Early Temperature Management Protocol Tested in Heat Stroke Patients
Tests an early hospital cooling protocol in adults with heat stroke, a life-threatening overheating condition.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Application of an Early In-Hospital Temperature Management Protocol for Heat Stroke Patients
Key facts
- Where
- Dongyang, Guli, Hanzhou, Jinhua, Lanxi, and Yiwu, ChinaSee the 7 sites
Where in China
- Dongyang People's HospitalDongyang, ChinaTaking people
- Yongkang No.1 People's HospitalGuli, ChinaTaking people
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of MedicineHanzhou, ChinaTaking people
- Jinhua Municipal Central HospitalJinhua, ChinaTaking people
- Jinhua People's HospitalJinhua, ChinaTaking people
- Lanxi People's HospitalLanxi, ChinaTaking people
- Yiwu Central HospitalYiwu, ChinaTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, School of Medicine
- Trial code
- NCT06537557
- Record updated
- 27 May 2026
- Original description
Heat stroke is a life-threatening clinical syndrome characterized by an imbalance between heat production and heat dissipation in the body, resulting from exposure to hot and humid environments and/or strenuous exercise. It is defined by an elevated core temperature exceeding 40°C and central nervous system abnormalities, accompanied by multi-organ dysfunction. The severity of cellular and tissue damage in heat stroke patients depends on the peak temperature reached and the duration of hyperthermia. Rapid reduction of core temperature can halt cellular damage, quickly reverse organ dysfunction, and improve patient outcomes. Therefore, early identification and rapid cooling are crucial to prevent irreversible damage and death in heat stroke patients. However, there is a lack of systematic and specific protocols to guide emergency medical staff in the standardized and effective management of body temperature in heat stroke patients. To address this, our research team previously developed an early in-hospital temperature management protocol for heat stroke patients based on the best available evidence, expert consultations, and expert panel meetings. This study aims to validate the feasibility and effectiveness of the protocol through clinical research, providing a basis for clinical practice.Read full original descriptionShow less
Application of an Early In-Hospital Temperature Management Protocol for Heat Stroke Patients
Heat stroke is a life-threatening clinical syndrome characterized by an imbalance between heat production and heat dissipation in the body, resulting from exposure to hot and humid environments and/or strenuous exercise. It is defined by an elevated core temperature exceeding 40°C and central nervous system abnormalities, accompanied by multi-organ dysfunction. The severity of cellular and tissue damage in heat stroke patients depends on the peak temperature reached and the duration of hyperthermia. Rapid reduction of core temperature can halt cellular damage, quickly reverse organ dysfunction, and improve patient outcomes. Therefore, early identification and rapid cooling are crucial to prevent irreversible damage and death in heat stroke patients. However, there is a lack of systematic and specific protocols to guide emergency medical staff in the standardized and effective management of body temperature in heat stroke patients. To address this, our research team previously developed an early in-hospital temperature management protocol for heat stroke patients based on the best available evidence, expert consultations, and expert panel meetings. This study aims to validate the feasibility and effectiveness of the protocol through clinical research, providing a basis for clinical practice.
Inclusion: Patients admitted to the emergency department and diagnosed with heat stroke according to the China expert consensus on Heat Stroke.
Exclusion: transferred from another hospital and body temperature < 39.5℃; discharged within 4 hours, and subsequent body temperature or outcomes were unavailable; required immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation; had other serious diseases, such as massive cerebral haemorrhage or severe trauma.