[Observation on the efficacy of continuous veno-venous hemodia-filtration combined with hemoperfusion HA380 in the treatment of 15 cases of heat stroke with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical efficacy of continuous veno-venous hemodia-filtration (CVVHDF) combined with hemoperfusion (HP) HA380 in the treatment of heat stroke patients with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). METHODS: A retrospective and observational study was conducted. A total of 15 patients with heat stroke combined with MODS who were admitted to the department of intensive care unit (ICU) of Suizhou Central Hospital/Hubei University of Medicine from July to September 2022 were selected as the study objects. All 15 patients were treated with CVVHDF combined with HA380 based on the comprehensive management strategy for severe illness. Organ function indicators [including total bilirubin (TBil), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatinine (Cr), cardiac troponin T (cTnT), myoglobin (Myo), MB isoenzyme of creatine kinase (CK-MB), sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA)] and inflammatory indicators [including white blood cell count (WBC), neutrophil count (NEU), C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), and interleukin-6 (IL-6)] were collected. The improvements of the above indexes at admission, after the first HP, after the second HP, after the third HP, and on the 5th day of treatment were compared. Combined with the clinical outcome of patients, the comprehensive efficacy of CVVHDF combined with HA380 in the treatment of severe heat radiation disease was evaluated. RESULTS: There were 10 males and 5 females among the 15 patients. The average age was (64.5±11.5) years old. There were 6 cases of classical heat stroke and 9 cases of exertional heat stroke. Glasgow coma scale (GCS) was 3-8 at admission; SOFA score was 9-17 within 12 hours after admission; acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II) was 25-45 within 24 hours after admission. After treatment, the IL-6 level and SOFA score gradually decreased, and there were significant differences in the decrease after the second HP compared to admission [IL-6 (ng/L): 48.37 (15.36, 113.03) vs. 221.90 (85.87, 425.90), SOFA: 8.3±3.3 vs. 11.1±2.4, both P < 0.05]. The PCT level reached its peak after the first HP [12.51 (6.07, 41.65) µg/L], and then gradually decreased, and the difference was statistically significant after the third HP [1.26 (0.82, 5.40) µg/L, P < 0.05]. Compared those at admission, Cr level significantly improved after the first HP (µmol/L: 66.94±25.57 vs. 110.80±31.13, P < 0.01), Myo significantly decreased after the second HP [µg/L: 490.90 (164.98, 768.05) vs. 3 000.00 (293.00, 3 000.00), P < 0.05], After the third HP, the CK level also showed significant improvement [U/L: 476.0 (413.0, 922.0) vs. 2 107.0 (729.0, 2 449.0), P < 0.05]. After CVVHDF combined with 3 times HP treatment, the patient's inflammatory response was gradually controlled and organ function gradually recovered. On the 5th day of the disease course, WBC, PCT and IL-6 levels were significantly improved compared to admission, and AST, CK, LDH, Cr, Myo, CK-MB, and SOFA score were significantly corrected compared with those on admission. The 24-hour survival rate of 15 patients was 86.67%, and the 24-hour, 7-day and 28-day survival rates were both as high as 73.33%. The average mechanical ventilation time of 11 surviving patients was (101.8±22.0) hours, the average continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) time was (58.8±11.0) hours, the average length of ICU stay was (6.3±1.0) days, and the average total hospitalization was (14.6±5.2) days. CONCLUSIONS: CVVHDF combined with HP HA380 in the treatment of heat stroke patients with MODS can effectively improve organ function and alleviate the inflammatory storm, which is an effective means to improve the rescue rate and reduce the mortality of severe heat stroke patients.

[Research progress on the pathogenic mechanisms and treatment strategies of heat stroke].

