study of 76 cases of heat stroke at J.P.M.C, Karachi

ABSTRACT

Heat stroke is the most severe among heat illnesses. People at risk are military personnel, sportsmen, labourers, alcoholics and patients on major tranqailizers. In June 1996, 76 patients were admitted in Medical Unit-III, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi with the clinical diagnosis of heat stroke. Of 76 patients 56 recovered, while 20 expired. Mortality rate was 26.31 percent. Clinical presentation like stroke, grade-IV coma and DIC were associated with high mortality. Old age, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and IHD were major risk factors of heat stroke mortality. Quick medical help and treatment of associated diseases decreased mortality