Abstract
Malignant hyperthermia is a rare, life-threatening condition, usually triggered by exposure to certain drugs used for general anaesthesia - specifically volatile anaesthetics (halothane, isoflurane, sevoflurane) and neuromuscular blocking agents (esp. suxamethonium). In susceptible individuals, these drugs can induce a drastic and uncontrolled increase in oxidative metabolism in the skeletal muscle leading to muscle rigidity, which overwhelms the body's capacity to supply oxygen, remove carbon dioxide and regulate body temperature, eventually leading to circulatory collapse and death if not immediately treated.
This review article brings information about the pathophysiology, symptoms, treatment and prevention of malignant hyperthermia for a wide range of clinicians.