Heat stroke (HS), also known as severe sunstroke, is one of the most serious heat-related disorders, characterized by rapid onset, rapid progression, aggressive condition, and high morbidity and mortality. The occurrence and development of HS are closely related to pathophysiological processes such as inflammation, oxidative stress, cell death, and coagulation failure. With the gradual discovery of the pathogenic mechanisms of HS, some drugs or therapeutic approaches targeting its molecular regulatory pathways have shown clinical promise. This review intends to provide an overview of research advances in HS types, pathogenic mechanisms, preclinical and clinically relevant therapeutic strategies, as well as to highlight the potential clinical applications of HS-related biomarkers and therapeutic targets with a view to informing the clinical management of HS.

Every Picture Tells A Story: Managing Exertional Heatstroke with Rotating Ice Water Towels.

ABSTRACT: A 23-year-old woman completing her first marathon collapsed near the finish line at 4 hours 6 min with a rectal temperature of 41.8°C. She was in good health before the race with no recent illness, had completed a full training program, and was taking no medications or supplements. On the initial exam, she was unconscious with a response to painful stimulus, spontaneous breathing, rapid pulse, eyes closed, fully dilated pupils, poor muscle tone, and pale skin that was warm to touch. The medical team initiated whole-body cooling using rapidly rotating ice water towels and ice packs placed in the neck, axilla, and groin. She developed echolalia during active cooling. About 20 minutes into the cooling procedure, she "woke up," was able to answer questions coherently, and her pupils were normal size and reactive. She was discharged home with instructions to follow-up in 2 d for evaluation and blood chemistry testing.

Hyperbaric oxygen preconditioning normalizes scrotal temperature, sperm quality, testicular structure, and erectile function in adult male rats subjected to exertional heat injury.

Testicular hyperthermia has been noted in men who work in high ambient temperatures. Scrotal temperatures above the normal range caused germ cell loss in the testes and resulted in male subfertility. In adult male rats, exercising at a higher environmental temperature (36 °C with relative humidity of 50%, 52 min) caused exertional heat stroke (EHS) characterized by scrotal hyperthermia, impaired sperm quality, dysmorphology in testes, prostates and bladders, and erectile dysfunction. Here, we aim to ascertain whether hyperbaric oxygen preconditioning (HBOP: 100% O2 at 2.0 atm absolute [ATA] for 2 h daily for 14 days consequently before the onset of EHS) is able to prevent the problem of EHS-induced sterility, testes, prostates, and bladders dysmorphology and erectile dysfunction. At the end of exertional heat stress compared to normobaric air (NBA or non-HBOP) rats, the HBOP rats exhibited lower body core temperature (40 °C vs. 43 °C), lower scrotal temperature (34 °C vs. 36 °C), lower neurological severity scores (2.8 vs. 5.8), higher erectile ability, (5984 mmHg-sec vs. 3788 mmHg-sec), higher plasma testosterone (6.8 ng/mL vs. 3.5 ng/mL), lower plasma follicle stimulating hormone (196.3 mIU/mL vs. 513.8 mIU/mL), lower plasma luteinizing hormone (131 IU/L vs. 189 IU/L), lower plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (5136 pg/mL vs. 6129 pg/mL), lower plasma corticosterone (0.56 ng/mL vs. 1.18 ng/mL), lower sperm loss and lower values of histopathological scores for epididymis, testis, seminal vesicle, prostate, and bladder. Our data suggest that HBOP reduces body core and scrotal hyperthermia and improves sperm loss, testis/prostate/bladder dysmorphology, and erectile dysfunction after EHS in rats.

An Evidence-Based Algorithm of Management of Heatstroke in the Emergency Department.

Annual rates of heat illness and heat-related deaths have been increasing across the United States as more regions of the country have been experiencing heat waves of extreme ambient temperatures of prolonged durations. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heat illnesses have become the leading cause of weather-related deaths. This article critiques and describes the findings of a systematic review by C. Rublee et al. (2021). The review was conducted to develop an evidence-based algorithm specific for management of heatstroke in the emergency department with implications for improving recognition, initiating rapid cooling, and providing supportive care to reduce patient mortality and morbidity.

Exertional Heat Illness-From Identifying Heat Rash to Treating Heat Stroke.

