Malignant hyperthermia of anesthesia is an inherited pharmacogenetic skeletal muscle channelopathy in which susceptible individuals develop an acute hypermetabolic crisis after exposure to volatile anesthetic gases or succinylcholine. The central mechanism is dysregulated sarcoplasmic-reticulum calcium release during skeletal-muscle excitation-contraction coupling, which drives sustained contraction, carbon dioxide production, metabolic acidosis, hyperkalemia, rhabdomyolysis, fever, and potentially fatal cardiorespiratory collapse without prompt trigger withdrawal and dantrolene treatment.
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name: Malignant hyperthermia of anesthesia
creation_date: '2026-05-09T12:44:09Z'
updated_date: '2026-05-20T17:40:22Z'
description: >-
Malignant hyperthermia of anesthesia is an inherited pharmacogenetic skeletal
muscle channelopathy in which susceptible individuals develop an acute
hypermetabolic crisis after exposure to volatile anesthetic gases or
succinylcholine. The central mechanism is dysregulated sarcoplasmic-reticulum
calcium release during skeletal-muscle excitation-contraction coupling, which
drives sustained contraction, carbon dioxide production, metabolic acidosis,
hyperkalemia, rhabdomyolysis, fever, and potentially fatal cardiorespiratory
collapse without prompt trigger withdrawal and dantrolene treatment.
synonyms:
- malignant hyperthermia
- malignant hyperpyrexia
- malignant hyperthermia syndrome
- malignant hyperthermia susceptibility
category: Genetic
references:
- reference: PMID:20301325
title: Nonsyndromic Malignant Hyperthermia Susceptibility
tags:
- GeneReviews
disease_term:
preferred_term: malignant hyperthermia of anesthesia
term:
id: MONDO:0018493
label: malignant hyperthermia of anesthesia
mappings:
mondo_mappings:
- term:
id: MONDO:0018493
label: malignant hyperthermia of anesthesia
mapping_predicate: skos:exactMatch
mapping_source: MONDO
mapping_justification: Primary MONDO disease identifier for this entry.
parents:
- Muscular Channelopathy
- Hereditary Neuromuscular Disease
classifications:
channelopathy_category:
classification_value: skeletal muscle channelopathy
prevalence:
- population: Genetic susceptibility
percentage: as great as one in 400 individuals
notes: >-
Anesthetic reaction incidence is much lower than genetic susceptibility
prevalence and ranges widely across anesthetic-exposure studies.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:26238698
reference_title: "Malignant hyperthermia: a review."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
The incidence of MH reactions ranges from 1:10,000 to 1: 250,000
anesthetics. However, the prevalence of the genetic abnormalities may be
as great as one in 400 individuals.
explanation: >-
Provides both the event incidence during anesthesia and the estimated
upper prevalence of underlying genetic susceptibility.
inheritance:
- name: Autosomal dominant
inheritance_term:
preferred_term: Autosomal dominant inheritance
term:
id: HP:0000006
label: Autosomal dominant inheritance
description: >-
Human malignant hyperthermia susceptibility is usually autosomal dominant,
although penetrance is incomplete and expression depends on exposure to
triggering agents.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:26238698
reference_title: "Malignant hyperthermia: a review."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
In humans the syndrome is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern,
while in pigs it is autosomal recessive.
explanation: >-
Supports autosomal dominant inheritance for the human susceptibility
syndrome.
pathophysiology:
- name: Trigger-dependent RyR1 calcium dysregulation
description: >-
Triggering anesthetics or succinylcholine expose a latent defect in
skeletal-muscle excitation-contraction coupling. In most genetically
resolved cases this involves RYR1, with CACNA1S contributing a smaller
fraction and STAC3 relevant mainly in biallelic syndromic myopathy. The
affected channel complex permits uncontrolled myoplasmic calcium rise.
genes:
- preferred_term: RYR1
term:
id: hgnc:10483
label: RYR1
- preferred_term: CACNA1S
term:
id: hgnc:1397
label: CACNA1S
- preferred_term: STAC3
term:
id: hgnc:28423
label: STAC3
cell_types:
- preferred_term: skeletal muscle cell
term:
id: CL:0000188
label: cell of skeletal muscle
biological_processes:
- preferred_term: release of sequestered calcium ion into cytosol by sarcoplasmic reticulum
term:
id: GO:0014808
label: release of sequestered calcium ion into cytosol by sarcoplasmic reticulum
modifier: INCREASED
- preferred_term: regulation of skeletal muscle contraction by calcium ion signaling
term:
id: GO:0014722
label: regulation of skeletal muscle contraction by calcium ion signaling
modifier: DYSREGULATED
- preferred_term: calcium ion transport
term:
id: GO:0006816
label: calcium ion transport
modifier: DYSREGULATED
- preferred_term: calcium ion homeostasis
term:
id: GO:0055074
label: calcium ion homeostasis
modifier: DYSREGULATED
molecular_functions:
- preferred_term: calcium channel activity
term:
id: GO:0005262
label: calcium channel activity
modifier: DYSREGULATED
cellular_components:
- preferred_term: sarcoplasmic reticulum
term:
id: GO:0016529
label: sarcoplasmic reticulum
locations:
- preferred_term: skeletal muscle tissue
term:
id: UBERON:0001134
label: skeletal muscle tissue
evidence:
- reference: PMID:26238698
reference_title: "Malignant hyperthermia: a review."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Uncontrolled rise of myoplasmic calcium, which activates biochemical
processes related to muscle activation leads to the pathophysiologic
changes. In most cases, the syndrome is caused by a defect in the
ryanodine receptor.
explanation: >-
Links uncontrolled myoplasmic calcium rise and ryanodine receptor defects
to the core pathophysiologic mechanism.
- reference: PMID:32898259
reference_title: Genomic Screening for Malignant Hyperthermia Susceptibility.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Malignant hyperthermia susceptibility is a heritable trait, primarily
associated with variants in either the type 1 ryanodine receptor (RYR1)
intracellular calcium channel or the alpha 1S subunit (CACNA1S) of the
voltage-dependent L-type Ca2+ channel.
explanation: >-
Supports the principal RYR1/CACNA1S channel-complex genes included in
this pathophysiology node.
downstream:
- target: Hypermetabolic skeletal muscle crisis
causal_link_type: DIRECT
description: >-
Uncontrolled calcium-dependent muscle activation drives sustained
contraction, energy consumption, carbon dioxide production, heat
production, and muscle breakdown.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:26238698
reference_title: "Malignant hyperthermia: a review."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Uncontrolled rise of myoplasmic calcium, which activates biochemical
processes related to muscle activation leads to the pathophysiologic
changes.
explanation: >-
The review directly links uncontrolled myoplasmic calcium rise to the
biochemical muscle-activation processes that produce the MH crisis.
