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[Malignant hyperthermia in a pig anesthesized with desflurane]
C Bonome González1, F Alvarez-Refojo, C Fernández-Goti
1Servicio de Anestesiología y Reanimación, Hospital Juan Canalejo, Xubias de Arriba, 84, 15006 A Coruña. cesarbonome@jet.es
Revista Espanola De Anestesiologia Y Reanimacion
|March 22, 2001
Summary
Malignant hyperthermia (MH) can occur unexpectedly, even in pigs not genetically predisposed. Repeated exposure to desflurane triggered severe MH, highlighting the need for vigilance in anesthesia.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Veterinary Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a potentially fatal hypermetabolic reaction during anesthesia.
- Susceptibility to MH is often genetic, but non-genetic triggers are being investigated.
- Desflurane is an inhaled anesthetic agent known to potentially trigger MH in susceptible individuals.
Observation:
- A large-white pig, not genetically selected for MH susceptibility, was exposed to escalating concentrations of desflurane.
- The pig developed a severe episode of malignant hyperthermia despite the absence of known genetic predisposition.
- This case suggests that late-onset MH can be triggered by desflurane, even at lower concentrations with repeated exposure.
Findings:
- Non-genetic factors may contribute to malignant hyperthermia development.
- Repeated exposure to desflurane can trigger MH in susceptible animals.
- Low concentrations of desflurane can be a trigger for late-developing MH.
Implications:
- Anesthesiologists and veterinarians should consider the possibility of late-developing MH even in non-predisposed individuals.
- Careful monitoring and awareness of desflurane's potential to trigger MH are crucial.
- Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms of non-genetically triggered MH and identify at-risk patients.