Heat-related illness commonly affects adolescent patients, especially as summer approaches and global temperature extremes worsen. Basic counseling on sunburn prevention can decrease the risk for future malignancies, and rapidly preventing, identifying, and treating heat stroke can prevent severe morbidity and mortality. This article will review the epidemiology of exertional heat-related illness and the variations in presentations and pathology, from heat rash and sunburn to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. By the end of this review clinicians should be able to identify and treat different heat-related illnesses in adolescents and potentially save a life. [Pediatr Ann. 2024;53(1):e17-e21.].

Exertional Heat Stroke Survival at the Falmouth Road Race: 180 New Cases With Expanded Analysis.

CONTEXT: A high number of exertional heat stroke (EHS) cases occur during the Falmouth Road Race. OBJECTIVES: To extend previous analyses of EHS cases during the Falmouth Road Race by assessing or describing (1) EHS and heat exhaustion (HE) incidence rates, (2) EHS outcomes as they relate to survival, (3) the effect of the environment on these outcomes, and (4) how this influences medical provider planning and preparedness. DESIGN: Descriptive epidemiologic study. SETTING: Falmouth Road Race. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS: Patients with EHS or HE admitted to the medical tent. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): We obtained 8 years (2012 to 2019) of Falmouth Road Race anonymous EHS and HE medical records. Meteorologic data were collected and analyzed to evaluate the effect of environmental conditions on the heat illness incidence (exertional heat illness [EHI] = EHS + HE). The EHS treatment and outcomes (ie, cooling time, survival, and discharge outcome), number of HE patients, and wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) for each race were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 180 EHS and 239 HE cases were identified. Overall incidence rates per 1000 participants were 2.07 for EHS and 2.76 for HE. The EHI incidence rate was 4.83 per 1000 participants. Of the 180 EHS cases, 100% survived, and 20% were transported to the emergency department. The WBGT was strongly correlated with the incidence of both EHS (r2 = 0.904, P = .026) and EHI (r2 = 0.912, P = .023). CONCLUSIONS: This is the second-largest civilian database of EHS cases reported. When combined with the previous dataset of EHS survivors from this race, it amounts to 454 EHS cases resulting in 100% survival. The WBGT remained a strong predictor of EHS and EHI cases. These findings support 100% survival from EHS when patients over a wide range of ages and sexes are treated with cold-water immersion.

Recommended water immersion duration for the field treatment of exertional heat stroke when rectal temperature is unavailable.

INTRODUCTION: The recommended treatment for exertional heat stroke is immediate, whole-body immersion in < 10 °C water until rectal temperature (Tre) reaches ≤ 38.6 °C. However, real-time Tre assessment is not always feasible or available in field settings or emergency situations. We defined and validated immersion durations for water temperatures of 2-26 °C for treating exertional heat stroke. METHODS: We compiled data for 54 men and 18 women from 7 previous laboratory studies and derived immersion durations for reaching 38.6 °C Tre. The resulting immersion durations were validated against the durations of cold-water immersion used to treat 162 (98 men; 64 women) exertional heat stroke cases at the Falmouth Road Race between 1984 and 2011. RESULTS: Age, height, weight, body surface area, body fat, fat mass, lean body mass, and peak oxygen uptake were weakly associated with the cooling time to a safe Tre of 38.6 °C during immersions to 2-26 °C water (R2 range: 0.00-0.16). Using a specificity criterion of 0.9, receiver operating characteristics curve analysis showed that exertional heat stroke patients must be immersed for 11-12 min when water temperature is ≤ 9 °C, and for 18-19 min when water temperature is 10-26 °C (Cohen's Kappa: 0.32-0.75, p < 0.001; diagnostic odds ratio: 8.63-103.27). CONCLUSION: The reported immersion durations are effective for > 90% of exertional heat stroke patients with pre-immersion Tre of 39.5-42.8 °C. When available, real-time Tre monitoring is the standard of care to accurately diagnose and treat exertional heat stroke, avoiding adverse health outcomes associated with under- or over-cooling, and for implementing cool-first transport second exertional heat stroke policies.

Insights into pathophysiology and therapeutic strategies for heat stroke: Lessons from a baboon model.

