[Malignant Hyperthermia and Pregnancy - Guidelines of the European Malignant Hyperthermia Group]

Malignant hyperthermia is a rare, subclinical pharmacogenetic syndrome leading to potentially life-threatening skeletal muscle hypermetabolism. Providing a safe and trigger-free anesthesia in predisposed individuals is essential to avoid serious harm to the patient. Especially the management of malignant hyperthermia predisposition in the context of pregnancy poses a huge challenge to the attending anesthesiologist. In May 2019 the European Malignant Hyperthermia Group published a guideline on malignant hyperthermia during pregnancy. The article summarizes and discusses the recommendations and provides practical advice for treatment of pregnant women or their fetus with known or suspected susceptibility to malignant hyperthermia.