What Is Heat Stroke?

      Heat stroke is the most severe subtype of severe heat illness, characterized clinically by hyperthermia, anhidrosis, and coma. Clinically, it is further classified into exertional heat stroke and classic heat stroke. Due to its frequent association with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), heat stroke poses significant challenges in clinical management and carries an extremely high mortality rate.

      Diagnosis can be established based on a history of intense physical activity under hot and humid conditions, coupled with clinical manifestations including hyperthermia, anhidrosis, and severe neurological dysfunction. Supporting laboratory findings—such as markedly elevated liver enzymes and creatine kinase, along with significantly decreased platelet count—further confirm the diagnosis.

      Treatment should emphasize early, rapid cooling, prompt fluid resuscitation, and bedside blood purification therapy. These interventions aim to correct dehydration and hypovolemia, restore acid-base and electrolyte balance, and remove inflammatory mediators. For patients exhibiting agitation or restlessness, appropriate sedative agents may be administered.

      Mechanical ventilation should be initiated when clinically indicated—for instance, in cases of impaired consciousness, absence of effective spontaneous airway clearance, or requirement for deep sedation. Additionally, comprehensive management includes correction of coagulopathy, nutritional support, antimicrobial therapy, and immunomodulation.