Heat stroke is a perilous condition marked by severe hyperthermia and extensive multiorgan dysfunction, posing a considerable risk of mortality if not promptly identified and treated. Furthermore, the complex biological mechanisms underlying heat stroke-induced tissue and cell damage across organ systems remain incompletely understood. This knowledge gap has hindered the advancement of effective preventive and therapeutic strategies against this condition. In this narrative review, we synthesize key insights gained over a decade using a translational baboon model of heat stroke. By replicating heat stroke pathology in a non-human primate species that closely resembles humans, we have unveiled novel insights into the pathways of organ injury and cell death elicited by this condition. Here, we contextualize and integrate the lessons learned concerning heat stroke pathophysiology and recovery, areas that are inherently challenging to investigate directly in human subjects. We suggest novel research directions to advance the understanding of the complex mechanisms underlying cell death and organ injury. This may lead to precise therapeutic strategies that benefit individuals suffering from this debilitating condition.

Heatstroke presentations to urban hospitals during BC's extreme heat event: lessons for the future.

BACKGROUND: Climate change is leading to more extreme heat events in temperate climates that typically have low levels of preparedness. Our objective was to describe the characteristics, treatments, and outcomes of adults presenting to hospitals with heatstroke during BC's 2021 heat dome. METHODS: We conducted a review of consecutive adults presenting to 7 hospitals in BC's Lower Mainland. We screened the triage records of all patients presenting between June 25th and 30th, 2021 for complaints related to heat, and reviewed the full records of those who met heatstroke criteria. Our primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. We used Mann-Whitney U tests and logistic regression to investigate associations between patient and treatment factors and mortality. RESULTS: Among 10,247 consecutive presentations to urban hospitals during the extreme heat event, 1.3% (139; 95% confidence intervals [CI] 1.1-1.6%) met criteria for heatstroke. Of heatstroke patients, 129 (90.6%) were triaged into the two highest acuity levels. Patients with heatstroke had a median age of 84.4 years, with 122 (87.8%) living alone, and 101 (84.2%) unable to activate 911 themselves. A minority (< 5, < 3.6%) of patients presented within 48 h of the onset of extreme heat. Most patients (107, 77.0%) required admission, and 11.5% (16) died in hospital. Hypotension on presentation was associated with mortality (odds ratio [OR] 5.3). INTERPRETATION: Heatstroke patients were unable to activate 911 themselves, and most presented with a 48-h delay. This delay may represent a critical window of opportunity for pre-hospital and hospital systems to prepare for the influx of high-acuity resource-intensive patients.

RéSUMé: CONTEXTE: Les changements climatiques entraînent une augmentation des épisodes de chaleur extrême dans les climats tempérés qui ont généralement de faibles niveaux de préparation. Notre objectif était de décrire les caractéristiques, les traitements et les résultats des adultes présentant un coup de chaleur à l'hôpital pendant le dôme de chaleur de 2021 en Colombie-Britannique. MéTHODES: Nous avons effectué un examen des adultes consécutifs qui se sont présentés dans sept hôpitaux du Lower Mainland de la Colombie-Britannique. Nous avons examiné les dossiers de triage de tous les patients qui se sont présentés entre le 25 et le 30 juin 2021 pour les plaintes liées à la chaleur et examiné les dossiers complets de ceux qui répondaient aux critères de coup de chaleur. Notre principal résultat était la mortalité à l'hôpital. Nous avons utilisé les tests de Mann-Whitney U et la régression logistique pour étudier les associations entre le patient et les facteurs de traitement et la mortalité. RéSULTATS: Parmi les 10247 présentations consécutives aux hôpitaux urbains pendant l'événement de chaleur extrême, 1,3 % (139; intervalles de confiance [IC] à 95 %) répondaient aux critères de coup de chaleur. Parmi les patients ayant subi un coup de chaleur, 129 (90,6 %) ont été classés dans les deux niveaux d'acuité les plus élevés. Les patients atteints d'un coup de chaleur avaient un âge médian de 84,4 ans, 122 (87,8 %) vivant seuls et 101 (84,2 %) incapables d'activer le 911 eux-mêmes. Une minorité (< 5, < 3,6 %) de patients se sont présentés dans les 48 heures suivant l'apparition de la chaleur extrême. La plupart des patients (107, 77,0 %) ont dû être admis et 11,5 % (16) sont décédés à l'hôpital. L'hypotension au moment de la présentation était associée à la mortalité (rapport de cotes [RC] 5.3). INTERPRéTATION: Les patients atteints d'un coup de chaleur n'ont pas pu activer le 911 eux-mêmes, et la plupart se sont présentés avec un délai de 48 heures. Ce délai peut représenter une fenêtre critique d'opportunité pour les systèmes préhospitaliers et hospitaliers de se préparer à l'afflux de patients à forte intensité de ressources.