- name: Hypermetabolic skeletal muscle crisis
description: >-
The downstream acute crisis is a skeletal-muscle hypermetabolic state with
fever, tachycardia, increased carbon dioxide production, acidosis,
hyperkalemia, rigidity, and rhabdomyolysis.
cell_types:
- preferred_term: skeletal muscle cell
term:
id: CL:0000188
label: cell of skeletal muscle
biological_processes:
- preferred_term: skeletal muscle contraction
term:
id: GO:0003009
label: skeletal muscle contraction
modifier: INCREASED
- preferred_term: regulation of skeletal muscle contraction by calcium ion signaling
term:
id: GO:0014722
label: regulation of skeletal muscle contraction by calcium ion signaling
modifier: DYSREGULATED
- preferred_term: calcium ion homeostasis
term:
id: GO:0055074
label: calcium ion homeostasis
modifier: DYSREGULATED
chemical_entities:
- preferred_term: carbon dioxide
term:
id: CHEBI:16526
label: carbon dioxide
modifier: INCREASED
- preferred_term: potassium
term:
id: CHEBI:29103
label: potassium(1+)
modifier: INCREASED
locations:
- preferred_term: skeletal muscle tissue
term:
id: UBERON:0001134
label: skeletal muscle tissue
evidence:
- reference: PMID:26238698
reference_title: "Malignant hyperthermia: a review."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
The classic signs of MH include hyperthermia, tachycardia, tachypnea,
increased carbon dioxide production, increased oxygen consumption,
acidosis, hyperkalaemia, muscle rigidity, and rhabdomyolysis, all related
to a hypermetabolic response.
explanation: >-
Defines the hypermetabolic clinical state downstream of uncontrolled
skeletal-muscle calcium release.
downstream:
- target: Malignant hyperthermia crisis
causal_link_type: DIRECT
description: The hypermetabolic skeletal-muscle state is the acute MH crisis.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:26238698
reference_title: "Malignant hyperthermia: a review."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a pharmacogenetic disorder of skeletal
muscle that presents as a hypermetabolic response to potent volatile
anesthetic gases
explanation: This directly defines MH as a skeletal-muscle hypermetabolic response.
- target: Fever
causal_link_type: DIRECT
description: Heat production during the hypermetabolic crisis causes hyperthermia.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:26238698
reference_title: "Malignant hyperthermia: a review."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
The classic signs of MH include hyperthermia, tachycardia, tachypnea,
increased carbon dioxide production, increased oxygen consumption,
acidosis, hyperkalaemia, muscle rigidity, and rhabdomyolysis, all
related to a hypermetabolic response.
explanation: Hyperthermia is listed as a classic sign related to the hypermetabolic response.
- target: Tachycardia
causal_link_type: DIRECT
description: The systemic hypermetabolic stress response includes tachycardia.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:26238698
reference_title: "Malignant hyperthermia: a review."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
The classic signs of MH include hyperthermia, tachycardia, tachypnea,
increased carbon dioxide production, increased oxygen consumption,
acidosis, hyperkalaemia, muscle rigidity, and rhabdomyolysis, all
related to a hypermetabolic response.
explanation: Tachycardia is listed as a classic sign related to the hypermetabolic response.
- target: Tachypnea
causal_link_type: DIRECT
description: Increased carbon dioxide production drives ventilatory signs including tachypnea.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:26238698
reference_title: "Malignant hyperthermia: a review."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
The classic signs of MH include hyperthermia, tachycardia, tachypnea,
increased carbon dioxide production, increased oxygen consumption,
acidosis, hyperkalaemia, muscle rigidity, and rhabdomyolysis, all
related to a hypermetabolic response.
explanation: Tachypnea and increased carbon dioxide production are listed among signs of the hypermetabolic response.
- target: Muscle rigidity
causal_link_type: DIRECT
description: Sustained calcium-driven skeletal-muscle contraction produces rigidity.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:26238698
reference_title: "Malignant hyperthermia: a review."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
The classic signs of MH include hyperthermia, tachycardia, tachypnea,
increased carbon dioxide production, increased oxygen consumption,
acidosis, hyperkalaemia, muscle rigidity, and rhabdomyolysis, all
related to a hypermetabolic response.
explanation: Muscle rigidity is listed as a classic sign related to the hypermetabolic response.
- target: Rhabdomyolysis
causal_link_type: DIRECT
description: Sustained skeletal-muscle activation and injury produce rhabdomyolysis.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:26238698
reference_title: "Malignant hyperthermia: a review."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
The classic signs of MH include hyperthermia, tachycardia, tachypnea,
increased carbon dioxide production, increased oxygen consumption,
acidosis, hyperkalaemia, muscle rigidity, and rhabdomyolysis, all
related to a hypermetabolic response.
explanation: Rhabdomyolysis is listed as a classic sign related to the hypermetabolic response.
- target: Hyperkalemia
causal_link_type: DIRECT
description: Muscle injury and crisis physiology produce hyperkalemia.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:26238698
reference_title: "Malignant hyperthermia: a review."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
The classic signs of MH include hyperthermia, tachycardia, tachypnea,
increased carbon dioxide production, increased oxygen consumption,
acidosis, hyperkalaemia, muscle rigidity, and rhabdomyolysis, all
related to a hypermetabolic response.
explanation: Hyperkalemia is listed as a classic sign related to the hypermetabolic response.
- target: Metabolic acidosis
causal_link_type: DIRECT
description: Increased skeletal-muscle metabolism and carbon dioxide production contribute to acidosis.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:26238698
reference_title: "Malignant hyperthermia: a review."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
The classic signs of MH include hyperthermia, tachycardia, tachypnea,
increased carbon dioxide production, increased oxygen consumption,
acidosis, hyperkalaemia, muscle rigidity, and rhabdomyolysis, all
related to a hypermetabolic response.
explanation: Acidosis is listed as a classic sign related to the hypermetabolic response.
- target: End-tidal carbon dioxide
causal_link_type: DIRECT
description: Increased skeletal-muscle metabolism raises carbon dioxide production and end-tidal carbon dioxide.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:26238698
reference_title: "Malignant hyperthermia: a review."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
An increase in end-tidal carbon dioxide despite increased minute
ventilation provides an early diagnostic clue.
explanation: The review supports increased end-tidal carbon dioxide as an early readout of the hypermetabolic crisis.
- target: Blood potassium
causal_link_type: DIRECT
description: Hyperkalemia is captured as increased blood potassium during the crisis.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:26238698
reference_title: "Malignant hyperthermia: a review."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
The classic signs of MH include hyperthermia, tachycardia, tachypnea,
increased carbon dioxide production, increased oxygen consumption,
acidosis, hyperkalaemia, muscle rigidity, and rhabdomyolysis, all
related to a hypermetabolic response.
explanation: Hyperkalemia in the classic-sign list supports blood potassium as an increased biochemical readout.
phenotypes:
- name: Malignant hyperthermia crisis
description: >-
Acute anesthesia-associated hypermetabolic crisis with rapidly rising body
temperature and systemic instability.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Malignant hyperthermia
term:
id: HP:0002047
label: Malignant hyperthermia
evidence:
- reference: PMID:37373564
reference_title: "Real Evidence and Misconceptions about Malignant Hyperthermia in Children: A Narrative Review."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Malignant hyperthermia is a rare but life-threatening pharmacogenetic
disorder triggered by exposure to specific anesthetic agents.
explanation: >-
Supports the defining acute pharmacogenetic crisis phenotype.
