الفهرس 
INTRODUCTION ANDOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
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Abstract
Malignant hyperthermia is a relatively new disease. having been first
described in 1960. In the short time since then. this syndrome has been
doc.Jmented in hundreds of patients. an animal model has been charactenzed.
methods of avoidance aJld treatment haw been described. and morbidity and
mor.ali:y have been greatly reduced.
Anesthesiologists and patients have bewme aware of ,}-..;,s po:ential
problem. a.TJ.d there is an organization devoted to makir.g infonnation available
about t.1-J.e prevention and treatment of this disorder.
However. many important questions and controversial issues. remain.
Paramount among these. is the need for a readiiy available. accurate no!’
invasive and reliable test to conftnn the diagnosis of malignant hypertbennia
susceptibiliry.
The genetic defect responsible for the disease has yet to be elucidated. and the pathology of the syndrome is incompletely understood.
The most important consideration for the practicing anesthesiologist is a
constant awareness that this syndrome can and does occur. The earliest sign of
MH is tachycardia, tachypnea. muscle rigidity, fever and muscle breakdov..Tl.
The association of MH with a variety of muscle disorders has been confirmed repeatedly. How many muscle clisorders are associated with MH susceptibility is
not at all clear. Patients with muscle dystrophy should be treated as though they
are susceptible w malignant hypertltermia and agents which initiate MH should
be avoided.