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Ketamine does not trigger malignant hyperthermia in susceptible swine
M Dershwitz1, F A Sréter, J F Ryan
1Department of Anaesthesia, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston 02114.
Anesthesia and Analgesia
|October 1, 1989
Summary
Ketamine use in malignant hyperthermia (MH) susceptible swine is controversial. Our study found no MH signs in 76 MH-susceptible swine receiving ketamine anesthesia, suggesting potential safety in this population.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Anesthesiology
- Pharmacology
- Genetics
Background:
- Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a severe hypermetabolic crisis triggered by certain anesthetics.
- Ketamine's safety in MH-susceptible individuals remains a subject of debate.
- Swine models are crucial for studying MH due to genetic similarities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety of ketamine in malignant hyperthermia-susceptible (MHS) swine.
- To assess ketamine's potential to trigger MH episodes in a controlled MHS population.
- To inform anesthetic protocols for MHS individuals.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a herd of 76 inbred, MH-susceptible swine.
- Administered a total of 112 general anesthetics utilizing ketamine for induction.
- Maintained anesthesia with ketamine in 34 of the procedures.
Main Results:
- No signs or episodes of malignant hyperthermia were observed in any of the MHS swine.
- Ketamine administration did not appear to trigger hypermetabolic responses in this susceptible population.
- The drug was safely used for both anesthetic induction and maintenance.
Conclusions:
- Ketamine appears to be a safe anesthetic agent in MH-susceptible swine.
- This finding challenges the contraindication of ketamine in MH-susceptible populations.
- Further research may explore ketamine's role in managing anesthesia in MHS patients.