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Heatstroke and hyperthermias

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Abstract

We describe the pathogenesis and the typical clinical and laboratory features of the hyperthermia syndromes that may develop during neuroleptic drug treatment, environmental exposure or following the use of inhalational anesthetics. Since the features are similar and confusion is possible we emphasize the need for prompt diagnosis so that appropriate treatment, can be started without delay. Hyperthermic reactions have common pathophysiological mechanisms and they may be seen as an abnormal individual response to organic and functional stressors.

Sommario

Gli Autori discutono i meccanismi patogenetici e descrivono le manifestazioni cliniche ed i riscontri laboratoristici delle ipertermie che si sviluppano in seguito a trattamento con farmaci neurolettici oppure in particolari condizioni ambientali o in seguito a trattamenti anestesiologici.

La tempestività della diagnosi diventa condizione indispensabile per una corretta terapia in quanto vi sono elementi clinici assai simili, talora sovrapposti, e comunque tali da poter generare confusione. Si ritiene comunque che questi stati di ipertermia altro non sono se non una risposta che si realizza attraverso meccanismi fisiopatologici communi.

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Amore, M., Cerisoli, M. Heatstroke and hyperthermias. Ital J Neuro Sci 13, 337–341 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02223099

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02223099

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