An Analysis of Fatal Malignant Hyperthermia Cases after 1990 in Japan

Abstract

We retroactively analyzed the data base of the malignant hyperthermia (MH) after 1990. The data base comprised of 150MH cases and 18 cases were found fatal. The mortality rate was approximately 12% and slightly higher than that of the European countries and North American. In the fatal cases, the neurosurgery cases occupied the majority in the surgical procedures. Continuous monitoring of endtidal CO₂ and body temperature were almost carried out in 113 cases. About 55% of the fatal cases died within 12 hours after the induction of anesthesia. Adopting the Clinical Grading Scale, it was found that all cases were rank of 4 and 11 cases were rank of 6. To reduce the fatal cases from MH, we concluded that enlightenment and education for MH and increase in number of the anesthesiologist are further required.