Malignant hyperthermia syndrome in the intensive care unit : Differential diagnosis and acute measures

Malignant hyperthermia is a life-threatening disease caused by derangement of the autonomic nerve system and hypermetabolism of the peripheral musculature. Commonly body core temperatures of more than 40 °C will be found in this disease which is caused mostly by psychopharmacological drugs like antidepressants, neuroleptics but also antibiotics, pain killers, anti-Parkinson drugs, and volatile anesthetics. The inducers of malignant hyperthermia interact with postsynaptic receptors (serotonin, anticholinergics) or muscular intracellular structures responsible for calcium utilization (volatile anesthetics, succinylcholine). Rarely malignant hyperthermia is a consequence of mental stress or vigorous exercise and or heat. Malignant hyperthermic syndromes lead to a severe dysbalance of the autonomic nerve system accompanied by rhabdomyolysis, disseminated intravascular coagulopathy, and finally multi-organ failure. Accordingly, medical management is primarily directed to stabilize vital functions, withdrawal of the causing drug, and if possible antagonizing toxic substances. The leading symptom hyperthermia needs to be treated physically with available cooling systems.