Case File-4

A healthy 25 year old man is undergoing a brief surgical procedure requiring general anaesthesia. He underwent an unremarkable intubation and induction of anaesthesia using I V succinyl choline and inhaled halothane. During the surgery the patient developes muscle rigidity and tachycardia and his temperature rapidly rises.

1.What is the mechanism of action of succinylcholine?

2.What reaction is occurring in the patient?

3.What drug should immediately be given to the patient and what is its mechanism of action?

Questions

Summary A 25-year-old man develops muscle

rigidity, tachycardia, and high fever during surgery after giving succinylcholine

Mechanism of action of succinylcholine

Nicotinic receptor agonist at the motor end plate of neuro muscular junction which causes persistent stimulation and depolarization of muscle cells

Reaction that is occurringMalignant Hyperthermia

Drugs given for treatment of malignant hyperthermia and its moa

Dantrolene is drug of choice. It acts by interfering with calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum.