what is malignant hyperthermia

Malignant hyperthermia is a severe reaction to certain drugs used for anesthesia. It is a genetic disorder that causes a life-threatening reaction to certain anesthesia medications. The affected gene increases the risk of malignant hyperthermia when exposed to certain anesthesia drugs that trigger a reaction. Malignant hyperthermia susceptibility is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, which means one copy of the altered gene in each cell is sufficient to increase the risk of a severe reaction to certain drugs used during surgery. The affected gene is most commonly inherited, usually from one parent who also has it. The disorder usually runs in families, and people with family members that have had a malignant hyperthermia reaction are at risk. Signs and symptoms of malignant hyperthermia include tachycardia, tachypnea, hypoxemia, hypercarbia, metabolic and respiratory acidosis, hyperkalemia, cardiac dysrhythmias, hypotension, skeletal muscle rigidity, and hyperthermia. The earliest signs of malignant hyperthermia are usually hypercarbia and tachycardia due to elevated carbon dioxide production. The good news is that malignant hyperthermia is treatable and even preventable if you know you’re at risk for the condition.