Inherited Anesthesia Related Reaction Public Conference in Santa Fe

Newswise — Santa Fe, NM May 29, 2012 -- Malignant Hyperthermia (MH) is an inherited muscle disorder most often triggered by certain anesthetic drugs leading to a life-threatening crisis that requires prompt, specific treatment. In rare cases, MH may also be triggered by heat and exercise. Healthcare professionals, patients, families and friends can learn the basics on how recognize, diagnose, and treat Malignant Hyperthermia at a one-day conference happening from 10 am to 4 pm July 28, 2012 at Santa Fe Community College located in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Register at MHAUS.org

Conference is sponsored by the Malignant Hyperthermia Association of the United States (MHAUS) in conjunction with Christus St.Vincent Regional Medical Center. Click here to see Conference video

Upon completion, participants will be able to: 1) Identify the signs and symptoms of an MH event. 2) Enforce quick treatment regimen for MH event. 3) Explain the response plant for an MH event to other medical staff. 4) State proper patient safety steps to take in preparation for an MH-Susceptible patient. 5) Discuss MH testing options with patients and assist them in seeking further information. There are education credits available.

About Malignant Hyperthermia: MH is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder found in an estimated 1 out of 2,000 people. Once triggered, the rapid progressive series of chain events include a body temperature of up to 107 degrees, muscle rigidity, system-wide organ failure, and, if untreated, eventual death. MH is often experienced in individuals undergoing, what was expected to be, routine surgery.

The incidence of MH is low, but, if untreated, the mortality rate is high. Introduction of a treatment drug and advances in the understanding of MH have saved many lives since the syndrome was first described in the 1960s.

About the Malignant Hyperthermia Association of the United States (MHAUS): Founded in 1981 MHAUS promotes optimum care and scientific understanding of MH and related disorders by encouraging healthcare professionals and patients and families to prepare for MH through education and testing. Click here to see Understanding MH video. MH is fast acting and minutes count during a potentially fatal MH crisis, the MH Hotline provides healthcare professionals with access to anesthesiologists who specialize in MH crisis treatment 24-hours a day.

For more information, Contact MHAUS