Title: What is the Best Method to Cool Heat Stroke Patients?<br/>Author: Mike Winters<br/><a href='http://umem.org/profiles/faculty/141/'>[Click to email author]</a><hr/><p>
<strong><u>Heat Stroke</u></strong></p>
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Heat stroke is critical illness defined as a core body temperature greater than or equal to 40<sup>o</sup>C and altered level of consciousness.</li>
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Mortality from heat stroke can be as high as 30%.</li>
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Numerous methods exist to rapidly cool patients below 39<sup>o</sup>C.</li>
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Of these methods, <strong>ice-water immersion </strong>cools patients the fastest and is highly effective in young patients with exertional heat stroke.</li>
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There is currently insufficient evidence to routinely recommend antipyretic agents, intravascular cooling devices, body cavity lavage, or the use of ice packs in the groin/axilla/neck. In addition, dantrolene is not recommended in the treatment of heat stroke.</li>
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<fieldset><legend>References</legend>
<p>
Gaudio FG, Grissom CK. Cooling methods in heat stroke. <em>J Emerg Med</em> 2016; 50:607-16</p>
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