[New findings and experiences in the field of malignant hyperthermia]

New publications on malignant hyperthermia (MH), with direct clinical importance, are reported. Since even in the recent past patients have died from MH in spite of therapy with dantrolene, the effectiveness of dantrolene is discussed in particular. Atypical clinical pictures of MH are presented. Special psychiatric syndromes (malignant neuroleptic syndrome and acute febrile catatonia), rhabdomyolysis with myoglobinuria following strenuous exercise or exposure to heat are mentioned, as these disorders appear to be related to MH, in that they are hypermetabolic syndromes implying a muscle membrane dysfunction. The role of slow calcium channel blockers and 5-hydroxytryptamine antagonists as prophylactic or therapeutic agents in MH is discussed. A schedule describing how to diagnose, treat and prevent MH, considering recent advances, is presented.