- name: Fever
description: >-
Body temperature rises during the hypermetabolic crisis and may become
life-threatening if treatment is delayed.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Fever
term:
id: HP:0001945
label: Fever
evidence:
- reference: PMID:26238698
reference_title: "Malignant hyperthermia: a review."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
The classic signs of MH include hyperthermia, tachycardia, tachypnea,
increased carbon dioxide production, increased oxygen consumption,
acidosis, hyperkalaemia, muscle rigidity, and rhabdomyolysis, all related
to a hypermetabolic response.
explanation: >-
Hyperthermia is listed as a classic sign of the acute MH response.
- name: Tachycardia
description: >-
Rapid heart rate is part of the systemic response to increased skeletal
muscle metabolism and sympathetic stress during the crisis.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Tachycardia
term:
id: HP:0001649
label: Tachycardia
evidence:
- reference: PMID:26238698
reference_title: "Malignant hyperthermia: a review."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
The classic signs of MH include hyperthermia, tachycardia, tachypnea,
increased carbon dioxide production, increased oxygen consumption,
acidosis, hyperkalaemia, muscle rigidity, and rhabdomyolysis, all related
to a hypermetabolic response.
explanation: >-
Tachycardia is included among the classic signs of MH.
- name: Tachypnea
description: >-
Rapid breathing is part of the acute hypermetabolic response during malignant
hyperthermia crises.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Tachypnea
term:
id: HP:0002789
label: Tachypnea
evidence:
- reference: PMID:26238698
reference_title: "Malignant hyperthermia: a review."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
The classic signs of MH include hyperthermia, tachycardia, tachypnea,
increased carbon dioxide production, increased oxygen consumption, acidosis,
hyperkalaemia, muscle rigidity, and rhabdomyolysis, all related to a
hypermetabolic response.
explanation: >-
Tachypnea is directly listed among the classic signs of malignant
hyperthermia.
- name: Muscle rigidity
description: >-
Sustained skeletal-muscle contraction produces rigidity, including
presentations with masseter spasm.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Muscle rigidity
term:
id: HP:0002063
label: Rigidity
evidence:
- reference: PMID:26238698
reference_title: "Malignant hyperthermia: a review."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
The classic signs of MH include hyperthermia, tachycardia, tachypnea,
increased carbon dioxide production, increased oxygen consumption,
acidosis, hyperkalaemia, muscle rigidity, and rhabdomyolysis, all related
to a hypermetabolic response.
explanation: >-
Muscle rigidity is one of the classic signs produced by the
calcium-driven hypermetabolic response.
- name: Rhabdomyolysis
description: >-
Skeletal-muscle breakdown releases intracellular contents and contributes
to renal and electrolyte complications.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Rhabdomyolysis
term:
id: HP:0003201
label: Rhabdomyolysis
evidence:
- reference: PMID:26238698
reference_title: "Malignant hyperthermia: a review."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
The classic signs of MH include hyperthermia, tachycardia, tachypnea,
increased carbon dioxide production, increased oxygen consumption,
acidosis, hyperkalaemia, muscle rigidity, and rhabdomyolysis, all related
to a hypermetabolic response.
explanation: >-
Rhabdomyolysis is listed as a classic manifestation of the acute MH
crisis.
- name: Hyperkalemia
description: >-
Potassium release during the crisis contributes to arrhythmia risk and is a
major laboratory abnormality during severe reactions.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Hyperkalemia
term:
id: HP:0002153
label: Hyperkalemia
evidence:
- reference: PMID:26238698
reference_title: "Malignant hyperthermia: a review."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
The classic signs of MH include hyperthermia, tachycardia, tachypnea,
increased carbon dioxide production, increased oxygen consumption,
acidosis, hyperkalaemia, muscle rigidity, and rhabdomyolysis, all related
to a hypermetabolic response.
explanation: >-
Hyperkalemia is listed as a classic laboratory feature of MH.
- name: Metabolic acidosis
description: >-
Increased skeletal-muscle metabolism and carbon dioxide production lead to
acid-base derangement during the acute reaction.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Metabolic acidosis
term:
id: HP:0001942
label: Metabolic acidosis
evidence:
- reference: PMID:26238698
reference_title: "Malignant hyperthermia: a review."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
The classic signs of MH include hyperthermia, tachycardia, tachypnea,
increased carbon dioxide production, increased oxygen consumption,
acidosis, hyperkalaemia, muscle rigidity, and rhabdomyolysis, all related
to a hypermetabolic response.
explanation: >-
Acidosis is listed among the classic signs of the hypermetabolic MH
response; the HPO term captures the metabolic component described in
clinical summaries.
biochemical:
- name: End-tidal carbon dioxide
presence: INCREASED
context: >-
Rising end-tidal carbon dioxide despite increased ventilation is an early
diagnostic clue to the hypermetabolic skeletal-muscle crisis.
biomarker_term:
preferred_term: carbon dioxide
term:
id: CHEBI:16526
label: carbon dioxide
readouts:
- target: Hypermetabolic skeletal muscle crisis
relationship: READOUT_OF
direction: POSITIVE
endpoint_context: DIAGNOSTIC
interpretation: Increased end-tidal carbon dioxide reports excess skeletal-muscle carbon dioxide production.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:26238698
reference_title: "Malignant hyperthermia: a review."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
An increase in end-tidal carbon dioxide despite increased minute
ventilation provides an early diagnostic clue.
explanation: This directly supports increased end-tidal carbon dioxide as an early diagnostic readout.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:26238698
reference_title: "Malignant hyperthermia: a review."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
An increase in end-tidal carbon dioxide despite increased minute
ventilation provides an early diagnostic clue.
explanation: The review identifies increased end-tidal carbon dioxide as an early diagnostic clue.
- reference: PMID:35414440
reference_title: "Malignant Hyperthermia: A Killer If Ignored."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
characterized by rigidity of the masseter muscle, a high level of
end-tidal carbon dioxide, and a sharp and persistent increase in body
temperature.
explanation: Human review supports high end-tidal carbon dioxide during the preclinical/early MH stage.
