Anaesthesia in malignant hyperthermia-susceptible patients without dantrolene prophylaxis: a report of 30 cases.

The intra- and postoperative course of 30 anaesthetics in 24 MH-carriers verified by in vitro contracture tests is reported. None of the patients received dantrolene prophylactically and only agents known to be nontriggers were used for anaesthesia. Neither MH-related changes in perioperative heart rates, body temperatures, and CK levels nor any other symptoms of MH were observed. We conclude that the prophylactic use of dantrolene is not necessary in patients suspected to be prone to MH if triggering agents are avoided and the patients are closely monitored.