Current concepts of malignant hyperthermia.

Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a chemically induced, genetic myopathy characterized by metabolic and respiratory acidosis, arrhythmias, hyperpyrexia, and muscular rigidity usually occurring during or within 24 hours postanesthesia. It is initiated by some anesthetic drugs, muscle relaxants, and possibly by catecholamines produced by stress. The incidence of the disease is 1:15,000 in populations who have received a general anesthetic. A recently developed platelet bioassay test allows for rapid identification of the susceptible individual, while medication with dantrolene sodium can usually prevent or reverse the syndrome.