Malignant hyperthermia

Alternative names:

hyperpyrexia, malignant; hyperthermia, malignant

Definition:

An inherited condition that causes a severe uncontrollable fever during anesthesia or while using muscle relaxants.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Malignant hyperthermia is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait (it requires only one affected parent to inherit the condition). The condition may be associated with muscular diseases such as muscular dystrophy and central core disease.

Malignant hyperthermia is often noted for the first time during administration of anesthesia. The anesthetized patient rapidly develops a high fever and muscle rigidity. During these episodes, muscle tissue is destroyed and the released muscle pigments (myoglobin) may damage the kidneys and cause acute renal failure (see rhabdomyolysis). Malignant hyperthermia can be fatal if not treated immediately. It can be prevented by administration of appropriate drugs before anesthesia.