Abstract
Three cases of postoperative malignant hyperthermia (MH) episodes, after what was considered to be a “safe” anaesthetic, are described. In each case the temperature rose in a delayed fashion after an uneventful anaesthetic. Treatment included intravenous dantrolene, surface cooling and ventilation with 100 per cent oxygen. Stress in the postoperative period may have been the triggering factor responsible for these reactions. Patients should be monitored well into the postoperative period as MH episodes may occur long after surgery is completed. If stress represents a significant triggering mechanism then no anaesthetic technique can be considered entirely safe.
Résumé
On rapporte trois cas post-opératoires d’hyperthermie maligne (MH) après ce qu’on avait considéré être une anesthésie sans danger. Dans chacun des cas, la température monta avec retard après l’administration de l’anesthésie. Le traitement comprit l’infusion de dantrolene par voie intraveineuse, le refroidissement de surface et la ventilation avec 100pour cent d’oxygène. Le stress pendant la périods post-opératoire est peut-être l’étément qui a déclenché ces réactions. Les patients devraient être sous surveillance électronique pendant la période post-opératoire car des instances de MH peuvent intervenir bien après l’ intervention chirurgicale. Si le stress est un mécanisme de déclenchement important, aucune technique d’anesthésie n’est à consideérer sans danger.
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.
References
Kalow W, Britt BA, Richter A. The caffeine test of isolated human muscle in relation to malignant hyperthermia, Can Anaesth Soc J 1977; 24:678–94.
Wingard DW,Gatz EE. Some observations on stress susceptible patients. In: Aldrete JA, Britt BA, eds. Second International Symposium on Malignant Hyperthermia. New York. Grune and Stratton. 1978; 363–72.
Gronert GA, Thompson RL, Onofrio BM. Human malignant hyperthermia: Awake episodes and correction by dantrolene. Anesth Analg. 1980; 59: 377–8.
Lambert W, Dantrolene and caffeine contracture test. Can Anaesth Soc J (Letter) 1980; 27: 304.
Fitzgibbons DC. Malignant hyperthermia following preoperative oral administration of dantrolene. Anesthesiology 1981; 54: 73–5.
Aldrete A. Advances in the diagnosis and treatment of malignant hyperthermia. Acta Anaesthesiol Scand 1981; 25: 477–83.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Grinberg, R., Edelist, G. & Gordon, A. Postoperative malignant hyperthermia episodes in patients who received “safe” anaesthetics. Can Anaesth Soc J 30, 273–276 (1983). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03013807
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03013807