Heat Stroke

Knowledge of the molecular and cellular events in heat stroke has advanced steadily during the past decade. It is now known that heat stroke is associated with injury to multiple tissues and organs as a result not only of the cytotoxic effect of heat, but also of the inflammatory and coagulation responses of the patient. Altered expression of heat-shock proteins may also have a role in the pathogenesis of heat stroke. This article reviews current understanding of the pathophysiology of heat stroke and advances in therapy.