131 - Hypothermia and Frostbite
نویسنده
چکیده
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 neurologically intact survival despite hours of pulselessness and resuscitation are not infrequent. This has given rise to the adage “No one is dead until they are warm and dead.” Not surprisingly, there is little strong scientific evidence for treatment recommendations because trials cannot be conducted. The medical literature is composed mostly of animal experiments, case reports and series, and retrospective reviews. Still, rational approaches can be inferred from the extant literature for this uncommon but serious problem (Table 131.1). Frostbite is a freezing injury to soft tissues secondary to cold exposure and results in loss of circulation to and therefore viability of the affected area. The extremities, nose, ears, and male genitalia are the most commonly affected areas.
منابع مشابه
Accidental cold-related injury leading to hospitalization in northern Sweden: an eight-year retrospective analysis
BACKGROUND Cold injuries are rare but important causes of hospitalization. We aimed to identify the magnitude of cold injury hospitalization, and assess causes, associated factors and treatment routines in a subarctic region. METHODS In this retrospective analysis of hospital records from the 4 northernmost counties in Sweden, cases from 2000-2007 were identified from the hospital registry by...
متن کاملExercise in the Cold
CONTEXT Hypothermia and frostbite injuries occur in cold weather activities and sporting events. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION A PubMed search was used to identify original research and review articles related to cold, frostbite, and hypothermia. Inclusion was based on their relevance to prevention and treatment of cold-related injuries in sports and outdoor activities. Dates of review articles were l...
متن کاملPrediction and Prevention of Frostbite
Occurrence of frostbite: Among teenagers, the annual incidence of frostbite in Finland was 4.1% in boys and 2.4% in girls. Lifetime experience of frostbite was 44 % among men entering their military service. In Finland during the 6 to 12 month military service the prevalence of frostbite was 1.9 % and sequelae of hand frostbite were present in 63 %. Prediction of frostbite: Individual risk fact...
متن کاملCHAPTER 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 ...
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