Heat stroke complicated by liver failure and hyperbilirubinaemia--a case report.

Heat stroke may appear as a result of exposure to high environmental temperature or strenuous exercise. It represents a medical emergency characterized by an elevated core body temperature and multi-organ failure. We have described a case of a 41 year-old female after sun exposure, who was admitted to the hospital with the temperature of 42 degrees C. Because of high plasma bilirubin level the Molecular Adsorbent Recirculating System (MARS) was started. Three sessions of MARS, which lasted for eight hours each, were conducted on 15h, 18th, and 23rd day of hospitalization. The procedure was well tolerated by the patient and resulted in a sustained decline of plasma bilirubin from 33.5 to 14.7 mg/dl. The female was discharged from the hospital in good general condition. The two months follow up showed that the patient felt very well, and the plasma bilirubin was reduced to 2.2 mg/dl.

Heat illness.

Heat stroke is reviewed in detail. Particular attention is paid to diagnosis and current emergency department treatment, and a brief overview of pathophysiology is included. Early complications, with recommendations for prevention and management, are described. Minor heat related syndromes are also mentioned.

Summer heat illnesses. Conditions that range from mild to fatal.

Heat illness varies in severity from mild to life-threatening. Basic treatment includes rapid cooling and restoration of fluid and electrolyte balance. Most patients can be treated definitively in the field. Some require additional therapy in a hospital emergency department, and a few need hospitalization. Not all hyperthermic patients have heatstroke. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is a possibility, or a patient with a febrile illness may also present on a hot day. Careful evaluation is therefore necessary before the diagnosis of simple heatstroke is considered acceptable.