MHAUS Newsletter, December 2006
In this issue:

New Online Program for NMSIS

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) is a little-known disorder, with symptoms sometimes confused with Malignant Hyperthermia. NMS is a dangerous, life-threatening side effect of antipsychotic and neuroleptic drugs, a side effect that is often missed by practicing clinicians. Like MH, its features include elevated body temperature, muscle rigidity, and abnormal vital signs.

Because of the similarities, the Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome Information Service (NMSIS) has been a partner organization of the Malignant Hyperthermia Association of the United States (MHAUS) since its inception in 1997.

Now, NMSIS would like to invite you to gain valuable continuing education credits by participating in its new online program.

This program educates healthcare professionals on NMS diagnosis and treatment based on the most current research. It includes historical information on the recognition and diagnosis of NMS, develops strategies for the treatment of NMS and covers the differential diagnosis by an expert speaking in the field of drug-induced heat-related disorders.

Please share this information with those at your medical facility, especially psychiatrists, psychologists, emergency room doctors, and internists. For more information, please contact Diane Van Slyke at (607) 674-7920.

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New Reason to Fill Out AMRAs

You may know that MHAUS maintains a registry of MH patients through its North American MH Registry, which began in 1987 and later merged with MHAUS. This registry helps MH experts learn how MH presents itself clinically by compiling a database of MH cases. This database relies on anesthesia care providers filling out and sending in a thorough report of MH incidents or suspected cases. The data is entered into the MH Registry with the patient’s consent, or if there is no consent, the information is entered anonymously.

The report is known as an "AMRA" or Adverse Metabolic Reaction to Anesthesia form. In order to encourage anesthesia care providers to complete the AMRAs, MHAUS is offering a free one-year membership for those who complete and submit their form.

AMRAs are available from the MH Registry (https://www.mhreg.org, (888) 274-7899) and directly from the MHAUS office (607-674-7901).

When an AMRA is received at the North American MH Registry, it is reviewed by the director and staff. Their goal is to contact the person who completed the AMRA within 48 hours to clarify any questions regarding the data.

To increase the motivation to complete the AMRAs, the health care provider will now be offered a complimentary MHAUS membership for one year when they send in the AMRA form. This membership includes specific benefits, for example:

• a 10% discount on materials ordered from MHAUS 
• the MHAUS quarterly newsletter, The Communicator 
• a member card 
• a New-member kit 

Once the positive response for an MH membership is received, and all questions regarding the AMRA are answered, the Registry staff will forward the name and contact information of the health care provider to MHAUS administration for fulfillment.

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More on the New Molecular Genetics Test

In an earlier issue of our e-newsletter, we told you about our new molecular genetics test, available as a diagnostic test for MH. The test is not for everyone and to find out if it is right for you or one of your patients, please CLICK HERE.

For those who may qualify for this simple, convenient blood test, below are the two locations for the testing. Remember that the muscle biopsy is still the most accurate way of detecting MH susceptibility.

PreventionGenetics, LLC 
www.preventiongenetics.com
Eric W. Johnson, PhD
3700 Downwind Drive
Marshfield, WI 54449 USA
715 387-0484
clinicaltesting@preventiongenetics.com

Center for Medical Genetics
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
S701 Scaife Hall
3550 Terrace Street
Pittsburgh PA 15213
800 454-8155
http://path.upmc.edu/divisions/mdx/diagnostics.html

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Cut Your Response Time to an MH Episode with MHAUS Procedure Manuals

Your response time can actually be cut in half with our comprehensive MH procedure manuals for the hospital, ambulatory surgery center, and office surgery suite. These educational tools are specifically designed for MH crisis response and come in a 3-ring binder with laminated team-member worksheets and a videotape not only on how to recognize and treat MH, but also how to best use the manual to train staff. A staple of our key MH tools, the manuals are highly recommended to ensure the best and quickest response.

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Take the Challenge - Test Yourself on the MH Hotline Case of the Month

You are probably aware of an MHAUS signature service, our 24/7 MH Hotline, where the medical team can call at anytime to get live, real time advice on handling an MH episode. (Please see the MH Hotline phone number below.)

Since February of 2005 we have been posting an "MH Case of the Month" at www.mhaus.org. The case is taken from an actual MH Hotline case on our web site. This case will challenge you, and help make sure your team is up to date with the latest management tools and techniques for recognizing and responding to an MH case. See the latest case and take the challenge! The answers are posted the following month. We hope this offers you an invaluable educational experience.

MH Hotline, USA and Canada: (800) 644-9737
Outside the US: 0011 315 464 7079

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