FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

ASA Partners with MHAUS to Spread the Word about Malignant Hyperthermia

CHICAGO (April 21, 2009) - In its continuing effort to heighten awareness of malignant hyperthermia, the Malignant Hyperthermia Association of the United States (MHAUS), a not for profit patient advocacy organization (www.mhaus.org), has joined forces with the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) to spread word on this uncommon, but life-threatening condition.

Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is an inherited disorder caused by a group of genetic mutations that result in an abnormal protein in skeletal muscle cell. When exposed to certain anesthetics, the genetic aberration may start a series of events which may include sustained muscle contractures, muscle breakdown, rapid temperature increase, and hypermetabolism. If untreated, these events can cause cardiac arrest, kidney failure, blood coagulation problems and other potentially fatal reactions. The patient is usually unaware of the problem until anesthetized with one of these agents one or more times. The genetic change is passed from one generation to another.

Since its formation in 1981, MHAUS has been working through its growing member network of MH-susceptibles and their family members, anesthesiologists and other physicians to educate other members of the medical community as well as the public on the risks of MH.  MH can occur unexpectedly in conjunction with some of the most commonly used anesthetics in hospital operating rooms, dental offices or ambulatory surgery and office-based surgery centers. MH is truly a disorder best treated by education and preparation.

MHAUS offers numerous brochures which provide background on the condition, identify MH preventive measures, as well as emergency treatment in the OR. A wide variety of educational materials is posted on the MHAUS web site. Additionally, MHAUS maintains a 24-hour hotline voluntarily staffed by MH expert anesthesiologists who are on call year round to answer questions relating to the identification and treatment of MH episodes as well as to assist the caller in handling an emergent MH event and keep their patient safe.

In addition, the MHAUS Professional Advisory Council provides expert guidance in preparation of educational material. A Speakers Bureau enlists experts on MH to speak to medical professionals, including physicians and nurses, as well as patient groups.  At these seminars, advice on diagnostic testing and the management of MH is provided.

Commenting on its new partnership with ASA, Henry Rosenberg, M.D., President of MHAUS and Director, Department of Medical Education and Clinical Research at Saint Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, NJ, notes: “We are extremely excited about our relationship with the ASA. We look forward to assisting the physician members of this vital organization provide information and guidance on managing malignant hyperthermia to their patients and other health care providers. Patient safety is always paramount in our efforts to manage and diagnose this uncommon but potentially fatal disorder. As highly respected members of the medical community, we are confident that, with the help of the ASA, we can raise awareness of MH to a new level.” 

For more information on malignant hyperthermia and what you should know about the symptoms and signs of this disorder, diagnostic testing options, and treatment, as well frequently asked questions visit www.asahq.org or www.mhaus.org.

Anesthesiologists: Physicians providing the lifeline of modern medicine. Founded in 1905, the American Society of Anesthesiologists is an educational, research and scientific association with 43,000 members organized to raise and maintain the standards of the medical practice of anesthesiology and improve the care of the patient.

For more information visit the ASA Web site at www.asahq.org.

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Contact:
Donna E. Habich
d.habich@asahq.org
847-825-5586