Heatstroke in well-wrapped infants

Abstract

In a 3-year period in Newcastle upon Tyne a sudden illness, of which the main features were fever, shock, convulsions, hepatic disturbance, and a bleeding tendency, affected 5 infants, 4 of whom died. No aetiological agent could be demonstrated, and in the absence of a satisfactory alternative diagnosis it is suggested that a principal component of the illness was heatstroke, brought about by excessive wrapping or warming during a mild infection.