Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a rare but potentially fatal pharmacogenetic disorder of skeletal muscle triggered by exposure to volatile anesthetics or succinylcholine. It’s a particular danger in the OR, and providers must always watch for its signs and collaborate to respond as quickly as possible to save the patient on the table.
It’s not always easy to predict preoperatively if a patient is susceptible to MH. A new study, “A Proposed North American Approach for Genetic Testing of Individuals at Risk for Malignant Hyperthermia,” in the April issue of Anesthesiology proposes to improve the process.
The study, which has received an Affirmation of Value designation from the American Society of Anesthesiologists, “outlines a stepwise approach, using clinical history and assessment as well as interpretation of genetic variants, to balance risks and benefits for individuals at risk of this disorder.”
Review the full study, including a flow diagram designed to make clinical decisions easier in this patient population, here.
