[Malignant hyperthermia].

Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is one of the most feared syndromes in anesthesiology. Due to its rarity and adequate precautions instituted for susceptible patients, most anesthesiologist have never been involved in a case of MH. However, the lack of familiarity with the early signs of MH and quick and effective treatment can increase the potential for increased morbidity and mortality. MH involves a derangement at the molecular level at the ryanodine R1 receptor. This leads to abnormally high levels of intracellular calcium and extracellular potassium. These biochemical mechanisms lead to a hypermetabolic syndrome that if not treated early will prove deadly.