Development and validation of a prognostic model of survival for classic heatstroke patients: a multicenter study.

Classic heatstroke (CHS) is a life-threatening illness characterized by extreme hyperthermia, dysfunction of the central nervous system and multiorgan failure. Accurate predictive models are useful in the treatment decision-making process and risk stratification. This study was to develop and externally validate a prediction model of survival for hospitalized patients with CHS. In this retrospective study, we enrolled patients with CHS who were hospitalized from June 2022 to September 2022 at 3 hospitals in Southwest Sichuan (training cohort) and 1 hospital in Central Sichuan (external validation cohort). Prognostic factors were identified utilizing least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis and multivariate Cox regression analysis in the training cohort. A predictive model was developed based on identified prognostic factors, and a nomogram was built for visualization. The areas under the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves (AUCs) and the calibration curve were utilized to assess the prognostic performance of the model in both the training and external validation cohorts. The Kaplan‒Meier method was used to calculate survival rates. A total of 225 patients (median age, 74 [68-80] years) were included. Social isolation, self-care ability, comorbidities, body temperature, heart rate, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), procalcitonin (PCT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and diarrhea were found to have a significant or near-significant association with worse prognosis among hospitalized CHS patients. The AUCs of the model in the training and validation cohorts were 0.994 (95% [CI], 0.975-0.999) and 0.901 (95% [CI], 0.769-0.968), respectively. The model's prediction and actual observation demonstrated strong concordance on the calibration curve regarding 7-day survival probability. According to K‒M survival plots, there were significant differences in survival between the low-risk and high-risk groups in the training and external validation cohorts. We designed and externally validated a prognostic prediction model for CHS. This model has promising predictive performance and could be applied in clinical practice for managing patients with CHS.

Protective and immunomodulatory effects of mesenchymal stem cells on multiorgan injury in male rats with heatstroke.

Heatstroke (HS) causes multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) with a mortality rate of 60% after hospitalization. Currently, there is no effective and targeted approach for the treatment of HS. Despite growing evidence that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) may reduce multiorgan damage and improve survival through immunomodulatory effects in several diseases, no one has tested whether MSCs have immunomodulatory effects in heatstroke. The present study focused on pathological changes and levels of the cytokines and immunoglobulins to investigate the mechanisms underlying the protective effect and the anti-inflammatory effects of MSCs. We found that MSCs treatment significantly reduced the 28-day mortality rate (P < 0.05), the levels of hepatic and renal function markers on day 1 (P < 0.01) and the pathological lesion scores of multiple organs in HS rats. The levels of IgG1, IgM, and IgA of the HS + MSC group was significantly higher than that in HS group on days 3 and 28(P < 0.05). In conclusion, MSCs contribute to protecting against multiorgan injury, reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines, stabilizing immunoglobulins, and reducing the mortality rate of HS rats.

Tarp-Assisted Cooling for Exertional Heat Stroke Treatment in Wildland Firefighting.

