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Halothane-induced porcine malignant hyperthermia: metabolic and hemodynamic changes
Anesthesiology
|January 1, 1976
Summary
Malignant hyperthermia-susceptible swine exposed to halothane showed initial non-hypoxic lactate increases. This led to increased oxygen consumption, acidosis, and circulatory failure.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Physiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a severe pharmacogenetic disorder of skeletal muscle.
- Halothane is a volatile anesthetic agent known to trigger MH episodes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the metabolic, hemodynamic, and neuroendocrine responses to halothane in malignant hyperthermia-susceptible (MHS) swine.
- To differentiate responses between normal and MHS swine under halothane anesthesia.
Main Methods:
- Five normal and five MHS swine were ventilated with halothane under constant-volume ventilation.
- Metabolic parameters (lactate, oxygen consumption), hemodynamic status, neuroendocrine markers, and temperature were monitored.
- No therapeutic interventions were administered during the study.
Main Results:
- MHS swine exhibited initial, non-hypoxic increases in blood lactate concentrations.
- Whole-body and hind limb muscle oxygen consumption significantly increased in MHS swine.
- Secondary effects in MHS swine included respiratory and metabolic acidosis, hyperkalemia, elevated catecholamines, increased temperature, and circulatory failure.
Conclusions:
- Halothane triggers a hypermetabolic state in MHS swine, characterized by increased oxygen and lactate consumption.
- The observed physiological derangements, including circulatory failure, are a direct consequence of the hypermetabolic response to halothane in susceptible individuals.

