Anesthesia: Malignant Hyperthermia Response Malignant
hyperthermia is a rare, inherited (genetic) disorder that is
potentially fatal. It can be triggered by exposure to certain
anesthetics, particularly the potent inhalation anesthetics and
by succinylcholine (Anectine and Quelicin), a muscle relaxant.
The disorder is caused by too-rapid metabolism by the cells of
certain skeletal muscle tissue that leads to a breakdown of
these muscles. Signs of malignant hyperthermia include increased
carbon dioxide in the blood and lungs and increased blood
pressure, heart rate, and breathing. A rapid increase in body
temperature (hyperthermia) is frequently a late sign. If
untreated, malignant hyperthermia is usually fatal. When
triggered by anesthesia, malignant hyperthermia typically occurs
shortly after anesthesia is first given. But it can occur at any
time during anesthesia or in rare cases may occur as late as 24
hours after surgery. Malignant hyperthermia is very rare. But
you may be at an increased chance of getti