New Diagnostic Method for Malignant Hyperthermia
Researchers at the University of Queensland (UQ) have developed a less invasive test for Malignant Hyperthermia (MH), a potentially fatal reaction to anaesthesia.
MH is a genetic condition that causes muscle rigidity, dangerously high body temperature, increased heart rate, and acid buildup in the blood for some individuals exposed to anaesthetics.
Current Testing Limitations
Currently, the only accurate method to assess MH susceptibility is an invasive muscle tissue biopsy. This procedure involves taking a muscle sample, resulting in a 10cm incision in the thigh.
Professor Bradley Launikonis of UQ's School of Biomedical Sciences stated that this process is invasive, expensive, time-consuming, and causes significant discomfort and scarring. He also noted that the test cannot be performed on children, and some adults avoid it due to fear or scarring concerns.
Australia currently has 3 MH Diagnostic Units, performing about 10 invasive open biopsies weekly.
The Calcium Wave Frequency Assay
A new diagnostic test, named the Calcium Wave Frequency Assay, has demonstrated potential for detecting MH susceptibility using only a single muscle fibre. This amount of tissue is approximately 1,000 times less than what is currently required. MH was initially recognized in the 1960s.
Professor Launikonis explained that while blood tests for the genetic mutation exist, the risk of false negatives is considered too high due to the many possible mutations that can lead to MH susceptibility.
Future Implications and Importance
Researchers anticipate that the new test could eventually be performed with a minimally invasive needle biopsy and may also have implications for other muscle conditions, such as Muscular Dystrophy.
It is critical for anaesthetists to know if a patient is susceptible to MH to implement extra precautions, as an untreated reaction can lead to death. Even if a patient survives an MH reaction, they may sustain permanent neurological damage. A muscle relaxant drug can be administered if an MH reaction occurs.
Professor Launikonis stated that the next step for the research involves a full clinical validation of the new test. The findings have been published in the journal Anaesthesiology.