What is the treatment for hyperthermia?

From the Guidelines

Hyperthermia should be treated with immediate cooling measures, including administration of 2000-3000 ml of chilled (4°C) 0.9% saline at i.v., surface cooling with wet, cold sheets, fans, and ice packs, and other cooling devices if available, with the goal of lowering the temperature to below 38.5°C. This approach is supported by the European Malignant Hyperthermia Group guidelines, which emphasize the importance of rapid cooling in managing hyperthermia crises 1. The treatment of hyperthermia involves:

• Administration of chilled intravenous saline to help lower the body temperature
• Surface cooling using wet, cold sheets, fans, and ice packs placed in the axillae and groin
• Use of other cooling devices if available
• Stopping cooling once the temperature drops below 38.5°C

It is essential to note that the management of hyperthermia is critical to prevent morbidity and mortality, and the approach should be tailored to the individual patient's needs. In some cases, such as acute ischemic stroke, sources of hyperthermia should be identified and treated, and antipyretic medications may be administered to lower the temperature 1. However, the use of induced hypothermia for treating patients with ischemic stroke is not well established and should be undertaken only in the context of a clinical trial 1.

In general, the treatment of hyperthermia should prioritize cooling measures to rapidly lower the body temperature and prevent complications. The specific approach may vary depending on the underlying cause of the hyperthermia and the individual patient's condition.

From the Research

Treatment Options for Hyperthermia

The treatment for hyperthermia involves various methods to lower the body's core temperature. These methods can be categorized into non-invasive and invasive approaches.

• Non-invasive techniques include:
  • Evaporative cooling 2
  • Ice water immersion 2, 3, 4, 5
  • Whole-body ice packing 2
  • Strategic ice packing 2
  • Convective cooling 2
  • Body bag cooling with water at different temperatures 5
• Invasive approaches may include:
  • Gastric lavage 2, 4
  • Peritoneal lavage 2, 4
  • Bladder lavage 4

Effectiveness of Treatment Methods

The effectiveness of these methods varies, and some may be more suitable for specific individuals than others 2, 4. For example:

• Ice-water immersion is considered one of the most effective methods for rapid cooling 3, 4, 5
• Evaporative cooling is also a recommended method for treating hyperthermia 2, 3
• Body bag cooling with water at temperatures of 10°C or 15°C can produce acceptable or ideal cooling rates 5
• Gastric lavage and bladder lavage may not be as effective and can cause complications 4

Importance of Prompt Treatment

Prompt diagnosis and treatment of hyperthermia are crucial to prevent irreversible injury or death 2, 3, 6. The goal of treatment is to lower the body's core temperature to acceptable levels as quickly as possible.