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Ma X, Pouoh JT, Hogue BT, Bougie E. Frostbite in the Pediatric Population: A Comprehensive Review and a Prospective Canadian Survey. Pediatr Emerg Care 2024; 40:611-617. [PMID: 38206303 DOI: 10.1097/pec.0000000000003109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Frostbite in the pediatric population, where skeletal maturity has not been achieved, can have important repercussions on subsequent growth. Yet, the optimal management of frostbite injuries in children remains vague. This review aims to summarize the current evidence for frostbite management in children and understand Canadian practice trends on this topic. METHODS A review using Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, and gray literature was performed to identify relevant literature on the clinical manifestations, diagnostic methods, and treatment options in pediatric frostbite. An online survey was sent to plastic surgeons through the Canadian Society of Plastic Surgeons (CSPS) mailing list to further identify national practices and trends for pediatric frostbite management. RESULTS A total of 109 articles were reviewed. No article provided a specific algorithm for pediatric frostbite, with existing recommendations suggesting the use of adult guidelines for treating children. Our survey yielded 9 responses and highlighted the rarity of pediatric frostbite cases, with no responder treating more than 10 cases per year. Most (55.6%) do not use a pediatric-specific treatment algorithm, whereas 30% apply adult guidelines. A conservative approach focusing on rewarming (55.6%), limb elevation (50%), and tetanus status verification (66.7%) was predominant. Imaging and surgical interventions seem to be reserved for severe cases. CONCLUSIONS The current literature for pediatric frostbite management lacks specificity. Canadian practices vary, with a trend toward a conservative approach. The limited evidence and rarity of experience highlight the need for further research, ideally in a collaborative multicentric manner, to create a consensus for pediatric frostbite care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiya Ma
- From the Division of Plastic Surgery, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Bianca E, Dotti F, Orrico F, Ferri A. Thermoregulation of feet in cold environments: A study on alpinism. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2024; 116:104205. [PMID: 38091693 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2023.104205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Thermal comfort plays a crucial role in the performance and well-being of mountaineers, especially in extreme environments. The aim of this study was to develop a reliable protocol to assess the thermal comfort of mountaineering boots, with a specific focus on temperature variations in different regions of the foot and their correlation with physiological factors. Two different models of mountaineering boots were tested at two different environmental temperature (-15°C and -30°C). The mean skin temperature, measured according to International Standards BS EN ISO 9886:2004, was used as an indicator of overall thermal comfort. Physiological factors such as heart rate (HR), body mass index (BMI) and body surface area (BSA) were also measured to understand their relationship to thermoregulation. Kruskal-Wallis and Pearson's ProductMoment correlation tests were performed to investigate whether there was a statistically significant relationship. The results showed significant differences in foot temperature among the Testers, indicating variations in the perception of thermal comfort. The correlation analysis showed a strong positive relationship between mean skin temperature and HR, highlighting the influence of physiological factors on thermal comfort. In addition, the analysis showed that the dorsum and hallux areas had the largest temperature variations, suggesting the occurrence of vasoconstriction and potential discomfort. This study represents a preliminary approach to establishing a reliable protocol for assessing the thermal performance of cold protective footwear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Bianca
- Department of Applied Science and Technology, Polytechnic of Turin, Turin, 10129, Italy.
| | - Francesca Dotti
- Department of Applied Science and Technology, Polytechnic of Turin, Turin, 10129, Italy.
| | | | - Ada Ferri
- Department of Applied Science and Technology, Polytechnic of Turin, Turin, 10129, Italy.
