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Koo CJ, Hintz C, Butler CR. Return to Duty Following Exertional Heat Stroke: A Review. Mil Med 2024; 189:e1312-e1317. [PMID: 37776525 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usad388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Exertional heat stroke (EHS), which presents with extreme hyperthermia and alteration to the central nervous system, disproportionately affects the military, where warfighters are expected to perform in all types of environmental conditions. Because of an incomplete understanding of individualized recovery from EHS, there are several shortcomings with the current guidance on return to duty (RTD) following an EHS. The purpose of this manuscript is to provide an updated literature review of best practices for return to duty following EHS to guide decision making regarding EHS and explore areas of future research for medical staff who work with warfighters. MATERIALS AND METHODS A literature review related to EHS in both athlete and military populations, as well as any existing guidelines for RTD, was conducted using PubMed and Covidence. RESULTS Twenty-one articles were identified for this updated review on EHS and RTD, with recommendations focused during and after an EHS event, as well as the role of heat tolerance testing (HTT). CONCLUSIONS EHS has a high morbidity and mortality rate if not treated rapidly. Because the extent of end-organ damage is dependent on the amount of time that the individual is hyperthermic, rapid diagnosis via rectal thermometry, and efficient cooling methods are imperative to the wellbeing of EHS patients. Following EHS, gradual RTD recommendations within the limits of operational demand should be implemented to reduce the risk for a subsequent heat injury event. While many versions of HTT, most notably the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) protocol, have been created to guide RTD recommendations, a universal assessment for heat tolerance has yet to be adopted. As such, medical personnel should apply a multifactorial approach to ensure safe RTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlyn J Koo
- F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Courtney Hintz
- Special Warfare Training Wing, Special Warfare Human Performance Support Group, JBSA-Lackland, TX 78236, USA
| | - Cody R Butler
- Special Warfare Training Wing, Special Warfare Human Performance Support Group, JBSA-Lackland, TX 78236, USA
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Bernard TE, Wolf ST, Kenney WL. A Novel Conceptual Model for Human Heat Tolerance. Exerc Sport Sci Rev 2024; 52:39-46. [PMID: 38294236 PMCID: PMC10963138 DOI: 10.1249/jes.0000000000000332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Human "heat tolerance" has no accepted definition or physiological underpinnings; rather, it is almost always discussed in relative or comparative terms. We propose to use environmental limits to heat balance accounting for metabolic rate and clothing, that is, the environments for which heat stress becomes uncompensable for a specified metabolic rate and clothing, as a novel metric for quantifying heat tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas E. Bernard
- College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612
| | - S. Tony Wolf
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602
| | - W. Larry Kenney
- Department of Kinesiology and Integrative and Biomedical Physiology Program, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802
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Caraway JJ, Shepard J, Hintz C, Butler CR. Management of a Special Warfare Trainee With Repeat Exertional Heat Stroke: A Case Study. J Sport Rehabil 2023:1-6. [PMID: 37290772 DOI: 10.1123/jsr.2022-0324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Exertional heat stroke (EHS) is the most deadly form the exertional heat illness with a higher incidence among active duty US military members than in the general population. Current guidelines on EHS recovery timelines and return to duty vary among the military branches. In some cases, individuals experience prolonged heat and exercise intolerance with repeat exertional heat illness events, which can complicate the recovery process. Management and rehabilitation of such individuals is unclear. CASE PRESENTATION This manuscript addresses the case and management of a US Air Force Special Warfare trainee who experienced 2 episodes of EHS, despite early recognition, gold standard treatment, and undergoing 4 weeks of a stepwise recovery after an initial EHS. MANAGEMENT AND OUTCOMES After the second episode, a 3-step process was utilized, consisting of a prolonged and personalized recovery period, heat tolerance testing using Israeli Defense Force advanced modeling, and stepwise reacclimatization. This process allowed the trainee to successfully recover from repeat EHS and return to duty, and set a framework for future repeat EHS treatment guidelines. CONCLUSIONS In individuals with repeat EHS, a prolonged recovery period followed by heat tolerance testing can be used to demonstrate appropriate thermotolerance and safely clear an individual to begin stepwise reacclimatization. Overall, patient care and military readiness may be improved by unified Department of Defense guidelines for return to duty after EHS.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Joseph Caraway
