HomeAnswersAnesthesiologymalignant hyperthermia

Can a child get malignant hyperthermia after a surgery?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

My baby will be undergoing a surgical procedure where general anesthesia is required. However, I am worried that he might get a malignant hyperthermia reaction. How likely is this to happen?

Please help.

Answered by Dr. Jadhav Yatish Anant

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Jadhav Yatish Anant is a skilled Anesthesiologist with expertise in administering general, regional, and local anesthesia for surgical procedures. He also does preoperative assessment to ensure patient safety before surgery. He provides Pain management for acute, chronic, and post-operative conditions. He is well-versed in monitoring and managing vital functions during surgery. He is an expert in critical care and intensive care management.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I went through your query and understood your concern.

Malignant hyperthermia is a rare inherited skeletal muscle condition with an incidence during anesthesia ranging from 1 : 10,000 to 250,000. Anesthetic drugs like Succinylcholine (depolarizing muscle relaxant) and volatile anesthetics like Halothane may trigger it. The use of both these anesthetics is preferred to be avoided in children. Relatively safe anesthetics like nondepolarising muscle relaxants and volatile agents like Sevoflurane may be used to maintain anesthesia. Though, the choice remains with the anaesthesiologist at the time of surgery. I suggest you discuss your concerns with the specialist at the earliest.

I hope this has helped you.

Thanks and regards.

Medically reviewed by Dr. K. Shobana
Published At January 23, 2023
Reviewed At October 7, 2025

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Jadhav Yatish Anant is a skilled Anesthesiologist with expertise in administering general, regional, and local anesthesia for surgical procedures. He also does preoperative assessment to ensure patient safety before surgery. He provides Pain management for acute, chronic, and post-operative conditions. He is well-versed in monitoring and managing vital functions during surgery. He is an expert in critical care and intensive care management.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. K. Shobana is a Dental Surgeon specializing in oral health and dental care. She is skilled in preventive dentistry and provides oral hygiene education. She can do restorative treatments such as fillings and crowns. She can handle periodontal problems such as gum diseases and periodontitis. She can do root canal treatment.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Jadhav Yatish Anant is a skilled Anesthesiologist with expertise in administering general, regional, and local anesthesia for surgical procedures. He also does preoperative assessment to ensure patient safety before surgery. He provides Pain management for acute, chronic, and post-operative conditions. He is well-versed in monitoring and managing vital functions during surgery. He is an expert in critical care and intensive care management.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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