Ambulatory Anesthesia and Rare Disorder Groups Partner to Save Lives

Newswise — The Society of Ambulatory Anesthesia (SAMBA) has partnered with the Malignant Hyperthermia Association of the United States (MHAUS) to offer MHAUS membership benefits to active SAMBA members at a reduced rate.

“SAMBA has always supported the MHAUS mission and primary focus on patient safety. This partnership will formalize the cooperative relationship that SAMBA and MHAUS have enjoyed over the years, while benefiting our members and the patients they serve in a variety of practice settings including ASC’s, office-based and non-OR locations,” said Brian Parker, M.D., president of SAMBA.

“SAMBA has supported and upheld the mission of MHAUS, and has been instrumental in assuring their patients remain safe from the nightmare of MH through MH preparedness plans. The mutual respect and cooperation between our organizations is enhanced further through our joint decision to offer this partner membership option to active SAMBA members. MHAUS and SAMBA have cooperated in the past on other projects and the end results have always been positive with respect to patient safety. Those who take advantage of this opportunity will have improved access to MH education. With knowledge comes power. As a result, we expect to become even more impactful in MH preparedness efforts. The ongoing communication between SAMBA and MHAUS members and leaders can be channeled to implement products and programs that are both educational and impactful” said Dianne Daugherty, MHAUS Executive Director.

SAMBA Members can learn more by going to www.mhaus.org and clicking Membership.

What is Malignant Hyperthermia
Malignant Hyperthermia (MH) is inherited genetic disorder found in an estimated 1 out of 2,000 people and triggered by certain anesthetics and/or the drug succinylcholine and most often experienced in individuals undergoing routine surgery but in rare cases MH can happen without anesthesia. The disorder is due to abnormally increased levels of cell calcium in the skeletal muscle. Symptoms

nclude body temperature of up to 107 degrees, muscle rigidity, system-wide organ failure, and possible death.

There is mounting evidence that some patients will also develop MH with exercise and/or on exposure to hot environments. Without proper and prompt treatment with dantrolene sodium, mortality is extremely high.

About the Malignant Hyperthermia Association of the United States (MHAUS)
MHAUS was founded by families who lost their children to MH or could not find information about MH. In 1981 they found each other - and a doctor performing MH testing – and agreed “to make current information about MH available to all who need it!”

Since 1981 MHAUS has asked fostered the following: the World Health Organization (WHO) to add MH to its list of recognized diseases and disorders. In 1983 the first MHAUS healthcare professional and patient teaching conference. In 1992 the FDA ordered pharmaceutical companies that manufacture succinylcholine to change the package insert to indicate that the drug should not be used routinely in children. In 1995 the MH 24-hour Hotline was formalized and MHAUS merged with the North American MH Registry, which had been established in 1987. In 1997 the MHAUS website was formed along with the Neuroleptic Malignant Information Service of MHAUS. In 1998 the MH ID Tag program was created. In 2000 the MH Procedure Manual was created for ambulatory surgery centers, hospitals, and office based surgery suites. In 2001 the MH Patient Liaison Committee was formed. In 2003 a new mutation in ryanodine receptor gene was discovered and appears to be causal for MH. More at: www.mhaus.org.

Today MHAUS provides information and resources to medical and lay communities through conferences, educational materials, ID tags, 24-hour MH Hotline, MHAUS website, and with the help of MH Groups.

The mission of Malignant Hyperthermia Association of the United States is to promote optimum care and scientific understanding of MH and related disorders. MH episodes can happen at any time and MHAUS will always be ready to provide assistance when you need it. But the best way protect your family and patients is to be prepared before it’s too late. Get Involved with MHAUS today to find out what you can do to make a difference.

About The Society of Ambulatory Anesthesia (SAMBA)
The Society for Ambulatory Anesthesia is one of the fastest growing anesthesia organizations, responding to the education and research needs of perioperative physicians practicing ambulatory anesthesia. Founded in 1985, SAMBA enjoys a membership of over 1,000 physicians who actively practice ambulatory anesthesia, other health professionals with an interest in ambulatory anesthesia, and residents in training. The goals of the Society are:

• To advance the practice of ambulatory anesthesia in all ambulatory venues.
• To encourage high ethical and professional standards and by fostering and encouraging education and research
• To provide professional guidance for the practice of ambulatory anesthesia

 

The Society for Ambulatory Anesthesia strives to keep the medical profession and the public informed about the role of anesthesiologists in the perioperative care of patients undergoing ambulatory surgery. The Society also supports programs and efforts in ambulatory anesthesia by the American Society of Anesthesiologists as well as establishes guidelines for subspecialty training in ambulatory anesthesia. Education stands in the forefront of the Society's mission.

Exciting programs relevant to ambulatory anesthesia practice is another way SAMBA is helping its members turn challenges into opportunities during these revolutionary times:

• Organizational, quality improvement and other management strategies
• Economic, political, and legal issues
• To provide professional guidance for the practice of ambulatory anesthesia
• Problem oriented discussions, workshops and practical advice
• Exchange of ideas among anesthesiologists engaged in ambulatory surgery
• Peer recognition opportunities