Abstract
Background
Exertional heat stroke (EHS) is a potentially life-threatening emergency requiring
rapid reduction in core body temperature. Methods of cooling include cold water immersion,
ice packs, cold water lavage, and chilled saline, among others. We report a case of
EHS successfully cooled using an endovascular cooling device after traditional cooling
methods failed to reduce core body temperature.
Case Report
A 24-year old soldier collapsed during a 12-mile foot march while training in southern
Georgia. His initial rectal temperature was 43.1°C (109.6°F). External cooling measures
(ice sheet application) were initiated on site and Emergency Medical Services were
called to transport to the hospital. Paramedics obtained a repeat rectal temperature
of 42.4°C (108.4°F). Ice sheet application and chilled saline infusion were continued
throughout transport to the Emergency Department (ED). Total prehospital treatment
time was 50 min. Upon ED arrival, the patient's rectal temperature was 41.2°C (106.2°F).
He was intubated due to a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 4, and endovascular cooling
was initiated. Less than 45 minutes later his core body temperature was 37.55°C (99.6°F).
He was admitted to the intensive care unit, where his mental status rapidly improved.
He was found to have rising liver enzymes, and there was concern for his developing
disseminated intravascular coagulation, prompting transfer to a tertiary care center.
He was subsequently discharged from the hospital 14 days after his initial injury
without any persistent sequelae.
Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This?
The primary treatment for EHS is rapid reduction of core body temperature. When external
cooling methods fail, endovascular cooling can be used to rapidly decrease core body
temperature.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: April 17, 2019
Accepted:
March 16,
2019
Received in revised form:
March 6,
2019
Received:
July 3,
2018
Footnotes
The views expressed in this manuscript are those of the authors and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Army, Department of Defense, or the U.S. Government.
Identification
Copyright
Published by Elsevier Inc.
ScienceDirect
Access this article on ScienceDirectLinked Article
- Heroic, Lifesaving Measures Are Unnecessary When Optimal Cooling Is Provided for Exertional Heat Stroke VictimsJournal of Emergency MedicineVol. 59Issue 1
- PreviewAs emergency physicians and athletic trainers, we concur with Bursey et al. that exertional heat stroke (EHS) is a potentially life-threatening emergency requiring rapid reduction of core body temperature (1). We do not dispute that the endovascular cooling initiated for this patient appeared to be lifesaving. However, to consider the failed cooling method (ice sheet application [ISA]) as a “standard cooling measure” is directly in contrast to best practices. The reality is that if proper cooling strategies had been done initially then the need for the invasive in-hospital care would not have been necessary.
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