Heat Stroke

Clinical Features

• Core temperature ≥40°C
• Hot, dry skin (sweating is present in 50% of cases)
• Cardiovascular dysfunction (e.g. arrhythmias, hypotension)
• Respiratory dysfunction including ARDS
• Central nervous system dysfunction (e.g. seizures, Altered Mental Status)
• Liver and renal failure
• Coagulopathy
• Rhabdomyolysis

Differentials to Consider

• Sepsis
• Drug toxicity
• Drug withdrawal syndrome
• Serotonin Syndrome
• Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
• Central nervous system infection (e.g. Encephalitis, Meningitis)
• Endocrine disorders (e.g. Thyrotoxicosis, Phaeochromocytoma)

Management

• Rapid cooling of core temperature to approximately 39°C
• Correct fluid deficit and electrolyte abnormalities

Sources

• Advanced Life Support Level 2 3rd Australian Edition Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) March 2016