Successful management of malignant hyperthermia without dantrolene – A case report

Abstract

Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a rare inherited genetic disorder implicated in a life-threatening catastrophic event under general anaesthesia. In India, the total number of reported cases are of the magnitude of single digit due to lack of reporting. The mortality of MH is dramatically decreased from 70-80% to less than 5%, due to an introduction of dantrolene sodium for treatment of MH, early detection of MH episode using capnography, and the introduction of diagnostic testing for MH.In India, there is enormous dependence on clinical grading scale rather than halothane caffeine contraction test due to the lack of availability of accredited testing facilities. In addition to this, the drug of choice dantrolene, is not readily available everywhere in India. The scarcity of quintessential monitoring techniques cannot be ignored in peripheral areas. Despite these limitations many reported cases have survived with vigilant monitoring, prompt diagnosis and aggressive supportive care.