Malignant hyperthermia in Mainland China: an analysis of 34 cases / 中华麻醉学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To analyze the clinical data and features of malignant hyperthermia (MH) in Mainland China and address the problems associated with diagnosis and treatment of MH.Methods Thirty-four cases of MH which occurred in Mainland China from January 1978 to March 2004 were reviewed and analyzed. Results MH syndrome occurred more frequently in adolescents with more males than females and developed very often during oral surgery ( especially cleft lip and palate repair), orthopedic surgery and pediatric surgery for congenital anomalies. The main clinical manifestations included hypercapnia, high body temperature and muscle rigidity. In most cases diagnosis of MH was made based on clinical manifestations only without'in vitro contracture test the golden standard for diagnosis of MH. No specific treatment was available and no epidemiological study was done. Conclusion The report of MH has been increasing recently in Mainland China. Studies on MH should be intensified by establishing the standard of laboratory diagnosis of MH.