Thursday 7 October 2010

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...