Overview

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.

SymptomsandDiagnosis

Symptoms

Problems may start after medicine is given. A person may have:

  • Fever higher than 105 degrees Fahrenheit (ºF) (40.6 degrees Celsius [ºC])
  • Stiff muscles
  • Muscle spasms, mainly in the face
  • Fast breathing
  • Fast or irregular heartbeat
  • Dark urine
  • An uneven skin color
Muscle Fibers
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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.

Treatments

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.

a (Malignant hyperpyrexia; Malignant Hyperthermia Susceptibility)

RESOURCES

American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine http://aanem.org 

Malignant Hyperthermia Association of the United States http://www.mhaus.org 

CANADIAN RESOURCES

Canadian Organization for Rare Disorders http://www.raredisorders.ca 

Health Canada https://www.canada.ca 

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.