Malignant hyperthermia in Poland: A survey study

Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a life-threatening syndrome caused by sudden, uncontrolled skeletal muscle hypermetabolism in response to inhalation anesthetics and depolarizing relaxants. The estimated incidence of MH is between 1:10,000 and 1:250,000 anesthetic procedures. In Poland, due to lack of reporting, the incidence of MH is unknown. Dantrolene is imported as a life-saving drug (target import) and temporally authorized for sale. The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of malignant hyperthermia in Poland and to assess the accessibility to dantrolene in Poland. A questionnaire was conducted among the chiefs of anesthesia and intensive care units in Poland. During the years 2014 to 2019, 10 episodes of MH have been reported in 238 surveyed polish anesthesia departments. The estimated prevalence is 1:350,000. Eight patients survived the MH crisis. Dantrolene is stocked in 48 (20%) anesthesiology departments. Among the surveyed hospitals, only in 38 (16%) it is possible to administer dantrolene within 5 minutes of suspecting a MH reaction. Less than half units (44%) have an algorithm for the management of MH episode in the operating theaters. The results of the study revealed, that the prevalence of MH in Poland is lower than the prevalence reported in other countries. Access to dantrolene in Poland is limited.

Automated summary

Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a life-threatening syndrome caused by uncontrolled skeletal muscle hypermetabolism in response to anesthesia. The prevalence of MH in Poland is estimated to be 1:350,000, lower than in other countries. Access to the life-saving drug, dantrolene, is limited in Poland, with only 20% of anesthesia departments having it in stock and 16% able to administer it within 5 minutes of suspecting a MH reaction. The study highlights the need for improved accessibility and management of MH in Poland.