Study of Patients with Heat Stroke Admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar During Summer 2004

Abstract

Summer shade temperatures in the State of Qatar are commonly above 40 °C making heat stroke a big problem in unacclimatized outside immigrant workers. Seven males were admitted with heatstroke to the ICU, Hamad General Hospital between 4th July and 24th August 2004. Presenting signs varied but included coma, abnormal behavior; aggression, mental confusion, fits, hypovolemic shock and respiratory failure, metabolic acidosis, hypokalemia, hyponatremia, elevated serum enzymes and sinus tachycardia. All developed renal insufficiency but none died and there appeared to be no residual brain or organ damage. This has been taken as a measure of the effectiveness of the treatment and management in the ICU. It is emphasized that heat stroke is a medical emergency that can result in major organ failure and death and that early recognition and correct treatment are crucial