- name: Blood potassium
presence: INCREASED
context: >-
Increased circulating potassium is the biochemical correlate of
hyperkalemia during severe malignant hyperthermia crises.
biomarker_term:
preferred_term: potassium
term:
id: CHEBI:29103
label: potassium(1+)
readouts:
- target: Hypermetabolic skeletal muscle crisis
relationship: READOUT_OF
direction: POSITIVE
endpoint_context: DIAGNOSTIC
interpretation: Hyperkalemia reports systemic electrolyte disturbance during the MH crisis.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:26238698
reference_title: "Malignant hyperthermia: a review."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
The classic signs of MH include hyperthermia, tachycardia, tachypnea,
increased carbon dioxide production, increased oxygen consumption,
acidosis, hyperkalaemia, muscle rigidity, and rhabdomyolysis, all
related to a hypermetabolic response.
explanation: The review lists hyperkalemia among classic signs related to the hypermetabolic response.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:26238698
reference_title: "Malignant hyperthermia: a review."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
The classic signs of MH include hyperthermia, tachycardia, tachypnea,
increased carbon dioxide production, increased oxygen consumption,
acidosis, hyperkalaemia, muscle rigidity, and rhabdomyolysis, all related
to a hypermetabolic response.
explanation: Hyperkalemia in the classic-sign list supports increased blood potassium.
genetic:
- name: RYR1 susceptibility variants
association: Causative
gene_term:
preferred_term: RYR1
term:
id: hgnc:10483
label: RYR1
notes: >-
RYR1 is the dominant established malignant-hyperthermia susceptibility gene.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:26238698
reference_title: "Malignant hyperthermia: a review."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Over 400 variants have been identified in the RYR1 gene located on
chromosome 19q13.1, and at least 34 are causal for MH.
explanation: >-
Supports RYR1 as the major causal susceptibility gene.
- name: CACNA1S susceptibility variants
association: Causative
gene_term:
preferred_term: CACNA1S
term:
id: hgnc:1397
label: CACNA1S
notes: >-
CACNA1S contributes a smaller fraction of malignant-hyperthermia
susceptibility than RYR1.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:32898259
reference_title: Genomic Screening for Malignant Hyperthermia Susceptibility.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Malignant hyperthermia susceptibility is a heritable trait, primarily
associated with variants in either the type 1 ryanodine receptor (RYR1)
intracellular calcium channel or the alpha 1S subunit (CACNA1S) of the
voltage-dependent L-type Ca2+ channel.
explanation: >-
Supports CACNA1S as an established susceptibility gene, while the wording
preserves its lesser role relative to RYR1.
- name: STAC3-associated syndromic susceptibility
association: Disease-associated
gene_term:
preferred_term: STAC3
term:
id: hgnc:28423
label: STAC3
notes: >-
STAC3 is included as a qualified susceptibility gene because reported MH
reactions are tied to biallelic variants and apparent congenital myopathy,
rather than the common isolated susceptibility presentation.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:32898259
reference_title: Genomic Screening for Malignant Hyperthermia Susceptibility.
supports: PARTIAL
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Another gene associated with malignant hyperthermia reactions is STAC3,
although all the reported occurrences involve individuals with biallelic
variants who have an apparent myopathy
explanation: >-
Supports a qualified STAC3 association while distinguishing syndromic
biallelic myopathy-associated reactions from isolated MH susceptibility.
environmental:
- name: Triggering anesthetic exposure
description: >-
Volatile anesthetic gases and succinylcholine are the classic
pharmacologic triggers; heat and exertion can rarely provoke related events
in susceptible individuals.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:26238698
reference_title: "Malignant hyperthermia: a review."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a pharmacogenetic disorder of skeletal
muscle that presents as a hypermetabolic response to potent volatile
anesthetic gases such as halothane, sevoflurane, desflurane, isoflurane
and the depolarizing muscle relaxant succinylcholine, and rarely, in
humans, to stressors such as vigorous exercise and heat.
explanation: >-
Defines the key anesthetic triggers and rarer non-anesthetic stressors.
diagnosis:
- name: In vitro contracture testing
description: >-
Halothane-caffeine contracture testing of biopsied skeletal muscle remains
the central physiologic diagnostic method for confirming susceptibility.
diagnosis_term:
preferred_term: diagnostic procedure
term:
id: MAXO:0000003
label: diagnostic procedure
evidence:
- reference: PMID:26238698
reference_title: "Malignant hyperthermia: a review."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Diagnostic testing involves the in vitro contracture response of biopsied
muscle to halothane, caffeine, and in some centres ryanodine and
4-chloro-m-cresol.
explanation: >-
Supports contracture testing as a definitive susceptibility diagnostic
method.
- name: Genetic testing for susceptibility genes
description: >-
Genetic testing can identify pathogenic variants in established
susceptibility genes, but negative testing does not exclude susceptibility
because known genes and variant interpretations do not capture all cases.
diagnosis_term:
preferred_term: genetic testing
term:
id: MAXO:0000127
label: genetic testing
evidence:
- reference: PMID:35414440
reference_title: "Malignant Hyperthermia: A Killer If Ignored."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Medical history, family history, clinical presentation, in vitro
caffeine-halothane contracture testing (IVCT/CHCT) and genetic testing
are commonly diagnostic methods of MH.
explanation: >-
Supports genetic testing as part of the diagnostic workup alongside
history, presentation, and contracture testing.
treatments:
- name: Dantrolene
description: >-
Dantrolene is the specific emergency pharmacotherapy for malignant
hyperthermia and should be administered rapidly once MH is diagnosed or
strongly suspected.
treatment_term:
preferred_term: pharmacotherapy
term:
id: MAXO:0000058
label: pharmacotherapy
therapeutic_agent:
- preferred_term: dantrolene
term:
id: CHEBI:4317
label: dantrolene
target_phenotypes:
- preferred_term: Malignant hyperthermia
term:
id: HP:0002047
label: Malignant hyperthermia
target_mechanisms:
- target: Trigger-dependent RyR1 calcium dysregulation
treatment_effect: INHIBITS
description: >-
Dantrolene antagonizes the calcium-release crisis mechanism and is the
specific emergency pharmacotherapy for malignant hyperthermia.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:26238698
reference_title: "Malignant hyperthermia: a review."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Dantrolene sodium is a specific antagonist and should be available
wherever general anesthesia is administered.
explanation: The review supports dantrolene as the specific antagonist for the MH mechanism.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:26238698
reference_title: "Malignant hyperthermia: a review."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Dantrolene sodium is a specific antagonist and should be available
wherever general anesthesia is administered.
explanation: >-
Establishes dantrolene as the specific MH antagonist and perioperative
emergency drug.
- reference: PMID:36874927
reference_title: Rapid Dantrolene Administration with Body Temperature Monitoring Is Associated with Decreased Mortality in Japanese Malignant Hyperthermia Events.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Dantrolene should be given as rapidly as possible once MH has been
diagnosed. Beginning treatment at a more normal body temperature can
prevent critical elevations associated with a worse prognosis.
explanation: >-
Retrospective clinical data support rapid dantrolene administration as a
mortality-reducing intervention.
