Malignant hyperthermia

Introduction.

• Inherited disorder in skeletal muscle cells
• Autosomal dominant
• Variable penetrance
• Incidence:-   1:15 000 – paediatrics         1: 40 000 – adult
• Can be lethal

Aetiology.

• A genetic mutation in Rynodine receptor, an intracellular calcium channel in sarcoplasmic reticulum.
• When triggered, there is an exaggerated release of calcium ions causing hypermetabolism.
• Triggering agents:- Halogenated inhalational anaesthetic agents Suxamethonium
• They can be otherwise healthy individuals.
• More susceptible in :-
• Duchenne muscular dystrophy
• Central core disease
• Osteogenesis imperfecta
• Strabismus surgery
• Repeated anaesthetics
• Positive family history.