MALIGNANT HYPERTHERMIA. A CASE REPORT FROM A PRIVATE CLINIC IN ORAL SURGERY BACKGROUND – Life-threatening conditions during treatment under general anaesthesia rarely occur. Malignant hyperthermia is one of the most life-threatening conditions that can occur during treatment involving general anaesthesia.
CASE STUDY – A 12-year-old girl developed malignant hyperthermia during treatment under general anaesthesia. The condition was quickly identified, and adequate treatment was implemented, involving cooling with towels moistened with surgical spirits and cold water as well as intravenous treatment with Dantrolene. The patient was stabilised and transferred intubated to Aarhus University Hospital for further treatment. She was discharged 16 days after admission. Afterwards she had tiredness and headache in conjunction with long-term physical activity. These symptoms have, by time of writing decreased significantly. Therefore, she is today only slightly bothered by them and has a normal life.
CONCLUSION – Development of malignant hyperthermia during dental treatment in general anaesthesia rarely occurs. The preoperative evaluation before dental treatment in general anaesthesia should focus upon previous and actual systemic disease, including any complications in relation to previous treatment under general anaesthesia as well as any family history of anaesthesia-related problems. Moreover, dental treatment in general anaesthesia should only be performed when the treatment cannot be performed using local analgesia alone or in combination with sedation.