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Simonetti O, Cosimi L, Cigana M, Penco A, DI Bella S, Martini M. Balto and Togo during the cold winter of Alaska (1925): the two canine heroes in the fight against diphtheria. JOURNAL OF PREVENTIVE MEDICINE AND HYGIENE 2024; 65:E98-E104. [PMID: 38706760 PMCID: PMC11066831 DOI: 10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2024.65.1.3229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, diphtheria has re-emerged in areas with inadequate vaccination coverage, and Europe has not been spared with several cases among migrants. Diphtheria is a potentially fatal infection caused mainly by toxigenic strains of Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Due to the high mortality rate, especially among young children, the fight against diphtheria is considered one of the first conquests of immunization. In the history of medicine, there is a unique case of an unconventional response to a diphtheria outbreak in which sled dogs were used to overcome the supply difficulties of diphtheria antitoxin. The mass media followed the medical response to the outbreak and raised audience awareness of public health issues. The facts of Nome, Alaska, in 1925 can serve as a catalyst to rethink conventional responses to diphtheria outbreaks in low-income countries today and promote mass media awareness of public health importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar Simonetti
- Infectious Diseases Unit, University Hospital of Trieste, Italy
| | - Lavinia Cosimi
- Infectious Diseases Unit, University Hospital of Trieste, Italy
| | - Marco Cigana
- Emergency Department, San Jacopo Hospital, Pistoia, Italy
| | - Arturo Penco
- Department of Pediatrics, Latisana-Palmanova Hospital, ASUFC, Udine, Italy
| | - Stefano DI Bella
- Clinical Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, Trieste University, Trieste, Italy
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Ha S, Park H, Lee S. Acupuncture and herbal medicine in preventing amputation and promoting tissue regeneration in severe frostbite: A case series. Explore (NY) 2024; 20:143-147. [PMID: 37507289 DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2023.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Frostbite is a medically significant form of tissue injury that can lead to the potential need for amputation or necessitate tissue regeneration. It occurs most frequently at cryogenic temperatures in extreme altitude climbing, winter sports, and military activities. While acupuncture and herbal medicine have been reported to possess tissue regeneration effectiveness, there is currently no clinical evidence supporting their use in treating grade 3 frostbite cases at risk of amputation. CASE PRESENTATION Three patients were diagnosed with grade 3 frostbite based on the extent and severity of tissue damage after alpine climbing in the Himalayas. After an urgent treatment, partial body amputation was advised. In order to seek any complementary treatment options and avoid amputation, they were referred to a frostbite expert in traditional Korean medicine. They received a comprehensive treatment consisting of acupuncture, bloodletting, direct moxibustion, and herbal medicine. All the patients showed notable healing of the damaged tissue, which prevented the need for amputation. No adverse effects or other sequelae were observed. CONCLUSION This case series suggests that complementary medicine, primarily acupuncture and herbal medicine, could be effective for severe frostbite. Further studies with larger sample sizes and control groups are needed to determine the efficacy and safety of this treatment modality for frostbite management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seojung Ha
- Department of Clinical Korean Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Heonju Park
- Joongang Korean Medicine Clinic, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Sanghoon Lee
- Department of Medical Education, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea; WHO Collaborating Center for Traditional Medicine, East-West Medical Research Institute, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea.
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Norheim AJ, Sullivan-Kwantes W, Steinberg T, Castellani J, Friedl KE. The classification of freezing cold injuries - a NATO research task group position paper. Int J Circumpolar Health 2023; 82:2203923. [PMID: 37083565 PMCID: PMC10124983 DOI: 10.1080/22423982.2023.2203923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Freezing cold injuries (FCI) are a common risk in extreme cold weather operations. Although the risks have long been recognised, injury occurrences tend to be sparse and geographically distributed, with relatively few cases to study in a systematic way. The first challenge to improve FCI medical management is to develop a common nomenclature for FCI classification. This is critical for the development of meaningful epidemiological reports on the magnitude and severity of FCI, for the standardisation of patient inclusion criteria for treatment studies, and for the development of clinical diagnosis and treatment algorithms. METHODOLOGY A scoping review of the literature using PubMed and cross-checked with Google Scholar, using search terms related to freezing cold injury and frostbite, highlighted a paucity of published