 | | | | Medical Health Encyclopedia | |
Malignant hyperthermia
Definition:
Malignant hyperthermia is an inherited disease that causes a rapid rise in body temperature (fever) and severe muscle contractions when the affected person undergoes general anesthesia. This condition is not the same as hyperthermia due to medical emergencies such as heat stroke. Text Continues Below
Alternative Names:
Hyperthermia - malignant; Hyperpyrexia - malignant Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
Malignant hyperthermia is often noted for the first time after a patient is given anesthetic drugs during a surgical procedure. The anesthetized patient quickly develops muscle rigidity. Body temperature rapidly rises to 105 degrees F or higher. During these episodes, muscle tissue is destroyed and, eventually, kidney failure may result. Urine may turn a dark color (see rhabdomyolysis). Malignant hyperthermia is an autosomal dominant trait, meaning it requires only one parent carrying the disease for a child to inherit the condition. It may be associated with muscular diseases such as multiminicore myopathy and central core disease. The condition requires immediate treatment. References:
Marx J. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 5th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2002:2000.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. | |
| 
.gif)
