[A remote access system for inquiry of centrally stored data on patients suspected of malignant hyperthermia . A...

Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is an inherited, potentially life-threatening syndrome of the skeletal muscles. It is a life-threatening complication of anaesthesia with a high mortality (8-10%). The risk of the patient during anaesthesia due to an overlooked predisposition for MH can be reduced by organisational measures, such as, all data of MH-susceptible patients and their families known in Germany must be brought together in a central register, MH-relevant data of patients must be readily retrievable, optional oral advice for those making an inquiry must be available.

To achieve this goal, a client-server system has been implemented: Standard Multimedia personal computers installed at the user's (anaesthetist's) site, linked to the Internet, will act as clients. On a server, relevant data of patients concerning MH-susceptibility are integrated in a central database. The newly developed software of this project ensures the legally prescribed data security on the server and the data routes. At the client's site, standard software together with automatically installed programmes from the server using Java applets ensure easy use and maintenance.

The total system was implemented and tested. Its functionality and high availability was demonstrated during this test period. Relevant aspects of data security were successfully examined by the data security officer of the University Hospitals of Baden-Württemberg. The user can optionally call a multifunctional teleconference which secures on-line advice if needed. This system demonstrates a safe and quick retrieval of MH relevant data of patients via Internet while at the same time guaranteeing all aspects of data protection and security.

A prototypical database access system is described. It ensures safe access to patient data via Internet, while guaranteeing all aspects of data security.