What is MH?

Malignant Hyperthermia (MH) is a syndrome which can occur in susceptible individuals, triggered by commonly used general anesthetics. Malignant Hyperthermia is a rare, inherited condition. Affected persons can experience life threatening complications ("MH crisis") when they are exposed to certain anesthetics ("trigger agents") used to put patients to sleep for surgery.

  • Treatment for a MH-crisis is available with a drug called dantrolene. However, effectiveness is greatest when given early.
  • Children of an affected person have a 50% chance to inherit this condition from their parents.
  • Testing for MH-susceptibility is available. This is very important in individuals who experienced a MH crisis as well as in close relatives of affected people

Malignant Hyperthermia

A young child with a family history of malignant hyperthermia (MH) traveled from India to UC Davis Health for glaucoma surgery. 

Baby Megha and her parents sitting on a chairThe 16-week-old patient, Megha, was originally evaluated in India for symptoms concerning glaucoma in need of surgical intervention. Her father, David, and paternal uncle are MH susceptible, based on muscle biopsy testing. There were multiple centers in India capable of managing childhood glaucoma, but access to the MH antidote drug dantrolene is limited throughout much of India. In addition, Megha’s father wanted her treated in the U.S. to maximize her safety.

Ophthalmologic surgeon Dr. James Brandt from the UC Davis Eye Center was contacted by an Aarogya Seva-Global Health Volunteer Alliance volunteer about transferring Megha to UC Davis Health for her glaucoma surgery. Dr. Brandt consulted Dr. Niroop Ravula, pediatric anesthesiologist in the UC Davis Health Pediatric Anesthesia division, and Dr. Tim Tautz, director of the UC Davis MH Biopsy Testing Center, about managing this patient at UC Davis Health. With the help of Aarogya Seva-Global Health Volunteer Alliance and online fundraising, Megha traveled to the U.S. with her family for surgery.

Pediatrics Surgery and Treatment TeamSince arriving at UC Davis Health, Megha has successfully undergone two eye procedures under non-triggering general anesthesia after proper anesthesia workstation preparation without any complications. After the follow-up visit at UC Davis Ophthalmology, Dr. Brandt expects Megha to have normal vision.

Megha’s story demonstrates that adequate preparation and a team-centered approach are vital to ensure patient safety during perioperative course and led to a successful outcome.

UC Davis Medical Center is one of six designated MH testing sites in the U.S. and is also involved in collecting data for the North American MH Registry. We utilize laboratories at UC Davis to perform muscle biopsies and other tests. The director of the testing center, Dr. Tautz, serves as a consultant to the MH Hotline and is available to answer questions and concerns about MH from physicians and other healthcare personnel.


Timothy J. Tautz, M.D., Director of the UC Davis MH Biopsy Testing Center
Send an email to Dr. Tautz
Call the MH Testing Center: 916-734-2431