Objective: To study dehydration related to the August 2003 heat wave in France in a cohort of adults with cystic fibrosis. Method Retrospective study of the telephone calls received from and hospital admissions of all adult cystic fibrosis patients (n=245) regularly followed in our specialized clinic.
Results: Six patients developed extracellular dehydration with functional kidney failure concomitant to intracellular dehydration with hypokalemia and hypochloremia. Rehydration measures normalized the blood chemistry measures within 48 hours for all patients except one, who died of malignant hyperthermia.
Conclusion: In hot weather, it is essential for patients with cystic fibrosis to take measures (hydration, salt supplementation) to prevent severe dehydration.