- name: Trigger discontinuation and supportive crisis care
description: >-
Crisis management includes immediate cessation of triggering agents,
summoning expert support, hyperventilation and cooling as indicated, and
correction of acidosis, hyperkalemia, arrhythmias, and renal complications.
treatment_term:
preferred_term: supportive care
term:
id: MAXO:0000950
label: supportive care
target_phenotypes:
- preferred_term: Malignant hyperthermia
term:
id: HP:0002047
label: Malignant hyperthermia
target_mechanisms:
- target: Trigger-dependent RyR1 calcium dysregulation
treatment_effect: INHIBITS
description: >-
Removing volatile anesthetic or succinylcholine triggers stops further
exposure of the susceptible calcium-release channel complex to the
provoking stimulus.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:35414440
reference_title: "Malignant Hyperthermia: A Killer If Ignored."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
As soon as the onset of MH is suspected, immediate cessation of exposure
to stimuli, call for professional support, and access to dantrolene are
the highest priorities.
explanation: The review supports immediate trigger cessation as a top-priority mechanism-directed action.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:35414440
reference_title: "Malignant Hyperthermia: A Killer If Ignored."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
As soon as the onset of MH is suspected, immediate cessation of exposure
to stimuli, call for professional support, and access to dantrolene are
the highest priorities.
explanation: >-
Supports immediate trigger discontinuation and coordinated supportive
emergency care.
datasets: []
Question: You are an expert researcher providing comprehensive, well-cited information.
Provide detailed information focusing on: 1. Key concepts and definitions with current understanding 2. Recent developments and latest research (prioritize 2023-2024 sources) 3. Current applications and real-world implementations 4. Expert opinions and analysis from authoritative sources 5. Relevant statistics and data from recent studies
Format as a comprehensive research report with proper citations. Include URLs and publication dates where available. Always prioritize recent, authoritative sources and provide specific citations for all major claims.
Please provide a comprehensive research report on Malignant hyperthermia of anesthesia covering all of the disease characteristics listed below. This report will be used to populate a disease knowledge base entry. Be thorough and cite primary literature (PMID preferred) for all claims.
For each section, suggested databases/resources are listed. These are the first places you should search for information on each topic.
Search first: OMIM, Orphanet, ICD-10/ICD-11, MeSH, PubMed
Search first: PubMed, Cochrane Library, UpToDate, clinical guidelines, ClinVar, ClinGen, GWAS Catalog, PheGenI, CTD, CDC, WHO, epidemiological databases
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For each phenotype, provide: - Phenotype type: symptoms, clinical signs, physical manifestations, behavioral changes, or laboratory abnormalities
For symptoms/signs: HPO, OMIM, Orphanet, PubMed For behavioral changes: HPO, DSM, RDoC (Research Domain Criteria), PubMed For laboratory abnormalities: LOINC, SNOMED CT, LabTests Online, PubMed - Phenotype characteristics: Search first: OMIM, Orphanet, HPO, PubMed - Age of symptom onset (neonatal, childhood, adult-onset, late-onset) - Symptom severity (mild, moderate, severe, variable) - Symptom progression (stable, progressive, episodic, fluctuating) - Frequency among affected individuals (percentage or qualitative) - Quality of life impact: Effects on daily functioning and well-being (per-phenotype when possible) Search first: EQ-5D database, SF-36, WHO QOL databases, PubMed - Suggest HPO (Human Phenotype Ontology) terms for each phenotype
Search first: OMIM, ClinVar, HGMD, Ensembl, NCBI Gene
Search first: ENCODE, Roadmap Epigenomics, MethBase, DiseaseMeth
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Search first: PubMed, Gene Ontology, Reactome
Search first: BRENDA, UniProt, KEGG, OMIM, PubMed
Search first: ENCODE, Roadmap Epigenomics, MethBase, DiseaseMeth
For each mechanism, describe: - The causal chain from initial trigger to clinical manifestation - Which mechanisms are upstream vs downstream - What cell types and biological processes are involved - Suggest GO terms for biological processes and CL terms for cell types
Search first: Uberon, FMA (Foundational Model of Anatomy), OMIM, HPO, ICD-11, MeSH, SNOMED CT
Search first: Uberon, Human Protein Atlas, Cell Ontology, Human Cell Atlas, CellMarker, PanglaoDB
Search first: Gene Ontology (Cellular Component), UniProt, Human Protein Atlas
Search first: OMIM, Orphanet, HPO, PubMed
Search first: Disease registries, longitudinal cohort databases, natural history studies, PubMed, Orphanet, OMIM
Search first: Orphanet, CDC, WHO, GBD (Global Burden of Disease), national registries, SEER, disease registries
Search first: GTR (Genetic Testing Registry), GeneReviews, ClinGen
For each treatment, suggest MAXO (Medical Action Ontology) terms where applicable.
Search first: CDC vaccine schedules, WHO immunization, FDA vaccine database
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Search first: NSGC resources, ACMG guidelines, GeneReviews
Search first: Clinical guidelines, FDA approvals, PubMed
Search first: NCBI Taxonomy
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Search first: NCBI Gene
Structure your response as a comprehensive narrative organized by the sections above. For each section, provide: - Factual content with specific details (numbers, percentages, gene names, variant nomenclature) - Ontology term suggestions (HPO, GO, CL, UBERON, CHEBI, MAXO, MONDO) where applicable - Evidence citations with PMIDs - Direct quotes from abstracts to support key claims - Clear indication when information is not available or not applicable for this disease
This report will be used to populate a disease knowledge base entry with: - Pathophysiology descriptions with causal chains - Gene/protein annotations (HGNC, GO terms) - Phenotype associations (HP terms) with frequencies - Cell type involvement (CL terms) - Anatomical locations (UBERON terms) - Chemical entities (CHEBI terms) - Treatment annotations (MAXO terms) - Evidence items with PMIDs and exact abstract quotes - Epidemiology, prognosis, diagnostic, and prevention information - Animal model descriptions with phenotype recapitulation details
Malignant hyperthermia (MH) of anesthesia—often discussed as malignant hyperthermia susceptibility (MHS)—is a rare, potentially fatal pharmacogenetic disorder of skeletal muscle excitation–contraction coupling. Exposure to triggering anesthetics (volatile halogenated agents and/or succinylcholine) causes uncontrolled intracellular Ca2+ release, producing a hypermetabolic crisis with hypercapnia, acidosis, hyperkalemia, muscle rigidity, rhabdomyolysis, hyperthermia, and multiorgan failure if untreated (rosenberg2015malignanthyperthermiaa pages 1-2, frassanito2023realevidenceand pages 1-3). Mortality has decreased markedly since dantrolene became available, but delayed recognition and limited drug availability remain major real-world barriers (rosenberg2015malignanthyperthermiaa pages 1-2, toyota2023rapiddantroleneadministration pages 6-6).
