Malignant hyperthermia (high temperature)

About Malignant hyperthermia (high temperature)

An inherited disorder in which patients can have serious adverse reactions to certain anesthetic drugs. The disorder is characterized by a sudden and dangerous elevation of the body temperature usually after receiving anesthetic gas or the paralytic drug succinylcholine. This disorder is autosomal dominant meaning that only one parent must have the disease to pass the disorder on to their children. The disease can be very serious causing permanent injury to the kidneys and result in death.

Symptoms

Rapid rise in temperature to 105 degrees F or higher, muscle rigidity and stiffness, dark brown urine, muscle ache.

Tests & Diagnostics

A history and physical exam will be performed. Tests to identify the defective gene can be performed. A family history of similar problems may be discovered. Other tests to determine damage done by the high fever will be done.

Common tests: Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, EKG, Urinalysis (UA), X-ray.

Conventional treatment summary

Treatment includes: a cooling blanket and intravenous fluids to help reduce fever. Dantrolene is a muscle relaxant and has been shown to decrease the mortality of malignant hyperthermia. For additional information contact the Malignant Hyperthermia Association of the United States at http://www.mhaus.org or call (800) 644-9737 (for emergencies only).

Medical specialties

Anesthesiology · Critical Care Medicine

This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Malignant hyperthermia (high temperature).