Dantrolene and heatstroke: a good molecule applied in an unsuitable situation

doi:10.1186/cc2939

Critical Care
Volume 9
Issue 1

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Commentary

Dantrolene and heatstroke: a good molecule applied in an unsuitable situation

Pierre Hausfater

MD, Service d'accueil des urgences, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Pitié-Salpêtrière, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France

author email corresponding author email

Critical Care 2005, 9:23-24doi:10.1186/cc2939


Published:	3 September 2004

See related review article http://ccforum.com/content/9/1/86

Abstract

Because they share one pathognomonic sign (major hyperthermia), classic or environmental heatstroke and malignant hyperthermia have often been confronted from the therapeutic point of view. As expected and according to major physiopathological discrepancies between both syndromes, analysis of published data does not support effectiveness of dantrolene in heatstroke despite its significant reduction in mortality in malignant hyperthermia. If cooling methods still represent the cornerstone of the heatstroke therapeutic approach, the magnitude of heat-related deaths and the morbidity associated with the August 2003 French heatwave have highlighted the need for more ambitious methods of treatment.