By SUSAN R. MILLER, Palm Beach Post Staff Writer
tephanie Kuleba's motto on her MySpace page was "live your life." But hers was cut tragically short after something went terribly wrong Friday in a doctor's office where she was undergoing breast surgery. The West Boca High School cheerleader, 18, died Saturday from complications during surgery to correct asymmetrical breasts and inverted nipples, after being rushed to Delray Medical Center Friday morning.
According to her family's attorney, a rare and silent condition called malignant hyperthermia could have killed the popular teen, who was looking forward to her senior prom and heading to the University of Florida.
The condition is triggered by anesthesia. Symptoms include rapid heart rate, muscles that become rigid, and a fever of 110 degrees or higher. The condition is reversible if recognized and acted upon - usually within 30 minutes of onset - with Dantrolene, the only known antidote, said Dr. Henry Rosenberg, president of the Malignant Hyperthermia Association, whose organization fielded a call to its hot line about Kuleba's case.
Although he could not talk specifically about Kuleba, Rosenberg said the association generally helps callers assess the situation, see what's been done, and answer any questions.
Complete article at:
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/localnews/content/south/epaper/2008/03/26/m1a_cheerleader_main_0326.html?imw=Y