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Malignant hyperthermia

Alternative Names: Hyperthermia - malignant; Hyperpyrexia - malignant Symptoms: Rapid rise in temperature after general anesthesia is given Muscle rigidity and stiffness after general anesthesia is given Dark brown urine Muscle ache without obvious exercise to explain sore muscles Family history of malignant hyperthermia or unexplained death during anesthesia Signs and tests: Blood chemistry ( chem-20 ) shows increased blood levels of creatine phosphokinase (CPK ), potassium, uric acid, phosphate. Myoglobin in the urine is elevated. Muscle biopsy may show abnormal results in response to certain drugs such as caffeine and halothane (an anesthetic) and abnormal muscle fibers. Genetic testing such as ryanodine receptor (RYR1) may show gene abnormalities. Phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy, a research test, may show abnormal muscle function. References: Marx J. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 5th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2002:2000.

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