Frostbite

Sickle cell trait and frostbite.

CHAPTER 139 Frostbite

Unlike other animals that live outside the tropics, humans are susceptible to peripheral cold injuries. The highest homeostatic priority is to maintain the body’s core temperature. This is accomplished through peripheral vasoconstriction and shunting, which prevent adequate heat distribution to the extremities. As a result, failure to achieve adequate protection from the environment results in ...

131 - Hypothermia and Frostbite

Accidental hypothermia is generally manifested as progression from an initial state of catecholamine release and stimulation (mild hypothermia) to one marked by a predictable slowing of metabolism and all critical body functions to the extent that patients may appear dead. The profound physiologic changes and metabolic slowing all reverse with rapid rewarming, and reports of remarkable neurolog...

Treatment of Frostbite Today.

Thomas E. Starzl is Professor of Surgery at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and Chief of Surgery a t Denver V.A. Hospital. He is also a member of the staff of Colorado General (University] Hospital in Denver. He received his M.D. and Ph.D. from Northwestern University and his surgical training at Johns Hopkins Hospital, Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, and the V.A. Research Hos...

Frostbite: prevention and initial management.

Frostbite is a local freezing injury that can cause tissue loss. Historically, it has been a disease of wars, but it is a hazard for anyone who ventures outdoors in cold weather. Frozen tissue is damaged both during freezing and rewarming. Frozen tissue is numb. Rewarming causes hyperemia and is often painful. Blisters and edema develop after rewarming. Hard eschar may form with healthy tissue ...