Medications
What is the medication used to treat Malignant Hyperthermia?
Dantrolene
What is the first sign of an MH Crisis?
Unexplained tachycardia or PVC's
What is MH?
What is a potentially fatal inherited disorder. It is a biochemical chain reaction response, triggered by commonly used anesthetic gases and paralyzing agents, within the skeletal muscles of susceptible individuals.
What is the hotline to call when you identify an MH Crisis?
MHAUS
What is Dantrolene reconstituted with?
Preservative Free Sterile Water
What is the first thing the circulator does when an MH crisis is noticed?
Call 711, pull the code lever
What are triggering agents?
Anesthetic gases (Halothane, Isoflurane, Enflurane, Sevoflurane, Desflurane) and Succinylcholine
Where is the MHAUS number located?
on the MH Cart
How much sterile water do you reconstitute each Dantrolene vial with?
60 mL
The first thing anesthesia does when an MH crisis is identified?
Stop triggering agents (gases and succinylcholine) and hyperventilate with 100% Oxygen
What should anesthesia do if the patient has a history of MH?
Flush the anesthesia machine, change the filters and tape the gases in the "OFF" position
What are ways to cool your patient?
Ice packs, cool irrigation, cold IV saline, cooling blankets
What is the dosage and route of Dantrolene?
2.5mg/kg IV
What are other early signs of impending MH Crisis?
Increased End Tidal CO2, and Masseter muscle rigidity
What is the gold standard for MH testing?
A Muscle Biopsy - The Caffeine Halothane Contracture Test
Where is ice located?
In preop and pacu
How frequently you give Dantrolene?
Repeat as needed until symptoms decrease
What are complications of an MH Crisis?
what is cardiac arrest, brain damage, failure of body systems, cardiovascular collapse and possible death
When can MH Crisis occur?
Quickly after triggering agents are given, or within 1 hr up to 72 hrs post exposure
Where does the patient go after an MH Crisis?
Admit the patient to PACU or ICU for close monitoring post crisis