Suspected Malignant Hyperthermia and the Application of a Multidisciplinary Response

Healthcare (Basel). 2020 Sep 9;8(3):328. doi: 10.3390/healthcare8030328.

Abstract

Purpose: Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a critical and potentially life-threatening emergency associated with inhaled anesthetic and depolarizing neuromuscular blocker administration. This is a single center's response to MH.

Summary: When signs of MH are observed, a page for "anesthesia STAT-MH crisis" is called, triggering a multidisciplinary response, including the deployment of a Malignant Hyperthermia Cart. The MH cart and the delegation of duties allows nurses, physicians and pharmacists to quickly understand their role in the stabilization, transition and recovery of a suspected MH patient.

Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of multi-disciplinary involvement in these rare, but potentially fatal, cases.

Keywords: collaborative practice; malignant hyperthermia; perioperative care.

Publication types

  • Case Reports