Induced hyperthermia in sedated humans and the concept of critical thermal maximum

The concept of critical thermal maximum (CTM) has been defined in the literature as the minimal high deep-body temperature that is lethal to an animal. In man the CTM has been estimated at 41.6--42.0 degrees C. Data are presented for sedated, unacclimatized, well-hydrated men heated 1 h at esophagea...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inThe American journal of physiology Vol. 235; no. 5; p. R228
Main Authors Bynum, G D, Pandolf, K B, Schuette, W H, Goldman, R F, Lees, D E, Whang-Peng, J, Atkinson, E R, Bull, J M
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.11.1978
Subjects
Adolescent
Blood Pressure
Body Temperature
Enzymes - blood
Esophagus
Fever - physiopathology
Heart Rate
Heat Exhaustion - physiopathology
Humans
Hypnotics and Sedatives
Male
Rectum
Respiration
Time Factors
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Summary:The concept of critical thermal maximum (CTM) has been defined in the literature as the minimal high deep-body temperature that is lethal to an animal. In man the CTM has been estimated at 41.6--42.0 degrees C. Data are presented for sedated, unacclimatized, well-hydrated men heated 1 h at esophageal temperatures of 41.6--42.0 degrees C, without sequelae, except for modest elevation of serum enzymes in two of five patients. These data when combined with other observations in the literature suggest that CTM be redefined as the particular combination of exposure time at elevated body temperatures that results in either subclinical (CTM)s) or clinical (CTMc) injuries. Also presented is a mathematical technique, equivalent time at 42 degrees C (Teq 42 degrees), for expressing hyperthermia in terms of body temperature and exposure time.
ISSN:0002-9513
DOI:10.1152/ajpregu.1978.235.5.r228