Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Possible Link between Anesthesia Complication and Heat-Related Deaths

According to recent research published in Anesthesia & Analgesia, there may be a link between malignant hyperthermia (MH) and exertional heat illness.


According to the Malignant Hyperthermia Association of the United States (MHAUS), malignant hyperthermia is a “biochemical chain reaction response “triggered” by commonly used general anesthetics and the paralyzing agent succinylcholine within the skeletal muscles of susceptible individuals.” The contents of the skeletal muscles are released into the blood, possibly causing organ failure and death.


However, after review of recent research, Dr. John Capacchione and Dr. Sheila Muldoon of the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences in Maryland discovered substantial similarities between exertional heat illness and MH. The team looked at cases of MH exclusive of anesthesia drugs, finding that these patients collapsed during extreme exertion. Tests found that these people possessed the genetic defect responsible for MH.


Additional research still needs to be conducted to make clear this link between exertional heat deaths and malignant hyperthermia. However, these studied cases do point to a possible link. Unexpected deaths are difficult to deal with. However, when the unexpected death of an individual is caused by the mistake of a doctor or hospital employee, it may be even harder to take. If you believe your loved one was the victim of another’s negligence, call the wrongful death attorneys at Silberstein, Awad & Miklos, P.C. today for a free consultation.


Call us toll-free 1-877-ASK4SAM and visit www.ask4sam.net

No comments: