Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 5, 2026
Mouse Body Temperature Measurement Using Infrared Thermometer During Passive Systemic Anaphylaxis and Food Allergy Evaluation
Published on: September 14, 2018
Prevalence of malignant hyperthermia and relationship with anesthetics in Japan: data from the diagnosis procedure
Masahiko Sumitani1, Kanji Uchida, Hideo Yasunaga
1Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Relief Center, University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan. sumitanim-ane@h.u-tokyo.ac.jp
Background:
Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a rare but life-threatening disease that occurs during general anesthesia. The actual prevalence of MH remains unclear, and the association between MH and various anesthetic drugs remains controversial because of a lack of universal reporting.
Methods:
Using the Japanese Diagnosis Procedure Combination database, we collected data of inpatients who had general anesthesia between July and December 2006-2008. Patients' age, gender, diagnoses, procedures, and the use of drugs during anesthesia, including volatile agents, muscle relaxants, and propofol, were investigated. Univariate comparisons were made to examine the relationship of each anesthetic drug or demographic factor with the occurrence of MH.
Results:
Of 1,238,171 surgical patients undergoing general anesthesia, we identified 17 MH patients. Only one in-hospital death was identified. Men were significantly more likely to contract MH(odds ratio: 3.49; 95% CI 1.14 -10.7; P=0.029). No MH patient was found among 19,871 suxamethonium users. The prevalence of MH was relatively high in users of sevoflurane and rocuronium compared with nonusers but was not statistically significant [corrected]..
Conclusions:
No single drug was significantly associated with the occurrence of MH. Data should be continuously compiled, and further analyses with larger numbers of cases are necessary to identify possible causative agents.
Insights
Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a rare anesthesia complication. This study found no specific anesthetic drug significantly linked to MH, though men were more susceptible. Further research is needed to identify causative agents.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Pharmacovigilance
- Medical Informatics
Background:
- Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a rare, life-threatening reaction during general anesthesia.
- The true prevalence of MH and its association with anesthetic drugs are poorly understood due to inconsistent reporting.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of MH and its association with anesthetic agents using a large national database.
- To identify potential risk factors, including demographic factors and specific drugs, associated with MH occurrence.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of inpatient data from the Japanese Diagnosis Procedure Combination database (2006-2008).
- Inclusion of patients undergoing general anesthesia, examining age, gender, diagnoses, procedures, and anesthetic drug use (volatile agents, muscle relaxants, propofol).
- Univariate comparisons to assess the relationship between anesthetic drugs/demographics and MH incidence.
Main Results:
- Out of 1,238,171 patients, 17 cases of MH were identified; one in-hospital death occurred.
- Men showed a significantly higher likelihood of developing MH (odds ratio: 3.49, P=0.029).
- No MH cases were observed in 19,871 patients receiving suxamethonium; sevoflurane and rocuronium users showed a non-significant trend towards higher MH prevalence.
Conclusions:
- No single anesthetic drug was found to be significantly associated with MH occurrence in this study.
- Continuous data compilation and larger-scale analyses are essential to pinpoint potential causative agents for MH.
- Further investigation is warranted to clarify the relationship between specific anesthetic agents and malignant hyperthermia.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Inhalational Anesthetics: Overview
01:24General Anesthesia: Overview
General anesthesia induces unconsciousness in the whole body, while the others target specific areas or sensations. It is administered to minimize adverse effects, maintain...