Malignant hyperthermia

Abstract

Malignant hyperthermia is a rare metabolic crisis triggered by volatile anesthetics and/or succinylcholine. It is important to remember that hyperthermia is not always present and may even present late in the course. Early recognition of the most common signs and symptoms is critical to diagnosis and treatment. Malignant hyperthermia was associated with a high mortality rate, but this has decreased with the use of dantrolene.  Although this is frequently reported in the anesthesia and surgical literature, it is important that critical care units that use succinylcholine as part of their intubation sequence be prepared to identify and treat this serious syndrome.