Possible Complications
These serious complications can occur:
Amputation
Breakdown of muscle tissue
Swelling of the hands and feet and problems with blood flow and nerve function (compartment …show more content…
Prevention
Tell your health care provider if you or anyone in your family has malignant hyperthermia, especially before having surgery with general anesthesia.
Avoid stimulant drugs such as cocaine, amphetamine (speed), and ecstasy. These drugs may cause problems similar to malignant hyperthermia in people who are prone to this condition.
Genetic counseling is recommended for anyone with a family history of myopathy, muscular dystrophy, or malignant hyperthermia.
Alternative Names
Hyperthermia - malignant; Hyperpyrexia - malignant
References
Curry SA, Garas M. Malignant hyperthermia. In: Ferri FF, ed. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2015. 1st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Mosby; 2014:section I.
Dinarello CA, Porat R. Fever and hyperthermia. In: Fauci A, Kasper D, Longo DL, et al, eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 17th ed. [online version]. New York, NY: McGraw Hill; 2008:chap