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Malignant Hyperthermia, preventing and treating it through education
Malignant Hyperthermia Awareness and Training Month, observed annually in May, is dedicated to raising awareness about Malignant Hyperthermia (MH), a rare but life-threatening condition. The month focuses on educating healthcare professionals and the general public about MH recognition, risk factors, and management.
Malignant Hyperthermia is typically triggered in susceptible individuals by certain anesthetic gases used during surgery or some muscle relaxants. It is a pharmacogenetic disorder, meaning it results from the interaction of specific drugs with a genetic susceptibility in an individual. The condition was first clinically recognized in the 1960s, and since then, efforts to raise awareness and improve patient safety continue annually.
The symptoms of Malignant Hyperthermia can include a rapid increase in body temperature (Hyperthermia), severe muscle rigidity, acidosis, a fast heart rate, and high levels of carbon dioxide in the blood. If not treated promptly, it can lead to complications such as muscle breakdown, organ failure, and even death.
The underlying cause of MH is usually a genetic mutation, often in the RYR1 gene, which affects calcium regulation in muscle cells. This genetic predisposition means that MH can run in families, although the presence of the gene mutation does not guarantee that an individual will experience an MH crisis.
Prevention of MH involves screening and awareness. People who know they have a family history of MH or who have experienced symptoms suggestive of MH during anesthesia should inform their healthcare providers. In surgeries for at-risk individuals, anesthesiologists can use alternative medications that do not trigger MH.
During Malignant Hyperthermia Awareness and Training Month, various educational programs and resources are provided to medical professionals to improve their readiness and response to an MH crisis. Additionally, patient advocacy groups and health organizations work to disseminate information to help at-risk individuals understand their condition and take preventive measures.
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