Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a disease that causes a fast rise in body temperature and severe muscle contractions when someone with MH gets general anesthesia. MH 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.
Hyperthermia - malignant; Hyperpyrexia - malignant; MH
MH is inherited. Only one 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 of MH include:
During an episode of MH, 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.
These resources can provide more information about MH:
Repeated or untreated episodes can cause kidney failure. Untreated episodes can be fatal.
These serious complications can occur:
If you need surgery, tell both your surgeon and anesthesiologist before surgery if:
Using certain medicines can prevent the complications of MH during surgery.
Tell your health care provider before having surgery with general anesthesia, if you or anyone in your family has MH.
Avoid stimulant drugs such as cocaine, amphetamine (speed), and ecstasy. These drugs may cause problems similar to MH in people who are prone to this condition.
Genetic counseling is recommended for anyone with a family history of myopathy, muscular dystrophy, or MH.
American Association of Nurse Anesthetists. Malignant hyperthermia crisis preparedness and treatment: position statement. www.aana.com/docs/default-source/practice-aana-com-web-documents-(all)/malignant-hyperthermia-crisis-preparedness-and-treatment.pdf?sfvrsn=630049b1_8. Updated April 2018. Accessed May 6, 2019.
Kulaylat MN, Dayton MT. Surgical complications. In: Townsend CM Jr, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 20th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2017:chap 12.
Zhou J, Bose D, Allen PD, Pessah IN. Malignant hyperthermia and muscle-related disorders. In: Miller RD, ed. Miller's Anesthesia. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2015:chap 43.