Editorial Type:
Article Category: Research Article
 | 
Online Publication Date: Mar 01, 2005

A Case Report of Malignant Hyperthermia in a Dental Clinic Operating Room

DMD, MS and
DMD, MS
Page Range: 24 – 28
DOI: 10.2344/0003-3006(2005)52[24:ACROMH]2.0.CO;2
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Abstract

A healthy 5-year-old boy presented for arch bar placement under general anesthesia in an operating room in a dental school. The patient had previously undergone general anesthesia without complication, and no family history of anesthetic problems were reported. Halothane mask induction, intravenous catheter placement, and nasal intubation proceeded uneventfully without the aid of a muscle relaxant. Halfway through the procedure, signs and symptoms of malignant hyperthermia, including muscle rigidity, hypercarbia, tachypnea, and tachycardia were noted. Immediate treatment, including discontinuation of the triggering agent, dantrolene administration, and cooling measures were applied, and once stable, the child was transferred to Columbus Children's Hospital for further management. The patient experienced no postoperative complications. Further discussion regarding the pathophysiology and management of malignant hyperthermia is provided.

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Copyright: © 2005 by the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology

Contributor Notes

* Address correspondence to Dr M. Cynthia Fukami, Department of Dentistry, Columbus Children's Hospital, 770 Children's Drive, Columbus, OH 43205; fukamic@chi.osu.edu.
Received: Jun 14, 2004
Accepted: Sep 29, 2004