Heat stroke; North African experience

Heat stroke is a critical medical emergency characterized by a rapid rise in core temperature above 40°C accompanied by neurological and cardiovascular disorders. This condition can lead to Multi-Visceral Failure Syndrome and potentially death.Our descriptive cross-sectional study included 27 heatstroke victims taken into pre-hospital care by the SAMU of central-eastern Tunisia over three months June-August 2023.92.6% of patients benefited from physical cooling and 70.3% from pharmacological cooling. Oral hydration was administered to 48.1% and 85.1% received cooled serum filling. Vasoactive drugs were required in 11.1% of patients. Oxygen therapy was delivered to 48.1% with mechanical ventilation used for 22.2%.33.3% of patients died while 66.7% improved.Predictive factors for mortality included elevated core temperature confusion coma visceral compromise hemodynamic distress use of mechanical ventilation administration of vasoactive drugs No significant difference for cooling...