Open Water Swim in Marshall, Illinois Highlights Rare Disorder

Newswise — The Geoffrey Keller Memorial Open Water Swim held in honor of the late son of Curt and Kathy Keller to raise funds to research better ways of managing Malignant Hyperthermia during surgery, to improve methods of detecting MH, and for MH awareness. Presented by Marshall, IL, the Geoff Keller Group of MHAUS, and Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Saturday, June 21, 2014, Check in starts at 7 am Lincoln Trail Lake, Lincoln Trail State Park 16985 E. 1350th Road, Marshall, Il 62441 Sanctioned by Illinois Masters Swimming Association (ILMSA) for United States Masters Swimming (USMS), Inc. USMS Sanction Number: 214-W002

The rectangular 1.2 and 2.4 mile loop course is marked by buoys, lifeguards, rowboats, rescue boards, and kayaks, officials, and/or other safety resources. In-water start, swim counter-clockwise around orange 8-foot tetrahedron turn buoy marks (with red guide buoys on straightaways), exit water with brief run on beach sand, and through finish chute. Course is subject to change if event day conditions warrant.

To register go to www.mhaus.org and click Events.

What is Malignant Hyperthermia
Malignant Hyperthermia (MH) is an inherited genetic disorder found in an estimated 1 out of 2,000 people. It is triggered by certain anesthetics and/or the drug succinylcholine, and is most often experienced in individuals undergoing routine surgery; in rare cases MH can happen without anesthesia. The disorder is due to abnormally increased levels of cell calcium in the skeletal muscles. Symptoms include a body temperature of up to 107 degrees, muscle rigidity, system-wide organ failure, and possible death.

There is mounting evidence that some patients develop MH through exercise and/or 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 such as the Geoffery Keller Group of MHAUS.

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.