INTRODUCTION: Exertional heat stroke is a life-threatening emergency necessitating immediate treatment with rapid body cooling. A field-expedient alternative may be tarp-assisted cooling, requiring only water and a tarp. The objective of this study was to compare core temperature (Tc) cooling rates of tarp-assisted cooling using the limited resources available to a wildland firefighter and the current standard care provided in wilderness settings. METHODS: This cross-over, randomized control trial of 17 healthy individuals consisted of exercise in a 42±1°C, 32±4% relative humidity environment while wearing wildland firefighter attire, followed by cooling. Body cooling consisted of either pouring 11 L of 25±1°C water over the torso while lying supine on a tarp configured to hold water close to the individual (Tarp) or dousing the water on the participant followed by lying supine with a light breeze, current standard care in the wilderness (Current Care). Cooling occurred until Tc reached 38°C. RESULTS: Participants walked until a similar Tc was achieved in Tarp (39.59±0.04°C) and Current Care (39.55±0.22°C; P=0.36). Core temperature cooling rate was not different between Tarp (0.076±0.042°C·min-1) and Current Care (0.088±0.046°C·min-1; P=0.41). CONCLUSIONS: In hyperthermic individuals, Tarp did not provide a faster cooling rate compared to the current exertional heat stroke care provided in the wilderness, and both provided a slower cooling rate than that provided by the traditional method of cold water immersion (>0.20°C·min-1) to treat exertional heat stroke patients.

Reversible supraventricular tachycardia and left bundle branch block in a marathon runner with exertional heat stroke in the Po Valley.

We report the case of a 52-year-old marathon runner admitted to our emergency department for exertional heat stroke (EHS). The electrocardiogram (ECG) showed a supraventricular tachycardia, probably an atrial flutter with 2:1 block, conducted with left bundle branch block. After 10 minutes of aggressive fluid management and rapid external cooling, the ECG returned to normal. As the high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I was elevated, coronary angiography and an electrophysiological study were performed, revealing normal coronary arteries and excluding inducible arrhythmias. As reported in the current literature, our findings confirm that the electrocardiographic changes and elevation of cardiac markers in EHS do not reflect cardiac ischemia, but rather a myocardial injury due to the pathophysiological response to dehydration and hyperthermia, which markedly impaired stroke volume and cardiac output. EHS is a life-threatening condition with a complex pathophysiology caused by thermoregulatory failure. Diagnosis is not always straightforward, but early recognition and timely management (the "golden hour") with rapid cooling and intravenous fluids are crucial to prevent irreversible and fatal organ damage. EHS is defined by a rectal temperature > 40.5 °C with symptoms or signs of neurological dysfunction, such as confusion, drowsiness, or seizures, which can rapidly worsen with delirium, coma, and cardiac arrest. With this case report, we want to remind emergency physicians that early diagnosis and appropriate management of EHS can avoid death and inappropriate treatment. (www.actabiomedica.it).

Heatstroke on the Rise: A Guide to Implementing Tarp-Assisted Cooling With Oscillation (TACO) in the Emergency Department.

Heat-related illnesses, namely, heatstroke is on the rise and is a public health concern nationally and internationally. Heatstroke is generally considered to be a core body temperature greater than 40 °C (104 °F) with dry, hot skin, and central nervous system manifestations. Heatstroke is characterized by a systemic inflammatory response that leads to multiple-organ dysfunction and ultimately death if not treated in a timely manner. Rapid recognition and cooling are imperative, as mortality is high, especially in the elderly. There are many cooling methods that have been studied that include cold-water immersion, tarp-assisted cooling with oscillation (TACO), evaporative cooling (misting/fanning), commercial ice packs, cooling vests and jackets, cold showers, and ice sheets. Although cold-water immersion is the fastest method for cooling, it is not usually feasible in an emergency department (ED). TACO is the most feasible and effective cooling method for EDs. It is vital that EDs have a specific plan in place before implementing TACO, as it requires 30-40 gallons of ice water, a tarp or waterproof sheet, core temperature monitoring, and an ample number of ED staff members to oscillate the water over the patient. Further research is needed to study TACO in the ED setting. As the incidence of heatstroke is expected to increase in the coming years, EDs must have a plan in place to rapidly recognize and treat patients with heatstroke so that patients will have improved outcomes and reduced mortality.