Patients with heat-related illness admitted to an intensive care unit in Hong Kong: A single-centre retrospective study (2009–2020)

Introduction: In Hong Kong, heat-related illness (HRI) represents an important cause of morbidity and mortality among healthy adults engaging in outdoor activities during summer. It can result intensive care unit (ICU) admission. This retrospective study aimed to profile critically ill patients with HRI identify potential risk factors for mortality. Methods: case series included from 1 January 2009 30 June 2020 admitted the ICU Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital (PYNEH). Demographics, admission severity, co-morbidities, laboratory investigations were analysed. Outcome data studied mortality, length stay (LOS), ventilator days, hospital LOS. Results: Among 38 individuals included, 97% hikers. About 92.1% survived, while 7.9% expired. The median age was 48 years, 78.9% men. Hypertension most frequent concurrent disorder. Most cases presented hot summer months May (29%), July (24%) August (18%). localities’ peak temperature humidity 33.2°C 88%, respectively. Ninety-two percent airlifted by helicopters. body 40.3°C. Central nervous system derangement (Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score ⩽ 8) top presenting feature (65.7%). 57.9% required vasopressor support, followed mechanical ventilation (50%) renal replacement therapy (31.6%). Conclusions: suffering hikers middle-aged adults. Mortality despite advanced life support ICU. Raising public awareness associated hiking is essential prevention HRI.