Which condition is associated with an increased incidence of malignant hyperthermia?

Which condition is associated with an increased incidence of malignant hyperthermia?

• A. Asthma
• B. Muscular dystrophy
• C. Coronary artery disease
• D. Obesity

Answer: (B)

Malignant hyperthermia is a potentially life-threatening condition typically triggered by certain anesthetic agents, particularly in individuals with a genetic predisposition. Muscular dystrophy is associated with an increased incidence of malignant hyperthermia due to underlying muscle abnormalities and dysfunction relating to calcium regulation in muscle cells. These abnormalities make individuals with muscular dystrophy more susceptible to the hypermetabolic state induced by certain triggers during anesthesia, leading to the drastic rise in body temperature and muscle rigidity characteristic of malignant hyperthermia. In contrast, the other conditions listed—like asthma, coronary artery disease, and obesity—do not have the same direct link to the muscular abnormalities or the genetic predispositions that underlie the pathophysiology of malignant hyperthermia. While these conditions may present additional challenges during anesthesia or surgery, they are not recognized as risk factors specifically associated with an increased risk for malignant hyperthermia.

Malignant hyperthermia is a potentially life-threatening condition typically triggered by certain anesthetic agents, particularly in individuals with a genetic predisposition. Muscular dystrophy is associated with an increased incidence of malignant hyperthermia due to underlying muscle abnormalities and dysfunction relating to calcium regulation in muscle cells. These abnormalities make individuals with muscular dystrophy more susceptible to the hypermetabolic state induced by certain triggers during anesthesia, leading to the drastic rise in body temperature and muscle rigidity characteristic of malignant hyperthermia.

In contrast, the other conditions listed—like asthma, coronary artery disease, and obesity—do not have the same direct link to the muscular abnormalities or the genetic predispositions that underlie the pathophysiology of malignant hyperthermia. While these conditions may present additional challenges during anesthesia or surgery, they are not recognized as risk factors specifically associated with an increased risk for malignant hyperthermia.