Malignant hyperthermia susceptibility and the trauma patient

Abstract

Assorted casualties are expected from combat. Triage of the wounded may result in some going directly to surgery. Although every minute is essential, anesthetic care of these trauma patients must adhere to all established standards of care. A timely preoperative assessment must include identifying the patient's risk for malignant hyperthermia (MH). If a patient is found to be malignant hyperthermia susceptible, all appropriate measures must be taken to provide the patient with a safe anesthetic. In the forward, austere military environment, anesthesia providers may experience logistical and manpower constraints when administering anesthesia. In this setting, it may be more even more crucial for preoperative recognition of MH and when this is not possible, focus must shift to perioperative detection and early treatment. The following case report emphasizes the importance of preoperative recognition and having an established MH protocol and access to dantrolene.