MHAUS Newsletter, June 2009
In this issue:

ASA Partners With MHAUS To Spread Word About Malignant Hyperthermia

In its continuing effort to heighten awareness of malignant hyperthermia, MHAUS, a not for profit patient advocacy organization www.mhaus.org, has joined forces with the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) to spread word on this uncommon, but life-threatening condition.

Commenting on its new partnership with ASA, Henry Rosenberg, M.D., President of MHAUS and Director, Department of Medical Education and Clinical Research at Saint Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, NJ, notes: “We are extremely excited about our relationship with the ASA. We look forward to assisting the physician members of this vital organization provide information and guidance on managing malignant hyperthermia to their patients and other health care providers. Patient safety is always paramount in our efforts to manage and diagnose this uncommon but potentially fatal disorder. As highly respected members of the medical community, we are confident that, with the help of the ASA, we can raise awareness of MH to a new level.” 

To read the full press release on the ASA website, visit http://www.asahq.org:80/news/asanews042309pr3.htm

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MH Biopsy Test Video Now Available In Four Languages

The Caffeine Halothane Contracture Test (CHCT) video available online at http://medical.mhaus.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/video.display/videoId/1.cfm now comes in four languages including English, Japanese, Chinese, and French.

“We continue to add new languages to the CHCT video to meet an international need,” says MHAUS Executive Director Dianne Daugherty.

MHAUS has received numerous questions from medical professionals and patients regarding the CHCT, thus we felt it appropriate to videotape an "actual" MH muscle biopsy to share with our website visitors.  Please keep in mind the video contains graphic scenes during a surgical procedure and may not be appropriate for all viewers. Discretion is advised.

The CHCT is performed on freshly biopsied muscle. Considered the "gold standard" for the diagnosis of MH, it can be performed only in roughly 30 centers worldwide, six of which are located in the United States and Canada.  Patients must travel to one of these sites to have the test done, as the lab test must be performed immediately after the muscle section is removed.

For a listing of testing sites, visit http://medical.mhaus.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/Content.Display/PagePK/BiopsyTestCenters.cfm

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Article Provides Guidance For MH Genetic Testing

Written by MH experts Sharon J. Hirshey Dirksen, PhD. Scientific Officer MHAUS, Barbara Brandom, M.D., Director North American Malignant Hyperthermia Registry, Sheila Muldoon, M.D., Vice President, Scientific Development MHAUS, and Henry Rosenberg, M.D. President MHAUS, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) has published advice on MH genetic testing from MH experts in its May 2009 newsletter.

 

The article, “Genetic Testing to Evaluate Susceptibility to Malignant Hyperthermia,” answers the questions: what gene(s) is evaluated to determine susceptibility to MH, and what is its inheritance patter? For whom is genetic testing indicated? And why is genetic testing currently so limited in its indications?

 

The article also explains the tiered approach to genetic testing and compares the muscle contracture test to genetic testing.

 

You can read the entire article by visiting http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/84d7b138#/84d7b138/38

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August 3rd Deadline For Daniel Massik Award Submission

The Malignant Hyperthermia Association of the United States (MHAUS) is pleased to announce the availability of an award in the amount $1,500 to the primary author of a manuscript related to malignant hyperthermia (MH).

 

The Daniel Massik Fund at The Foundation for Jewish Philanthropies in Buffalo, NY was established by Mr. Massik in memory of his son who died from MH. This Award will provide a stipend of $1,500 to an anesthesia resident/fellow or an anesthesiologist who is within five years of ending his/her training to attend the annual meeting of the American Society of Anesthesiologists Meeting or, in special circumstances, another meeting of similar merit.

 

The manuscript format may be a case report, literature review or original study.

 

·          The document should address a significant issue related to the problem of malignant hyperthermia.

 

·          Those participating must currently be a resident fellow in anesthesiology or an anesthesiologist who is within five years of ending his/her training.

 

·          The paper must be a minimum of 3 double-spaced typed pages and a maximum of 10 pages.  Author’s CV should be included.

 

·          The paper must not be in any stage of publication.

 

·          Deadline for receipt of the manuscript in the MHAUS office is August 3, 2009

 

The award will be presented in October at the annual MHAUS Recognition Reception during the Annual Meeting of the American Society of Anesthesiologists in New Orleans October 2009.

 

The winner will be notified by August 31, 2009 to allow for coordination of travel plans.

 

For further information regarding the application process for this award, please contact the Malignant Hyperthermia Association of the United States (MHAUS), attention Gloria Artist, either via regular mail at P. O. Box 1069, Sherburne, NY 13460, via fax at 607-674-7910 or email at gloria@mhaus.org.

 

 

Florida Leads MHAUS’ State-By-State Medical Professionals Challenge

 

MHAUS challenges medical professionals from every state to join MHAUS and become the state with the “most MHAUS memberships” by March 2010.  Currently, Florida leads with 32 members, followed closely by Pennsylvania and New York.

 

Membership includes a 30% discount on all educational material purchases such as crisis management supplies, pamphlets, videos, and MH procedure manuals.  In addition, members receive a medical packet of information and the quarterly newsletter “The Communicator.”

 

Find out how to become a member and see how your state is stacking up to the competition by visiting http://medical.mhaus.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/Content.Display/PagePK/2009MedicalProfessionalsChallenge.cfm

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Florida Leads MHAUS’ State-By-State Medical Professionals Challenge

MHAUS challenges medical professionals from every state to join MHAUS and become the state with the “most MHAUS memberships” by March 2010.  Currently, Florida leads with 32 members, followed closely by Pennsylvania and New York.

 

Membership includes a 30% discount on all educational material purchases such as crisis management supplies, pamphlets, videos, and MH procedure manuals.  In addition, members receive a medical packet of information and the quarterly newsletter “The Communicator.”

 

Find out how to become a member and see how your state is stacking up to the competition by visiting http://medical.mhaus.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/Content.Display/PagePK/2009MedicalProfessionalsChallenge.cfm

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Have You Visited The President’s Blog Lately?

Recent postings to the President’s Blog http://www.mhaus.org/presidentsblog/ include “Malignant Hyperthermia, Heat Stroke and Muscular Dystrophy: Is there a connection?” and “A New Advance in the Understanding of MH: What it may mean for the diagnosis of MH.”  The May blog, “How Well Prepared are Anesthesia Teams for Dealing with an MH Crisis?” has just been posted.

 

The President’s Blog is a monthly posting by MHAUS President Henry Rosenberg, M.D.  Visit the blog to learn about advances in our understanding of MH as well as new programs and initiatives being undertaken by MHAUS.  Post a comment of your own and join the discussion.

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