Definition
Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a fast and harmful rise in body temperature.
Causes
This problem is often caused by a faulty gene. People who have the gene have malignant hyperthermia susceptibility.
MH can be triggered by certain medicines, mainly anesthesia and muscle relaxers.
Risk Factors
This problem is more common in young adults and men. Having others in the family with this problem also raises the risk a person will have it.
Symptoms
Problems may start after medicine is given. A person may have:
- Fever higher than 105°F (40.6°C)
- Stiff muscles
- Muscle spasms, mainly in the face
- Fast breathing
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Dark urine
- An uneven skin color
Diagnosis
MH is an emergency. It is diagnosed based on symptoms and recent anesthesia.
MH susceptibility may be suspected based on a person's medical and family history. Genetic testing and a muscle biopsy may be done to confirm it.
Treatment
Any medicine causing this problem will be stopped or changed. Medicine may also be given to lower body temperature.
Emergency care will be needed, such as:
- Oxygen therapy
- Ending or postponing surgery
- Supportive care and monitoring
Prevention
A person with MH susceptibility or a family history of MH should share this information with their doctors, mainly before any surgery or procedure.
Definition
Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a fast and harmful rise in body temperature.
Causes
This problem is often caused by a faulty gene. People who have the gene have malignant hyperthermia susceptibility.
MH can be triggered by certain medicines, mainly anesthesia and muscle relaxers.
Risk Factors
This problem is more common in young adults and men. Having others in the family with this problem also raises the risk a person will have it.
Symptoms
Problems may start after medicine is given. A person may have:
- Fever higher than 105°F (40.6°C)
- Stiff muscles
- Muscle spasms, mainly in the face
- Fast breathing
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Dark urine
- An uneven skin color
Diagnosis
MH is an emergency. It is diagnosed based on symptoms and recent anesthesia.
MH susceptibility may be suspected based on a person's medical and family history. Genetic testing and a muscle biopsy may be done to confirm it.
Treatment
Any medicine causing this problem will be stopped or changed. Medicine may also be given to lower body temperature.
Emergency care will be needed, such as:
- Oxygen therapy
- Ending or postponing surgery
- Supportive care and monitoring
Prevention
A person with MH susceptibility or a family history of MH should share this information with their doctors, mainly before any surgery or procedure.
This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.
Edits to original content made by Denver Health.
Copyright © EBSCO Information Services
All rights reserved.
a
(Malignant hyperpyrexia; Malignant Hyperthermia Susceptibility)
References
FAQs: General MH questions. Malignant Hyperthermia Association of the United States website. Available at: http://www.mhaus.org/faqs/category/frequently-asked-questions-about/about-mh/. Accessed December 3, 2019.
Malignant hyperthermia. American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine website. Available at: http://aanem.org/Patients/Disorders/Malignant-Hyperthermia. Accessed December 3, 2019.
Malignant hyperthermia. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
https://www.dynamed.com/condition/malignant-hyperthermia
. Updated March 4, 2016. Accessed December 3, 2019.
Rosenberg H, Pollock N, et al. Malignant hyperthermia: a review. Orphanet J Rare Dis. 2015 Aug 4;10:93.