| Topic | Concise summary | Strongest supporting citation IDs |
|---|---|---|
| Core definition | Malignant hyperthermia susceptibility (MHS) is a rare, life-threatening pharmacogenetic disorder of skeletal muscle excitation–contraction coupling in which exposure to triggering anesthetics causes uncontrolled intracellular Ca2+ release, hypermetabolism, rhabdomyolysis, and heat production. | (frassanito2023realevidenceand pages 1-3, rosenberg2015malignanthyperthermiaa pages 1-2) |
| Main triggers | Major anesthetic triggers are volatile halogenated anesthetics (desflurane, isoflurane, sevoflurane, halothane) and succinylcholine; non-anesthetic stressors such as exercise and heat can provoke MH-like events in some susceptible individuals. | (frassanito2023realevidenceand pages 1-3, rosenberg2015malignanthyperthermiaa pages 1-2, rosenberg2015malignanthyperthermiaa pages 12-13) |
| Key genes | Definitive/major genes are RYR1, CACNA1S, and STAC3; RYR1 is the predominant gene, explaining most genetically resolved cases, while CACNA1S accounts for a small minority and STAC3 is classically linked to recessive syndromic myopathy with MH risk. | (biesecker2020genomicscreeningfor pages 1-2, paranjpe2024candidatelociin pages 19-24, frassanito2023realevidenceand pages 1-3) |
| Inheritance | In humans, MHS is usually autosomal dominant with incomplete penetrance and variable expressivity; in pigs, malignant hyperthermia/porcine stress syndrome is classically autosomal recessive. | (frassanito2023realevidenceand pages 1-3, rosenberg2015malignanthyperthermiaa pages 1-2, riazi2018malignanthyperthermiain pages 1-3) |
| Key diagnostic tests | Gold-standard functional tests are IVCT/CHCT on biopsied muscle; clinical diagnosis can be supported by the Larach clinical grading scale when definitive testing is not immediately available; genetic testing is useful but does not exclude disease if negative. | (bin2022malignanthyperthermiaa pages 5-7, biesecker2020genomicscreeningfor pages 1-2, frassanito2023realevidenceand pages 9-10) |
| Hallmark clinical/lab features | Typical features include rapidly rising end-tidal CO2, tachycardia, muscle rigidity or masseter spasm, hyperthermia, metabolic and respiratory acidosis, hyperkalemia, rhabdomyolysis, myoglobinuria, and elevated creatine kinase. | (rosenberg2015malignanthyperthermiaa pages 1-2, rosenberg2015malignanthyperthermiaa pages 2-4, frassanito2023realevidenceand pages 1-3) |
| Epidemiology numbers | Reported MH reaction incidence during anesthesia ranges roughly from 1:10,000 to 1:250,000 anesthetics; prevalence of underlying genetic susceptibility has been estimated as high as ~1 in 400 in some sources, though other genomic estimates are lower/higher depending on method. | (rosenberg2015malignanthyperthermiaa pages 1-2, biesecker2020genomicscreeningfor pages 1-2, riazi2018malignanthyperthermiain pages 1-3) |
| Pediatric vs adult incidence | Children are disproportionately affected: one 2023 review states pediatric incidence is about five-fold higher than in adults, with estimated incidence about 1:10,000 in children versus 1:50,000 in adults; mean reaction age is ~18.3 years. | (frassanito2023realevidenceand pages 1-3, rosenberg2015malignanthyperthermiaa pages 2-4, rosenberg2015malignanthyperthermiaa pages 1-2) |
| Mortality trends | Mortality has fallen dramatically with recognition and dantrolene availability: historical estimates were ~70–80%, declining to <5% by 2006 in one major review; more recent series/reviews cite mortality in the low single digits to about 10% depending on cohort and treatment speed. | (rosenberg2015malignanthyperthermiaa pages 1-2, biesecker2020genomicscreeningfor pages 1-2, toyota2023rapiddantroleneadministration pages 6-6) |
| Acute management | Immediate actions are to stop triggering agents, call for help, hyperventilate with 100% oxygen, switch to non-triggering anesthesia/TIVA, administer IV dantrolene promptly, cool aggressively as indicated, and treat acidosis, hyperkalemia, arrhythmias, and renal complications. | (frassanito2023realevidenceand pages 9-10, banu2026advancesinmalignant pages 1-2, toyota2023rapiddantroleneadministration pages 6-6) |
| Dantrolene evidence | Dantrolene is the specific antidote; delayed administration is associated with worse outcomes, and in a 2023 Japanese cohort mortality was higher without dantrolene and worse when time to dantrolene and temperature at dosing were greater. | (toyota2023rapiddantroleneadministration pages 6-6, rosenberg2015malignanthyperthermiaa pages 1-2) |
| Prevention / trigger-free anesthesia | For known or suspected MHS, trigger-free anesthesia eliminates perioperative trigger risk; safe approaches include regional anesthesia and TIVA, with continuous EtCO2 and core-temperature monitoring throughout the perioperative period. | (frassanito2023realevidenceand pages 9-10, frassanito2023realevidenceand pages 1-3) |
| Anesthesia machine preparation / activated charcoal filters | Vaporizers should be removed, circuits and soda lime changed, and the machine flushed per manufacturer guidance; activated charcoal filters on inspiratory and expiratory limbs can reduce residual volatile concentration to <5 ppm within 2–3 min and maintain low levels for up to 12 h with fresh gas flow ≥3 L/min after a brief high-flow flush. | (frassanito2023realevidenceand pages 9-10, frassanito2023realevidenceand pages 13-15) |
Table: This table condenses the highest-yield clinical and molecular facts about malignant hyperthermia susceptibility, including diagnosis, epidemiology, and perioperative management. It is useful as a rapid reference for building the full disease knowledge base entry.
Definition (current understanding): MH is “a rare but life-threatening pharmacogenetic disorder triggered by exposure to specific anesthetic agents” (Frassanito et al., J Clin Med, published 2023-06-06; DOI:10.3390/jcm12123869) (frassanito2023realevidenceand pages 1-3). A large authoritative review similarly defines MH as “a pharmacogenetic disorder of skeletal muscle” presenting as “a hypermetabolic response to potent volatile anesthetic gases… and the depolarizing muscle relaxant succinylcholine” (Rosenberg et al., Orphanet J Rare Dis, published 2015-08-13; DOI:10.1186/s13023-015-0310-1) (rosenberg2015malignanthyperthermiaa pages 1-2).
Note: The present tool run retrieved and cited peer-reviewed literature; it did not retrieve structured disease-ontology records (e.g., MONDO browser pages). Therefore, MONDO ID is not confirmed from primary context.