clinical papers and little agreement on classification schemes. RESULTS A total of 74 papers were identified, and 28 were included in the review. Published reports and studies can be generally grouped into four different classification schemes that are based on (1) injury morphology; (2) signs and symptoms; (3) pathophysiology; and (4) clinical outcome. The nomenclature in the different classification systems is not coherent and the discrete classification limits are not evidence based. CONCLUSIONS All the classification systems are necessary and relevant to FCI medical management for sustainment of soldier health and performance in cold weather operations and winter warfare. Future FCI reports should clearly characterise the nature of the FCI into existing classification schemes for surveillance (morphology, symptoms, and appearance), identifying risk-factors, clinical guidelines, and agreed inclusion/exclusion criteria for a future treatment trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arne Johan Norheim
- National Research Center in Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NAFKAM), Institute of Community Medicine, UiT- The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Wendy Sullivan-Kwantes
- Joint medical services, Defence Research and Development Canada-Toronto Research Center, Sessvollmoen
| | - Tuva Steinberg
- National Research Center in Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NAFKAM), Institute of Community Medicine, UiT- The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- Norwegian Armed Forces - Joint Medical Service, Norway
| | - John Castellani
- U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Natick MA USA
| | - Karl E Friedl
- U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Natick MA USA
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Van Wicklin SA. Frostbite 101. PLASTIC AND AESTHETIC NURSING 2023; 43:64-67. [PMID: 37000996 DOI: 10.1097/psn.0000000000000499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Ann Van Wicklin
- Sharon Ann Van Wicklin, PhD, RN, CNOR, CRNFA(E), CPSN-R, PLNC, FAAN, ISPAN-F, is Editor-in-Chief, Plastic and Aesthetic Nursing , and is a Perioperative and Legal Nurse Consultant, Aurora, CO
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Practical Review of the Current Management of Frostbite Injuries. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open 2022; 10:e4618. [PMID: 36299821 PMCID: PMC9592504 DOI: 10.1097/gox.0000000000004618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Frostbite is an injury that occurs when the skin and tissues are exposed to temperatures below their freezing point. This type of injury can lead to various complications such as functional loss, chronic pain, and psychological trauma. As such, understanding frostbite management is crucial for optimal patient care. A scoping review was conducted in February 2022 using PubMed, EMBASE, referenced articles and snowballing to identify relevant published articled using the terms "frostbite" and "management" and "surgery. Articles related to pathophysiology, classifications, radiography, complications, and medical and surgical management were included to formulate recommendations for practical management. Two hundred fifty-one articles were identified and 54 met inclusion criteria. Rapid rewarming in warm water (40-42 °C) remains the standard of care. Thrombolytic therapy has been shown in numerous studies to improve tissue salvage. Radiographic imaging has become crucial in the evaluation and management in frostbite injury. Current literature recommends delayed surgery with soft tissue debridement and bone scan-guided amputations. Surgical intervention including debridement, selective blister drainage, fasciotomies, surgical salvage, skin grafts' and flaps are often necessary in these patients towards optimizing form and function. The true prevalence and incidence of frostbite injury is unknown. A centralized national database will improve our understanding of the diagnostic and management modalities used in frostbite care. Plastic surgeons have a critical role in the management of frostbite care and must work with an interdisciplinary team to identify the best treatment route for optimal patient care.
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Frostbite of The Extremities - Recognition, Evaluation and Treatment. Injury 2022; 53:3088-3093. [PMID: 35914986 DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2022.07.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Frostbite refers to the freezing of body tissue which is caused by prolonged exposure to cold temperatures and results in tissue destruction. Tissue damage is due to both immediate cold-induced cell death and the more gradual development of localized inflammatory processes and tissue ischemia. A detailed treatment plan based on the current UpToDate literature is needed to decrease morbidity and mortality rates. METHODS The United States National Library of Medicine (PubMed/Medline), EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were systematically searched to identify publications relevant to this review. CONCLUSION In this review, we present the current knowledge on the diagnosis and treatment of frostbite injuries. We then provide an extended and detailed treatment plan, from first aid in the field to treatment of short and long-term complications .
