MHAUS Newsletter, October 2007
In this issue:

MHAUS Holds MH Molecular Genetics Meeting

A number of MHAUS Malignant Hyperthermia (MH) Hotline Consultants, members of the Professional Advisory Council, MH Muscle Biopsy Center Directors, MHAUS Board Members and other experts in the field of MH and genetics from the United States and Europe gathered on September 8 and 9, 2007 at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) www.chop.edu for an intense brainstorming/feedback session.

 

The focus areas of the meeting were to: 

  •  Review and update activities related to the muscle biopsy contracture and alternative tests
  •  Discuss findings related to MH molecular genetic testing to date
  •  Review potential links to perioperative and exertional rhabdomyolysis
  •  Strategize to increase enrollment of patients in CHCT and genetic studies to help further MH research efforts

Dr. Clemens Mueller related the status of genetic testing done in Europe by the European MH Group (EMHG) www.emhg.org and shared the advances they have accomplished to date.  Dr. Hakon Hakonarson presented the experience gained from studies of complex genetic disorders being done at CHOP.  Dr. Paul Allen shared his experiences from years of work on the physiologic and genetic insights from animal models such as the MH-susceptible Pigs and the Knock-in Mice.  Dr. Khishge Sambuughin described the experiences in the MH research laboratory to the group.

 

Dr. Barbara Brandom, Director of the North American MH Registry of MHAUS, www.mhreg.org discussed the role of the Registry, suggested ways to encourage research report generation, and explained advances made with regard to MH genetic testing and the Registry’s role.  Dr. Marilyn Larach completed this portion of the program by sharing her findings surrounding an investigation of MH deaths and the role of autopsies and genetic testing as ways to reduce them.

 

The meeting ended with discussions surrounding exertional rhabdomyolysis and heat illness with relation to MH and suggestions made as to how to develop a diagnostic/treatment model to address this issue.  Dr. Henry Rosenberg related insight into perioperative rhabdomyolysis.

 

Watch for a more complete summary of the meeting in an upcoming issue of MHAUS’ quarterly newsletter, The Communicator.

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US WorldMeds Introduces Generic Equivalent to Dantrium® IV

US WorldMeds, a closely held Delaware limited liability company, has introduced a generic equivalent to Dantrium® IV that is now available through wholesalers and GPOs.  Dantrolene Sodium for Injection in its brand form, Dantrium® IV, a registered trade name of Procter and Gamble, is the only known drug treatment for malignant hyperthermia (MH).

 

Dantrium® IV has been a staple on crash carts for years for the treatment of MH, but this is the first time a cheaper generic equivalent has become available on the market.

 

“I believe (US WorldMeds) wants to ensure the availability of this life-saving drug wherever anesthesia is administered, not only in the U.S. but in other countries of the world that do not currently have access to dantrolene,” said MHAUS President Dr. Rosenberg.  “In addition, they wish to make sure that anesthesiologists, surgeons, nurses and other health care providers know how to recognize and treat this potentially fatal disorder.”

 

Dantrolene was first approved by the FDA for conditions such as spasticity and other muscle disorders of the MS type.  The discover, Dr. Keith Ellis, and the clinical investigator, Mary Elizabeth Kolb, worked with anesthesia researchers around the world in the1980s to prove that dantrolene was the antidote for MH as well.

 

“Those of us who are interested in preventing death and disability from MH welcome anyone interested in making dantrolene more available throughout the anesthesia community,” said Dr. Rosenberg.  “I believe based on conversations with the officers of US WorldMeds, that they are committed to the goals of MHAUS.”

 

You can learn more about US WorldMeds by visiting their website at www.usworldmeds.com

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MHAUS Website Has New Look

The MHAUS website at www.mhaus.org has been completely redesigned for easier navigation and site searches.  Visitors to the site are now greeted by a rotating collage of friendly images that emphasize the importance of recognizing and responding to an MH episode.

 

The "medical professional" section includes vital information on MH crisis management such as: 

  •  MH Protocol Poster
  •  MH Hotline
  •  Safe/Unsafe Anesthetics for MH-Susceptible Patients
  •  MH Testing Centers
  •  FAQs Related to MH Management, Molecular Genetics and Pregnancy

Medical professionals can also access Powerpoint presentations, take online exams, learn about the MHAUS' In-Service Kit, listen to podcasts, participate in the "Case of the Month," view various reference material, and order products unique to the medical professional.

 

If you haven’t visited the new MHAUS website lately, check out our new look.

 

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You’re Invited to the Annual MHAUS Reception

Make your plans to attend the Annual MHAUS Reception on Monday, October 15, 2007, from 6:00-7:30 pm at Parc Fifty-Five Hotel, Barcelona I Room, 3rd Floor, 55 Cyril Magnin Street, San Francisco, CA., during the Annual ASA Meeting.

 

Also, plan to visit our booth (No. 1736) while you’re attending the ASA Meeting in San Francisco on October 14-16.

 

To learn more about what’s going on at the Annual ASA Meeting, visit http://www2.asahq.org/web/index.asp

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“Deaths Associated with MH” Abstract Presented at ASA

An abstract based on data in the MH Registry, “Deaths Associated with Malignant Hyperthermia (1987-2006) - A North American MH Registry of MHAUS Study,” by Drs. Marilyn Larach, Barbara Brandom, Gregory Allen, and Gerald Gronert will be presented as a poster discussion on Monday, October 15, 2007 from 9:30 to 10:00 am in Room 125 of the Moscone Center during the ASA Annual Meeting held in San Francisco.  To learn about other abstracts scheduled for the ASA Meeting, visit http://www.asa-abstracts.com/strands/asaabstracts/home.htm;jsessionid=9018A4378DA71E7C8DB2C92516D04931

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Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases publishes “Malignant Hyperthermia”

“Malignant Hyperthermia” by Drs. Henry Rosenberg, Mark Davis, Danielle James, Neil Pollock and Kathryn Stowell has been published in the online journal Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases. To date, the article has been accessed online 1973 times. You can access the article at www.OJRD.com/content/2/1/21

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