What does the treatment of malignant hyperthermia include?

The treatment of malignant hyperthermia primarily involves the administration of dantrolene. This medication works by directly affecting the muscle cells, inhibiting calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum, which is a key factor in the hypermetabolic state seen in malignant hyperthermia. By controlling the excessive calcium release, dantrolene effectively reduces muscle contractility and addresses the associated symptoms, including severe hyperthermia and metabolic acidosis.

In addition to dantrolene, supportive measures such as cooling the patient and managing metabolic derangements are critical components of the overall treatment strategy. While other medications may be useful in different contexts, dantrolene remains the specific and effective treatment for addressing the pathophysiology of malignant hyperthermia directly.