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Temperature changes are not late signs of malignant hyperthermia: A NAMH Registry of MHAUS Study

Temperature changes are not late signs of malignant hyperthermia: A NAMH Registry of MHAUS Study.

Larach MG, Allen GC, Brandom BW, Gronert GA, & Lehman EB. Presented to the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), 2008
Malignant hyperthermia poses a significant risk to affected patients. Despite modern treatment and increased availability and access to dantrolene, it is estimated that still about 35% of patients who experience an episode of malignant hyperthermia will have a complication related to the disease. Despite being named after the abrupt rise in temperature, classic teaching suggests that an increase in temperature is a sign that occurs late in the process of an episode of malignant hyperthermia. In 2010, an updated article was published which re-examined the characteristics of the patients and sequence of events that occurred during an episode of malignant hyperthermia. Contrary to classic teaching, this study showed that an increase in temperature was one of the first three signs to occur in over half
the cases and was the first sign in some cases. Rapid diagnosis can lead to faster initiation of treatment and improved outcomes. Based on these results, closer monitoring of temperature even for short surgeries may be prudent. ~ Ryan Lefevre, MD – Baylor Scott & White Health

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