The patients were admitted to the Emergency Department of the 108 Military Central Hospital in a state of altered consciousness, confusion, muscle weakness in the extremities, low blood pressure, dry skin, and reduced urine output. Test results indicated elevated muscle enzymes and impaired kidney function.

Upon receiving the patients, doctors initiated emergency measures, including cooling the body, administering intravenous fluids, and monitoring vital signs and organ function.

The six patients were subsequently transferred to the Intensive Care and Poison Control Department and the Nephrology Dialysis Department for continued treatment. As of October 15, the patients' health has temporarily stabilized, with hemodynamics within normal limits and gradual improvement in kidney function.

Dr. Nguyen Thai Cuong, head of the Emergency Department at the 108 Military Central Hospital, noted that cases of heat shock during marathons and long-distance sports have been on the rise in recent years.

"Heat shock from exertion commonly occurs in young, healthy individuals after exposure to high environmental temperatures, combined with heat generation during physical exercise, especially in amateur athletes participating in marathons," Dr. Cuong explained.

Early signs of heat shock include altered consciousness (coma, seizures), respiratory distress (difficulty breathing, respiratory failure), cardiovascular disturbances (arrhythmias, low blood pressure, reduced urine output), along with fatigue, headache, flushed face, potential nausea, diarrhea, body temperature above 40 degrees Celsius, and hot, dry skin.

Vo Thu