- School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD,USA
| | - Julius Shepard
- School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD,USA
| | - Courtney Hintz
- Special Warfare Human Performance Support Group, Lackland, TX,USA
| | - Cody R Butler
- Special Warfare Human Performance Support Group, Lackland, TX,USA
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Kruijt N, van den Bersselaar LR, Hopman MTE, Snoeck MMJ, van Rijswick M, Wiggers TGH, Jungbluth H, Bongers CCWG, Voermans NC. Exertional Heat Stroke and Rhabdomyolysis: A Medical Record Review and Patient Perspective on Management and Long-Term Symptoms. SPORTS MEDICINE - OPEN 2023; 9:33. [PMID: 37204519 DOI: 10.1186/s40798-023-00570-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Exertional heat stroke (EHS) is a medical emergency, occurring when the body generates more heat than it can dissipate, and frequently associated with exertional rhabdomyolysis (ERM). In the present study we aimed to (I) identify clinical features and risk factors, (II) describe current prehospital management, (III) investigate long-term outcomes including the impact on mental health, and review the guidance received during restarting activities. We hope that our approach will improve individual and organizational heat illness preparedness, and improve follow-up care. METHODS We performed a prospective online survey and retrospective medical record review among athletes and military personnel with an episode of EHS/ERM in the Netherlands between 2010 and 2020. We evaluated prehospital management, risk factors, clinical features and long-term outcomes at 6 and 12 months after the event, including mental health symptoms. Furthermore, we investigated what guidance participants received during follow-up, and assessed the patients' perspective on these outcomes. RESULTS Sixty participants were included, 42 male (70%) and 18 female (30%), of which 47 presented with EHS (78%) and 13 with ERM (22%). Prehospital management was inconsistent and in the majority of participants not conducted according to available guidelines. Self-reported risk factors included not feeling well-acclimatized to environmental heat (55%) and peer pressure (28%). Self-reported long-term symptoms included muscle symptoms at rest (26%) or during exercise (28%), and neurological sequelae (11%). Validated questionnaires (CIS, HADS and SF-36) were indicative of severe fatigue (30%) or mood/anxiety disorders (11%). Moreover, 90% expressed a lack of follow-up care and that a more frequent and intensive follow-up would have been beneficial for their recovery process. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate major inconsistencies in the management of patients with EHS/ERM, emphasizing the compelling need for implementing standardized protocols. Based on the results of long-term outcome measures, we recommend to counsel and evaluate every patient not only immediately after the event, but also in the long-term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nick Kruijt
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Centre, Geert Grooteplein 10 (Route 652), 6525 GA, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
- Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - L R van den Bersselaar
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Centre, Geert Grooteplein 10 (Route 652), 6525 GA, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Malignant Hyperthermia Investigation Unit, Department of Anesthesiology, Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - M T E Hopman
- Department of Physiology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - M M J Snoeck
- Malignant Hyperthermia Investigation Unit, Department of Anesthesiology, Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - M van Rijswick
- Department of Exercise Medicine and Exercise Physiology, Royal Dutch Army, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - T G H Wiggers
- Department of Sports Medicine, Anna Hospital, Geldrop, The Netherlands
| | - H Jungbluth
- Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, Muscle Signalling Section, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine (FoLSM), King's College London, London, UK
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, Neuromuscular Service, Evelina Children's Hospital, Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - C C W G Bongers
- Department of Physiology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - N C Voermans
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Centre, Geert Grooteplein 10 (Route 652), 6525 GA, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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