Exertional heatstroke in an infantry soldier taking ephedra-containing dietary supplements.
This is a case report of a highly trained, heat-acclimatized infantry soldier who suffered from exertional heatstroke during a 12-mile road march shortly after taking an ephedra-based supplement. Heatstroke is associated with systemic complications and a high mortality rate if not recognized early. Control of risk factors is key to the prevention of heatstroke. Since there are no clear ergogenic benefits in using ephedra alone, clinicians and military commanders should strongly discourage the use of ephedra-containing substances in active duty soldiers undergoing strenuous exercise.
Oh
Robert Chu Hwan
RC
US Army Health Clinic, Darmstadt, CMR 431, Box 284, APO, AE 09175.
Henning
Jeffrey Scott
JS
D000328:Adult; D019587:Dietary Supplements / Q000009:adverse effects; D029789:Ephedra / Q000009:adverse effects*; D018883:Heat Stroke / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008889:Military Personnel; D005082:Physical Exertion / Q000502:physiology*