Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a rare anaesthetic emergency. It has been estimated to occur in between 1:10,000 and 1:150,000 general anaesthetics, though there is much uncertainity about the precision of these estimates.
The Association of Anaesthetists has not previously published full MH guidelines. In the absence of any recent guidelines published in a peer reviewed journal, rather than simply updating the 2011 crisis management laminates, a Working Party was established to produce these formal comprehensive guidelines. Importantly, the scope of these guidelines is extended to include practical guidance for anaesthetists dealing with a case of suspected malignant hyperthermia once the acute reaction has been reversed.
With us today we have the lead author of the paper, Professor Phil Hopkins from the Malignant Hyperthermia Unit at St. James’ University Hospital and the University of Leeds. We are also delighted to be joined by Connor Philips, an award-winning television presenter, BBC radio presenter, writer and live event host whose broadcasting work includes sport, entertainment, current affairs, film, music, travel, comedy and property. Connor and several family members have been affected by MH, and his insights and experiences of this rare condition will be of interest to all.