Common names in the retrieved evidence: - Malignant hyperthermia (MH) (rosenberg2015malignanthyperthermiaa pages 1-2) - Malignant hyperthermia susceptibility (MHS) (frassanito2023realevidenceand pages 1-3) - Anesthesia-related malignant hyperthermia / malignant hyperthermia due to anesthesia (implicit framing in perioperative reviews) (ruta2025perioperativenursingof pages 2-3)
Most information here is derived from aggregated disease-level resources (narrative reviews, guideline-oriented reviews) (rosenberg2015malignanthyperthermiaa pages 1-2, frassanito2023realevidenceand pages 1-3) plus observational registry/cohort analyses informing risk and outcomes (e.g., dantrolene timing vs mortality) (toyota2023rapiddantroleneadministration pages 6-6).
Primary causal factor (genetic/pharmacogenetic): MH is caused by inherited abnormalities in skeletal muscle excitation–contraction coupling that remain clinically silent until a trigger exposure. A 2015 authoritative review states “In most cases, the syndrome is caused by a defect in the ryanodine receptor” (rosenberg2015malignanthyperthermiaa pages 1-2).
Trigger exposure (environmental/pharmacologic): The principal environmental cause of an episode is exposure to triggering anesthetic agents: volatile halogenated anesthetics and succinylcholine (rosenberg2015malignanthyperthermiaa pages 1-2, frassanito2023realevidenceand pages 1-3).
The core interaction is genotype-dependent vulnerability + drug exposure (volatile anesthetics/succinylcholine) leading to crisis. Additional stressors (exercise/heat) are described in susceptible individuals, supporting broader gene–environment coupling beyond the operating room (rosenberg2015malignanthyperthermiaa pages 1-2, rosenberg2015malignanthyperthermiaa pages 12-13).
Core clinical signs (from authoritative review): hyperthermia, tachycardia, tachypnea, increased CO2 production (hypercapnia/raised end-tidal CO2), increased oxygen consumption, acidosis, hyperkalemia, muscle rigidity, and rhabdomyolysis (rosenberg2015malignanthyperthermiaa pages 1-2).
Early clue: “An increase in end-tidal carbon dioxide despite increased minute ventilation provides an early diagnostic clue” (rosenberg2015malignanthyperthermiaa pages 1-2).
Common laboratory abnormalities: hyperkalemia and markedly elevated creatine kinase with rhabdomyolysis/myoglobinuria are central (rosenberg2015malignanthyperthermiaa pages 1-2). In masseter rigidity presentations, very high CK can support susceptibility in some cohorts (paranjpe2024candidatelociin pages 19-24).
Outside anesthesia, some MHS individuals may have chronic myopathic manifestations (e.g., myalgia, fatigue, episodic rhabdomyolysis), which can affect daily functioning; these phenotypes are noted in disease discussions of MHS and RyR1-related disease (rosenberg2015malignanthyperthermiaa pages 12-13).
Based on manifestations described in the cited clinical literature: - Hyperthermia (HP:0001945) (rosenberg2015malignanthyperthermiaa pages 1-2) - Hypercapnia / Increased end-tidal CO2 (HP:0001942; proxy term) (rosenberg2015malignanthyperthermiaa pages 1-2) - Metabolic acidosis (HP:0001940) (rosenberg2015malignanthyperthermiaa pages 1-2) - Tachycardia (HP:0001649) (rosenberg2015malignanthyperthermiaa pages 1-2) - Muscle rigidity (HP:0001276) (rosenberg2015malignanthyperthermiaa pages 1-2) - Rhabdomyolysis (HP:0003201) (rosenberg2015malignanthyperthermiaa pages 1-2) - Hyperkalemia (HP:0002153) (rosenberg2015malignanthyperthermiaa pages 1-2) - Myoglobinuria (HP:0002928) (rosenberg2015malignanthyperthermiaa pages 1-2)
A threshold/multifactorial model has been proposed to explain disparities between variant prevalence and observed clinical incidence (riazi2018malignanthyperthermiain pages 1-3, paranjpe2024candidatelociin pages 19-24). This supports the idea that additional genetic modifiers and/or environmental cofactors influence clinical expression.
Discordance between genotype and phenotype has been attributed in part to epigenetic changes at the RYR1 locus (e.g., altered muscle-specific microRNAs and gene silencing) in a major review (rosenberg2015malignanthyperthermiaa pages 13-14).
No specific lifestyle or infectious causes are established as primary causes in the cited evidence; rather, they may modulate risk in susceptible individuals, and consensus is limited (rosenberg2015malignanthyperthermiaa pages 13-14).
Figure evidence for excitation–contraction coupling dysfunction and dantrolene mechanism is available from a 2023 review figure (frassanito2023realevidenceand media 1892a3c8).
Incidence (during anesthesia): A major review reports “The incidence of MH reactions ranges from 1:10,000 to 1: 250,000 anesthetics” (rosenberg2015malignanthyperthermiaa pages 1-2).
Genetic prevalence: The same review states “the prevalence of the genetic abnormalities may be as great as one in 400 individuals” (rosenberg2015malignanthyperthermiaa pages 1-2). (Genomics-oriented reviews note substantial variability in prevalence estimates depending on ascertainment and variant curation) (biesecker2020genomicscreeningfor pages 1-2, riazi2018malignanthyperthermiain pages 1-3).
Age/sex distribution: Male predominance (~2:1) and pediatric overrepresentation are reported in major summaries (rosenberg2015malignanthyperthermiaa pages 1-2, frassanito2023realevidenceand pages 1-3).
NGS and gene panels focusing on RYR1, CACNA1S, STAC3 are emphasized as increasingly used in neuromuscular and perioperative risk workups, but negative genetic testing does not exclude susceptibility given heterogeneity and incomplete knowledge (frassanito2023realevidenceand pages 1-3, bin2022malignanthyperthermiaa pages 5-7).
A 2023 pediatric-focused review provides a diagnostic pathway/algorithm figure for investigating MH susceptibility (frassanito2023realevidenceand media 2ab373ad).
Perioperative hypermetabolic/rhabdomyolysis phenotypes overlap with other syndromes (e.g., anesthesia-induced rhabdomyolysis), creating diagnostic dilemmas noted in perioperative literature (ruta2025perioperativenursingof pages 2-3).
Mortality has decreased substantially with improved recognition and dantrolene availability: Rosenberg et al. states mortality decreased “from 80% thirty years ago to <5% in 2006” (rosenberg2015malignanthyperthermiaa pages 1-2). Delays in dantrolene and inadequate monitoring are associated with higher complication and mortality risk in modern analyses (rosenberg2015malignanthyperthermiaa pages 2-4, toyota2023rapiddantroleneadministration pages 6-6).
CHEBI suggestion: dantrolene (CHEBI identifier should be added from CHEBI database in a structured follow-up query; not retrievable from current context).
MAXO suggestions (examples; to be verified/expanded against MAXO): dantrolene administration; trigger agent discontinuation; active cooling; hyperkalemia treatment; intensive care monitoring.
