| Title | Malignant hyperthermia and its implications in general dentistry. | | Author(s) | Reifenstahl EF, Rowshan HH | | Source | Gen Dent 2009 May-June; 57(3):242-246. | | Abstract | Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is an uncommon and potentially life-threatening pharmacogenetic disorder. This abnormality in muscle metabolism can be triggered by a variety of agents (particularly general anesthetics and stress), resulting in a rapid heart rate increase, muscle rigidity, acidosis, temperature elevation, rhabdomyolysis, and renal failure. Immediate discontinuing of triggering agents, oxygenation, cooling, and dantrolene are necessary to treat an episode. MH-susceptible patients often indicate a positive family history of experiencing an adverse event during anesthesia. Few diagnostic tests are available to screen patients; the most accurate test is a skeletal muscle biopsy. MH-susceptible patients can undergo surgical procedures as necessary. Careful exploration of the medical history will allow the clinician to make the necessary modifications to treat and manage an episode expediently. | | Language | ENG | | Pub Type(s) | JOURNAL ARTICLE
| | PubMed ID | 19819813 |
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