Nino and his family

Ernesto (Nino) Nicastro’s Story:

On May 5, 1983, when I was just 7 years old I had surgery to remove my tonsils and adenoids. Within 5 minutes of the halothane being administered, I had an MH reaction; my heart rate increased and I had muscle rigidity that developed with the use of succinylcholine. At this time, the anesthesiologist decided to stop the anesthetics and cancel the surgery. I believe that my anesthesiologist’s knowledge and education on MH and the decision to stop my surgery saved my life and I owe him a debt of gratitude.

It was at this point that I was referred to Dr. Henry Rosenberg in Philadelphia, PA. On August 2, 1983, my muscle biopsy was performed. The muscle behaved in an abnormal fashion to halothane and therefore Dr. Rosenberg derived that I was susceptible to developing Malignant Hyperthermia on exposure to triggering anesthetics. From that point forward, I have carried a card or worn a bracelet with medical alert information on it and I have been diligent in supplying my MH information to all of my current physicians.

I am now married and have a beautiful daughter, Tomasina. My wife and I are currently doing research into having our daughter tested for MH susceptibility. 

As told my Nino Nicastro

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