Supportive measures include stopping triggers, ventilating with 100% oxygen, cooling, and correction of metabolic derangements (acidosis/hyperkalemia), with ICU-level monitoring for complications/recurrence (frassanito2023realevidenceand pages 9-10, rosenberg2015malignanthyperthermiaa pages 1-2).
For patients with known/suspected MHS, trigger-free anesthesia is recommended and workstation preparation is operationally important. A 2023 review specifies: - remove vaporizers; replace breathing circuits and soda lime; flush machine per manufacturer guidance (frassanito2023realevidenceand pages 9-10). - Activated charcoal filters (ACFs): “have been shown to rapidly and cost-efficiently decrease the concentration of anesthetic vapors to <5 ppm in 2–3 min and to maintain this low concentration… for up to 12 h with fresh gas flows of at least 3 L min−1” and should be applied to inspiratory and expiratory limbs; additionally, “the anesthesia machine will still need to be flushed with high fresh gas flows (≥10 L/min) for 90 s before placing the activated charcoal filters” (frassanito2023realevidenceand pages 9-10).
MH occurs in multiple species: “MH affects humans, certain pig breeds, dogs and horses” (rosenberg2015malignanthyperthermiaa pages 1-2). Inheritance differs: autosomal dominant in humans versus autosomal recessive in pigs (rosenberg2015malignanthyperthermiaa pages 1-2).
Multiple models are used to study Ca2+ dysregulation and to test interventions: - Pig models (porcine stress syndrome) as a natural disease model (rosenberg2015malignanthyperthermiaa pages 1-2). - Mouse models with RYR1 variants and Ca2+ dysregulation discussed in major reviews (kan2025researchhotspotsand pages 12-12, rosenberg2015malignanthyperthermiaa pages 12-13).
These elements should be added via targeted queries to OMIM/Orphanet/MONDO/MeSH/ClinVar/gnomAD in a subsequent structured database retrieval step.
References
(rosenberg2015malignanthyperthermiaa pages 1-2): Henry Rosenberg, Neil Pollock, Anja Schiemann, Terasa Bulger, and Kathryn Stowell. Malignant hyperthermia: a review. Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases, Aug 2015. URL: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13023-015-0310-1, doi:10.1186/s13023-015-0310-1. This article has 793 citations and is from a peer-reviewed journal.
(frassanito2023realevidenceand pages 1-3): Luciano Frassanito, Fabio Sbaraglia, Alessandra Piersanti, Francesco Vassalli, Monica Lucente, Nicoletta Filetici, Bruno Antonio Zanfini, Stefano Catarci, and Gaetano Draisci. Real evidence and misconceptions about malignant hyperthermia in children: a narrative review. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 12:3869, Jun 2023. URL: https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12123869, doi:10.3390/jcm12123869. This article has 20 citations.
(toyota2023rapiddantroleneadministration pages 6-6): Yukari Toyota, Takashi Kondo, Daiki Shorin, Ayako Sumii, Kenshiro Kido, Tomoyuki Watanabe, Sachiko Otsuki, Rieko Kanzaki, Hirotsugu Miyoshi, Toshimichi Yasuda, Yousuke T. Horikawa, Keiko Mukaida, and Yasuo M. Tsutsumi. Rapid dantrolene administration with body temperature monitoring is associated with decreased mortality in japanese malignant hyperthermia events. BioMed Research International, Feb 2023. URL: https://doi.org/10.1155/2023/8340209, doi:10.1155/2023/8340209. This article has 12 citations.
(rosenberg2015malignanthyperthermiaa pages 12-13): Henry Rosenberg, Neil Pollock, Anja Schiemann, Terasa Bulger, and Kathryn Stowell. Malignant hyperthermia: a review. Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases, Aug 2015. URL: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13023-015-0310-1, doi:10.1186/s13023-015-0310-1. This article has 793 citations and is from a peer-reviewed journal.
(biesecker2020genomicscreeningfor pages 1-2): Leslie G. Biesecker, Robert T. Dirksen, Thierry Girard, Philip M. Hopkins, Sheila Riazi, Henry Rosenberg, Kathryn Stowell, and James Weber. Genomic screening for malignant hyperthermia susceptibility. Anesthesiology, 133:1277-1282, Sep 2020. URL: https://doi.org/10.1097/aln.0000000000003547, doi:10.1097/aln.0000000000003547. This article has 40 citations and is from a domain leading peer-reviewed journal.
(paranjpe2024candidatelociin pages 19-24): R Paranjpe. Candidate loci in a threshold model of malignant hyperthermia. Unknown journal, 2024.
(riazi2018malignanthyperthermiain pages 1-3): Sheila Riazi, Natalia Kraeva, and Philip M. Hopkins. Malignant hyperthermia in the post-genomics era: new perspectives on an old concept. Anesthesiology, 128 1:168-180, Jan 2018. URL: https://doi.org/10.1097/aln.0000000000001878, doi:10.1097/aln.0000000000001878. This article has 195 citations and is from a domain leading peer-reviewed journal.
(bin2022malignanthyperthermiaa pages 5-7): Xin Bin, Baisheng Wang, and Zhangui Tang. Malignant hyperthermia: a killer if ignored. Journal of PeriAnesthesia Nursing, 37:435-444, Aug 2022. URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jopan.2021.08.018, doi:10.1016/j.jopan.2021.08.018. This article has 25 citations and is from a peer-reviewed journal.
(frassanito2023realevidenceand pages 9-10): Luciano Frassanito, Fabio Sbaraglia, Alessandra Piersanti, Francesco Vassalli, Monica Lucente, Nicoletta Filetici, Bruno Antonio Zanfini, Stefano Catarci, and Gaetano Draisci. Real evidence and misconceptions about malignant hyperthermia in children: a narrative review. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 12:3869, Jun 2023. URL: https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12123869, doi:10.3390/jcm12123869. This article has 20 citations.
(rosenberg2015malignanthyperthermiaa pages 2-4): Henry Rosenberg, Neil Pollock, Anja Schiemann, Terasa Bulger, and Kathryn Stowell. Malignant hyperthermia: a review. Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases, Aug 2015. URL: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13023-015-0310-1, doi:10.1186/s13023-015-0310-1. This article has 793 citations and is from a peer-reviewed journal.
(banu2026advancesinmalignant pages 1-2): Shaistha Banu and Sushmitha R. Shenoy. Advances in malignant hyperthermia: pathophysiology, diagnosis and management. International Journal of Research in Medical Sciences, 14:1759-1767, Mar 2026. URL: https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20260999, doi:10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20260999. This article has 0 citations.
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(rosenberg2015malignanthyperthermiaa pages 13-14): Henry Rosenberg, Neil Pollock, Anja Schiemann, Terasa Bulger, and Kathryn Stowell. Malignant hyperthermia: a review. Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases, Aug 2015. URL: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13023-015-0310-1, doi:10.1186/s13023-015-0310-1. This article has 793 citations and is from a peer-reviewed journal.
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