Malignant Hyperthermia Awareness Month

Malignant Hyperthermia Awareness Month

March is Malignant Hyperthermia Awareness and Training Month. Malignant Hyperthermia Awareness Month reminds us that a Malignant Hyperthermia crisis is best managed with preparation. Get involved with the Malignant Hyperthermia Association of the United States during Malignant Hyperthermia Awareness Month.

The awareness colors for MH vary. Many organizations, for example, use the color blue or lime green to represent Malignant Hyperthermia. However, others use red and white pinstripes or black and red pinstripes for the cause. The choice is up to you or your organization. Look to Personalized Cause to find enamel awareness pins, fabric ribbons, and silicone wristband bracelets in these colors to raise awareness.

Malignant Hyperthermia is often experienced in individuals undergoing, what was expected to be, routine surgery. But it can also happen to a person outside of the operating room. Malignant Hyperthermia is a genetic disorder found in an estimated 1 out of 2,000 people.

What is Malignant Hyperthermia?

Malignant Hyperthermia (MH) is an inherited genetic disorder found in an estimated 1 out of 2,000 people and triggered by certain anesthetics and/or the drug succinylcholine. It is most often experienced in individuals undergoing routine surgery. In rare cases, however, MH can happen without anesthesia. The disorder is due to abnormally increased levels of cell calcium in the skeletal muscle. Symptoms can include, for instance, body temperature of up to 107 degrees, muscle rigidity, system-wide organ failure, and possible death.

There is mounting evidence that some patients will also develop MH with exercise and/or on exposure to hot environments. Without proper and prompt treatment with dantrolene sodium, mortality is extremely high.

How You Can Prepare

Healthcare professionals are encouraged to keep MH training current in order to rapidly recognize and diagnose the disorder. In addition, they’re expected to maintain an appropriate supply of the drugs and equipment needed to successfully treat a Malignant Hyperthermia emergency. Further, they are expected to execute plans to transport a MH-suspected patient. In addition, patients and families are encouraged to document their health history and wear identification tags that can alert healthcare professionals to the disorder. They can then work together with healthcare professionals in their community to build awareness about Malignant Hyperthermia.

The Malignant Hyperthermia Association

The mission of Malignant Hyperthermia Association of the United States is to promote optimum care and scientific understanding of MH and related disorders. MH episodes can happen at any time. The best way to protect your family and patients is to be prepared before it’s too late.

About MHAUS

MHAUS was founded by families who lost their children to MH or could not find information about MH. In 1981 they found each other, and a doctor performing MH testing. They agreed to make current information about MH available to all who need it. This is the true definition of awareness!

Since 1981 MHAUS has encouraged the following:

• Asked the World Health Organization (WHO) to add MH to its list of recognized diseases and disorders.
• Initiated, in 1983, the first MHAUS healthcare professional and patient teaching conference.
• In 1992, the FDA ordered pharmaceutical companies that manufacture succinylcholine to change the package insert to indicate that the drug should not be used routinely in children.
• The first MH 24-hour Hotline was formalized in 1995 and MHAUS merged with the North American MH Registry, which had been established in 1987.
• In 1997, the MHAUS website was formed along with the Neuroleptic Malignant Information Service of MHAUS.
• The MH ID Tag program was created in 1998.
• The MH Procedure Manual was created in 2000 for ambulatory surgery centers, hospitals, and office based surgery suites.
• In 2001, the MH Patient Liaison Committee was formed.
• In 2003, a new mutation in ryanodine receptor gene was discovered and appears to be causal for MH. To learn more, visit: www.mhaus.org.

Today MHAUS provides information and resources to medical and lay communities through conferences, educational materials, ID tags, 24-hour MH Hotline, MHAUS website, and with the help of MH Groups.