Overview
Malignant hyperthermia is a progressive, life-threatening hyperthermic reaction that occurs during general anesthesia 1. It is a malignant hypermetabolic syndrome with an underlying genetic basis, affecting individuals susceptible to potent inhalational anesthetics or suxamethonium 1.Diagnosis
No specific clinical features are described 1.
Diagnosis requires recognition of the reaction in its early stages for prompt and aggressive treatment 1.
Guidelines include detailed guidance on clinical diagnosis 1.Management
Treatment must be prompt and aggressive to prevent fatality 1.
Crisis management guidelines are available as an aide memoire 1.
Guidance is provided for care and monitoring during and after the acute reaction has been reversed 1.Key Recommendations
Malignant hyperthermia is defined as a progressive life-threatening hyperthermic reaction occurring during general anaesthesia 1. (Evidence: Expert opinion)
Genetically susceptible individuals are at risk if exposed to potent inhalational anaesthetics or suxamethonium 1. (Evidence: Expert opinion)
The condition may prove fatal unless recognized early and treated promptly and aggressively 1. (Evidence: Expert opinion)References
1 Hopkins PM, Girard T, Dalay S, Jenkins B, Thacker A, Patteril M et al.. Malignant hyperthermia 2020: Guideline from the Association of Anaesthetists. Anaesthesia 2021. link