Risk factors of early death in heat stroke and the challenges of emergency care in Hungary - a case series study
Dublin Core
Title
Risk factors of early death in heat stroke and the challenges of emergency care in Hungary - a case series study
Subject
Emergency care, Heat stroke, Hyperthermia, Climate change, Cooling, Calcium metabolism disorders
Description
Abstract
Background and aim The increasing frequency of heat waves is a major challenge for emergency care providers
worldwide. The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical features, treatment options, and early outcomes of heat
stroke patients presenting to a large academic emergency department (ED) in Hungary and to provide guidance in
management for other emergency professionals.
Methods Patients presenting to the ED between June 1, 2024, and July 31, 2024, with a body temperature above
40 °C were analyzed in a retrospective cohort study. Data collection included demographic, clinical and laboratory
parameters. Predictors of mortality were analyzed with Mann-Whitney U test.
Results Eight patients were included in our analysis. Three patients died in the ED (37.5%). Patients who died had
significantly lower pH (7.07 vs. 7.4, p=0.036), higher potassium (7.3 vs. 3.2 mmol/L, p=0.036), higher calcium (1.19 vs.
0.97 mmol/L, p=0.036), higher lactate (10.9 vs. 3.5 mmol/L, p=0.036) and higher PaCO2 (57.2 vs. 28 mmHg, p=0.036)
at admission compared to those who did not die.
Conclusions The risk of heat stroke due to climate change-induced heat stress and the consequent
thermoregulatory disruption may now be significant in temperate climate zones where it was not previously present.
Standardization of differential diagnostic and therapeutic procedures could reduce mortality. pH, potassium, lactate
and calcium levels may play an important role in predicting the outcome of heat stroke.
Keywords Emergency care, Heat stroke, Hyperthermia, Climate change, Cooling, Calcium metabolism disorders
Background and aim The increasing frequency of heat waves is a major challenge for emergency care providers
worldwide. The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical features, treatment options, and early outcomes of heat
stroke patients presenting to a large academic emergency department (ED) in Hungary and to provide guidance in
management for other emergency professionals.
Methods Patients presenting to the ED between June 1, 2024, and July 31, 2024, with a body temperature above
40 °C were analyzed in a retrospective cohort study. Data collection included demographic, clinical and laboratory
parameters. Predictors of mortality were analyzed with Mann-Whitney U test.
Results Eight patients were included in our analysis. Three patients died in the ED (37.5%). Patients who died had
significantly lower pH (7.07 vs. 7.4, p=0.036), higher potassium (7.3 vs. 3.2 mmol/L, p=0.036), higher calcium (1.19 vs.
0.97 mmol/L, p=0.036), higher lactate (10.9 vs. 3.5 mmol/L, p=0.036) and higher PaCO2 (57.2 vs. 28 mmHg, p=0.036)
at admission compared to those who did not die.
Conclusions The risk of heat stroke due to climate change-induced heat stress and the consequent
thermoregulatory disruption may now be significant in temperate climate zones where it was not previously present.
Standardization of differential diagnostic and therapeutic procedures could reduce mortality. pH, potassium, lactate
and calcium levels may play an important role in predicting the outcome of heat stroke.
Keywords Emergency care, Heat stroke, Hyperthermia, Climate change, Cooling, Calcium metabolism disorders
Creator
Kornél Ádám1*, Tamás Berényi1
, Dóra Melicher1
, Bánk G. Fenyves1
, Szabolcs Gaál1
and Csaba Varga1
, Dóra Melicher1
, Bánk G. Fenyves1
, Szabolcs Gaál1
and Csaba Varga1
Source
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12245-024-00743-w
Date
2024
Contributor
Peri Irawan
Format
PDF
Language
ENGLISH
Type
TEXT
Files
Collection
Citation
Kornél Ádám1*, Tamás Berényi1
, Dóra Melicher1
, Bánk G. Fenyves1
, Szabolcs Gaál1
and Csaba Varga1, “Risk factors of early death in heat stroke and the challenges of emergency care in Hungary - a case series study,” Repository Horizon University Indonesia, accessed April 11, 2026, https://repository.horizon.ac.id/items/show/12504.