Skeletal muscle contraction characteristicsin vivoin malignant hyperthermia susceptible subjects

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Ten malignant hyperthermia susceptible (MHS) subjects were investigated, all of them positive in in vitro tests. As a control group 12 healthy subjects were investigated. The investigation was done in a blind fashion during strictly standardized conditions. Electromechanical delay of contraction and half contraction time to tetanus were faster (P < 0.05) while half relaxation time was shorter in the MHS subjects (P < 0.05). Skin and intramuscular temperature were significantly higher in the MHS subjects (P < 0.05). This indicates that MHS subjects differ in various skeletal muscle characteristics during "normal" conditions. Further studies to define the temperature level at which the test of muscle function is most discriminating are needed before it can be used for diagnostic purposes.