ABSTRACT
Objectives: To review the clinical presentations, management and outcomes of heat stroke patients presented to Hamdard University Hospital, Karachi in summer 2015
Study Design: Observational / descriptive study
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Hamdard University Hospital [Taj Medical Complex], Karachi from 15[th] to 30[th] June 2015
Methods: A retrospective analysis of database of 51 patients presented with high grade fever [>1040F] and altered sensorium was performed. All data were transferred to proforma which included patient's demographic features [name, age and sex], clinical and laboratory parameters, treatment given, duration of hospital stay, outcomes [death or alive] and reasons of mortality. The SPSS version 19 was used for statistical analyses
Results: Majority of the patients [63%] were between 61-80 years of age group with mean +/- SD age was 69.24 +/- 11.28 years. Males were affected more than females [60.7% vs. 39.3% respectively]. Out of 51, 41 [80.4%] had co-morbidities and were on regular medications. The mean +/- SD Glasgow Coma Scale at the time of presentation was 10.29 +/- 4.33. The major laboratory derangements were hyponatremia [68.6%], elevated blood urea [52.9%], serum creatinine [41.2%] and alanine transferase [15.6%]. Standard treatment strategies were provided to all patients. Out of 51, 19 [37.3%] patients were expired as a result of multi-organ failure, shock, arrhythmias and rhabdomyolysis
Conclusion: Heat stroke is common in older males especially those who had co-morbidities. It carries a significant mortality due to multiorgan failure and shock