lewis-x-antigen and Heat-Stroke

The authors report the unique case of an 8-day-old infant succumbing to heat stroke caused by an abnormal increase of the environmental temperature in an incubator. At postmortem examination, second-degree burns were detected, and macroscopic and microscopic findings were typical for a heat-related death. An immunohistochemical study was performed. At the same time, a detailed examination of the incubator was conducted, revealing a malfunctioning of the temperature and relative humidity control system. We suggest that the diagnosis of heat stroke has to be confirmed on the basis of a detailed postmortem examination and a complete immunohistochemical investigation of heat shock proteins, molecules produced acutely in response to heat stress.

Topics: Antibodies, Monoclonal; Burns; Equipment Failure; Fatal Outcome; Forensic Pathology; Heat Stroke; Heat-Shock Proteins; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Incubators, Infant; Infant, Newborn; Lewis X Antigen; Lung; Male; Neutrophils; Trachea