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Coward A, Endorf FW, Nygaard RM. Revision Surgery Following Severe Frostbite Injury Compared to Similar Hand and Foot Burns. J Burn Care Res 2022; 43:1015-1018. [PMID: 35986492 DOI: 10.1093/jbcr/irac082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Severe frostbite is associated with loss of digits or limbs and high levels of morbidity. The current practice is to salvage as much of the limb/digit as possible with the use of thrombolytic and adjuvant therapies. Sequelae from amputation can include severe nerve pain and poor wound healing requiring revision surgery. The aim of this study was to examine the rate of revision surgery after primary amputation and compare this to revision surgery in isolated hand/foot burns. Frostbite and burn patients from 2014 to 2019 were identified in the prospectively maintained database at a single urban burn and trauma center. Patients with primary amputations related to isolated hand/foot burns or frostbite were included in the study. Descriptive statistics included Student's t-test and Fisher's exact test. A total of 63 patients, 54 frostbite injuries and 9 isolated hand or foot burns, met inclusion criteria for the study. The rate of revision surgery was similar following frostbite and burn injury (24% vs 33%, P = .681). There were no significant differences in age, sex, or length of stay on the primary hospitalization between those that required revision surgery and those that did not. Neither the impacted limb nor the presence of infection or cellulitis on primary amputation was associated with future need for revision surgery. Of the 16 patients requiring revision surgery, 5 (31%) required additional debridement alone, 6 (38%) required reamputation alone, and 5 required both. A total of 6 patients (38%) had cellulitis or infection at the time of revision surgery. Time from primary surgery to revision ranged from 4 days to 3 years. Planned, delayed primary amputation is a mainstay of frostbite management. To our knowledge, this is the first assessment of revision surgery in the setting of severe frostbite injury. Our observed rate of revision surgery following frostbite injury did not differ significantly from revision surgery in the setting of isolated hand or foot burns. This study brings up important questions of timing and surgical planning in these complex patients that will require a multicenter collaborative study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Coward
- Department of Surgery, Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC), Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Frederick W Endorf
- Department of Surgery, Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC), Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Rachel M Nygaard
- Department of Surgery, Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC), Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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Haman F, Souza SCS, Castellani JW, Dupuis MP, Friedl KE, Sullivan-Kwantes W, Kingma BRM. Human vulnerability and variability in the cold: Establishing individual risks for cold weather injuries. Temperature (Austin) 2022; 9:158-195. [DOI: 10.1080/23328940.2022.2044740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- François Haman
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa,Ontario, Canada
| | - Sara C. S. Souza
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa,Ontario, Canada
| | - John W. Castellani
- Thermal and Mountain Medicine Division, US Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Natick, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Maria-P. Dupuis
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa,Ontario, Canada
| | - Karl E. Friedl
- Thermal and Mountain Medicine Division, US Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Natick, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Wendy Sullivan-Kwantes
- Biophysics and Biomedical Modeling Division, Defence Research Development Canada-Toronto, Defence Research and Development Canada, Ontario, Canada
| | - Boris R. M. Kingma
- Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research, Department of Human Performance, Unit Defence, Safety and Security, Soesterberg, The Netherlands
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Isozaki S, Tanaka H, Horioka K, Konishi H, Kashima S, Takauji S, Fujiya M, Druid H. Hypoxia-induced nuclear translocation of β-catenin in the healing process of frostbite. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2022; 1868:166385. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2022.166385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Castellani JW, Eglin CM, Ikäheimo TM, Montgomery H, Paal P, Tipton MJ. ACSM Expert Consensus Statement: Injury Prevention and Exercise Performance during Cold-Weather Exercise. Curr Sports Med Rep 2021; 20:594-607. [PMID: 34752434 DOI: 10.1249/jsr.0000000000000907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Cold injury can result from exercising at low temperatures and can impair exercise performance or cause lifelong debility or death. This consensus statement provides up-to-date information on the pathogenesis, nature, impacts, prevention, and treatment of the most common cold injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- John W Castellani
- United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Thermal and Mountain Medicine Division, Natick, MA
| | - Clare M Eglin
- University of Portsmouth, School of Sport, Health and Exercise Science, Portsmouth, United Kingdom
| | | | - Hugh Montgomery
- University College London, Centre for Human Health and Performance, London, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Paal
- Hospitallers Brothers Hospital, Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Michael J Tipton
- University of Portsmouth, School of Sport, Health and Exercise Science, Portsmouth, United Kingdom
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Burtscher M, Niedermeier M, Gatterer H. Editorial on the Special Issue on "Mountain Sports Activities: Injuries and Prevention". INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18041405. [PMID: 33546286 PMCID: PMC7913336 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18041405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Recreational outdoor activities like mountain sports are gaining large popularity all over the world and particularly in the Alpine regions [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Burtscher
- Department of Sport Science, University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria;
- Correspondence:
| | - Martin Niedermeier
- Department of Sport Science, University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria;
| | - Hannes Gatterer
- Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, EURAC Research, 39100 Bolzano, Italy;
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