Hyperthermic syndromes

Heat stroke victims lack thermoregulatory control. Treatment includes immediate cooling, circulatory support and monitoring for secondary complications. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is a complication of neuroleptic drug therapy; skeletal muscle hypertonicity helps distinguish this entity from heat stroke. Malignant hyperthermia should be considered in any patient who is under physiologic or anesthetic stress and develops hyperthermia plus skeletal muscle rigidity, tachypnea, hypoxia, tachycardia and hyperkalemia.