Acute liver failure related to the syndrome of exertional heatstroke

Abstract Heatstroke syndrome is a well-described state, which usually occurs in areas with warm climates. Two forms are commonly distinguished: the exertional and the classic heatstroke. Increased serum levels of liver enzymes are often detected in this condition. However, acute hepatic failure following exertional heatstroke is rare. We report a case of a 30 years old man with exertional heatstroke, acute hepatic failure, serious coagulation impairment and a rhabdomyolysis following ten kilometers run. Acute hepatic failure completely developed the forth day of hospitalisation. On the fifth day, the patient fulfilled London criteria for liver transplantation and was referred to the transplantation center for the optimal management assessment. After the conservative management of acute phase, spontaneous recovery of liver functions occurred and the patient finally was not transplanted. 23 days after admission to the hospital, the patient was discharged with residual cholestasis and was followed up on outpatient basis. Serum levels of liver enzyme returned to the normal 3 months after the liver injury. In several cases, the liver failure following heatstroke is reversible and conservative management can be successful. Additionally, in 3 reported cases, emergency liver transplantation for acute hepatic failure due to heatstroke with renal failure and coma showed very poor outcome. Our case demonstrates that conservative management even in patients fulfilling accepted criteria for emergency liver transplantation can be effective and should be considered in similar condition.