Malignant Hyperthermia Scientific Conference Comes to Toronto

Newswise — The 2013 Malignant Hyperthermia (MH) Scientific Conference is being held at the Chestnut Conference Centre, University of Toronto, Canada on November 1st and 2nd, 2013 and is sponsored by Malignant Hyperthermia Association of the United States (MHAUS) in conjunction with The University of Toronto. To register or for more information call: 011-1-607-674-7901, or email: [email protected], or click on this link The MH Conference is titled “Clinical Significance of Ryanodine Receptor-1 (RYR-1) Gene Variants: New Insights into Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment of RYR1-Linked Diseases.”

The conference is for healthcare professionals and is being held in honor of Dr. David MacLennan for his contributions to our understanding of the genetics, pathogenesis and treatment of MH at the University of Toronto; and features presentations from MH experts from throughout the world, and an opportunity to submit posters and abstracts about MH.

Summary:
Through lectures and interactive discussions with subject matter experts in molecular genetic diagnosis, and muscle function in health and disease, this project will inform physicians and scientists who are researching malignant hyperthermia (MH) and its variants and those who care for patients with MH, heat stroke and muscle breakdown of the latest advances in the field. Sharing this information will advance genetic diagnosis of patients suspected of being at risk for MH, congenital muscle disorders, heat stroke and muscle breakdown with exercise.

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education through the joint sponsorship of UPSTATE Medical University and MHAUS. UPSTATE Medical University is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Educational Credits:
Upstate Medical University designates this live activity for a maximum of 13.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)TM. Physician should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Call for Abstracts & Posters:
As part of the MH Scientific Conference, there is an opportunity to present work related to the clinical presentation, pathophysiology, molecular genetics, management and treatment, epidemiology of MH and MH related disorders during the course of the conference.

To participate submit a one-page abstract with the following information by September 30, 2013 that includes: title of presentation, authors and affiliation, introduction, methods, results, discussion, references, and acknowledgements to the Abstract Review Committee on 8-1/2” by 11” paper with one inch margins on all sides in 12 point Arial font single -spaced. All work must have been performed between on or after 2011. Abstracts will be reviewed by the organizing committee for scientific content, relevance and originality.

Final Posters will be limited to no more than 4 feet by 5 feet in total space. For more information click here.

What is Malignant Hyperthermia:
Malignant hyperthermia is a potentially fatal, inherited disorder usually associated with the administration of certain general anesthetics. The disorder is due to an acceleration of metabolism in skeletal muscle. The signs of MH include muscle rigidity, rapid heart rate, high body temperature, muscle breakdown and increased acid content. Immediate treatment with the drug dantrolene sodium for injection usually reverses the signs of MH. The underlying defect is abnormally increased levels of cell calcium in the skeletal muscle. The best way to protect yourself, your family, your patients and facility, is to be prepared before it's too late.

About the Malignant Hyperthermia Association of the United States (MHAUS):
MHAUS was founded 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!”

MH is inherited genetic disorder found in an estimated 1 out of 2,000 people. MH is triggered by certain anesthesia and most often experienced in individuals undergoing routine surgery but in rare cases MH can happen without anesthesia. Symptoms include body temperature of up to
107 degrees, muscle rigidity, system-wide organ failure, and possible death.

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

The mission of MHAUS is to promote optimum care and scientific understanding of MH and related disorders. MH episodes can happen at any time. MHAUS can help you prepare before it’s too late.