Malignant hyperthermia: clinical features and management

Malignant hyperthermia is a syndrome that has no symptoms until the individual is given an anaesthetic, although cases have occurred as a result of Ecstasy ingestion. Delays in making the correct diagnosis can prove fatal. Practitioners should be aware of the agents that are known to trigger an MH reaction and the clinical manifestations of the condition. Treatment includes discontinuing the triggering agent, administering dantrolene and cooling the body.