title: Multiple Organ Failure Following Near Fatal Exertional Heat Stroke.
abstract: We describe the clinical features of a patient with near-fatal heat stroke who was admitted to our intensive care unit. A 14-year-old girl became convulsive and hyperthermic when participating in a strenuous hike under direct sunlight in a hilly area in Venezuela on a very hot and humid day. During the following days, she developed multiple organ failure, including neurological impairment, acute renal failure, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and extensive hepatic and muscle damage. Treatment consisted of ventilatory support, hemodialysis, corticosteroids, and enteral nutrition. This case of multiple organ failure following near-fatal heat stroke illustrates that although there are no specific techniques and measures for the treatment of this condition, intensive care management and conservative strategies can result in patient survival and complete recovery.
authors.affiliation: Critical Care Units and Division of Nephrology, The University Hospital of Caracas, Caracas, Venezuela. maxtrujillo@movistar.net.ve
authors.forename: Maximo H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Trujillo
authors.forename: Ezequiel
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Bellorin-Font
authors.forename: Carlos F
authors.initials: CF
authors.lastname: Fragachan
authors.forename: Ricardo
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Perret-Gentil
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D003422:Critical Care; D005260:Female; D018883:Heat Stroke / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D009102:Multiple Organ Failure / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D005082:Physical Exertion