MRCP revision battle 26.3: Malignant hyperthermia

Malignant hyperthermia is a rare, life-threatening condition in which there is a huge increase in the body's skeletal muscle oxidative metabolism, resulting in:

• hypercapnia
• increased oxygen consumption
• hyperthermia (T>38C)

Secondary problems which may develop from malignant hyperthermia include:

• renal failure
• arrhythmias
• DIC

Malignat hyperthermia may be caused by:

• any inhaled anaesthetic agent
• Succinylcholine  

It is often inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion.



Treatment is with dantrolene.



Onwards to benign intracranial hypertension...