SIRS in Heatstroke

Heatstroke is a condition in medicine that is dramatic and devastating [1–4]. It strikes healthy people suddenly, and many of them die [1–4]. Those who survive the initial insult may sustain permanent neurologic damage [2, 3]. Heatstroke is a health hazard throughout the world [1–5]. Although prevalent in hot countries, it is not uncommon in temperate zones when sudden, short periods of unusually high temperature occur [1, 5]. In Chicago in July 1995, a three-day heat-wave claimed 500 victims [1]. In Makkah, Saudi Arabia, where the long summer climate is intensely hot, there are many fatalities from heatstroke. During the pilgrimage in 1987, 2000 cases were reported, of which 1000 were fatal [4].