The effect of succinylcholine on malignant hyperthermia events in susceptible swine.

Background: While the impact of volatile anaesthetics to induce malignant hyperthermia (MH) is abundantly clear, the role of succinylcholine still remains controversial. To evaluate the influence of succinylcholine on porcine MH events, the authors investigated the hemodynamic and metabolic responses in MH susceptible (MHS) and non-susceptible (MHN) swine following either succinylcholine or halothane application alone or a combination of both substances.

Methods: With approval of the local animal care committee 27 MHS and 30 MHN pigs were anaesthetized and mechanically ventilated.