Effective treatment of frostbite: A Synthesis of Findings from 22 Studies

  1. Home
  2. Effective treatment of frostbite
This information is not medical advice and is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a physician.Data sources and disclaimers (data limitations, copyright, etc.)The analysis on "Effective treatment of frostbite: A Synthesis of Findings from 22 Studies" on this page is based on PubMed data provided by the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM). However, NLM does not endorse or verify these analyses.

This analysis is based on research papers included in PubMed, but medical research is constantly evolving and may not fully reflect the latest findings. There may also be biases towards certain research areas.

This information is not medical advice and is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a physician. If you have concerns about "Effective treatment of frostbite: A Synthesis of Findings from 22 Studies", please consult your doctor.

For NLM copyright information, please see Link to NLM Copyright Page
PubMed data is obtained via Hugging Face Datasets: Link to DatasetPlease check the disclaimer.
This page's analysis is based on PubMed data provided by the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM).
Original Abstract of the Article

Major Research Findings

Various treatments for frostbite have been investigated, including rapid rewarming, thrombolytic therapy, vasodilators, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and others. Recent studies have shown that rapid rewarming ( 3 ) and thrombolytic therapy ( 3 ) may be effective. Iloprost ( 4 ) and botulinum toxin A ( 5 ) have also shown potential benefits in treating frostbite.

Treatment Summary

As described in 2 , frostbite treatment can be divided into two stages: field care and care at a medical facility. Field care involves rapid rewarming of the affected area with warm water ( 3 ), rehydration to correct dehydration, proper pain management, administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and wound care. In a medical facility, thrombolytic therapy ( 3 ) and vasodilators ( 4 ) may be administered as needed.

Benefits and Risks

Benefit Summary

Frostbite treatment has the potential to provide various benefits, including reducing the incidence of amputation ( 3 ) or achieving a more distal amputation level ( 3 ). Furthermore, the use of iloprost ( 4 ) might also lead to a decrease in amputation rates.

Risk Summary

The risks associated with frostbite treatment vary depending on the treatment method. Thrombolytic therapy ( 3 ) can increase the risk of bleeding. Iloprost ( 4 ) may cause side effects such as headaches and nausea. Botulinum toxin A ( 5 ) can potentially lead to muscle weakness and breathing difficulties.

Comparison Across Studies

Commonalities Across Studies

Many studies indicate that treatments like rapid rewarming, thrombolytic therapy, and vasodilators may be effective in treating frostbite.

Differences Across Studies

There are differences in the treatments employed, the evaluation criteria used, and the study sizes and designs across various studies. This makes it challenging to assess the consistency of the results.

Consistency and Contradictions in Results

Research on frostbite treatment has yielded both consistent and contradictory results. For instance, while some studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of thrombolytic therapy, others have not. These inconsistencies may arise due to variations in study designs, participant characteristics, and other factors.

Considerations for Real-World Applications

Research on frostbite treatment is still in its early stages. Therefore, caution is advised when applying research findings to real-world settings. Consultations with physicians are crucial regarding treatment choices and duration. Selecting the appropriate treatment method for frostbite is essential. Consult with your doctor to choose the right treatment for you.

Current Research Limitations

There are limitations in research on frostbite treatment. For example, the small study sizes may hinder the assessment of result consistency. Inappropriate study designs or participant characteristic differences can also complicate the interpretation of results. Furthermore, as frostbite treatment is influenced by multiple factors, caution is necessary when applying research findings to real-world settings.

Future Research Directions

Research on frostbite treatment needs to be further advanced. Large-scale clinical trials are essential to compare the efficacy and safety of various treatment approaches. It's also important to synthesize the latest findings on frostbite treatment and develop guidelines that can be utilized in clinical settings.

Conclusion

Various treatments for frostbite, including rapid rewarming, thrombolytic therapy, and vasodilators, have been explored. These treatments have the potential to slow the progression of frostbite and reduce amputation rates. However, research on frostbite treatment is still ongoing, and caution is necessary when applying research findings to real-world settings. Choosing the appropriate treatment method is critical for frostbite. Consult with your doctor to select the right treatment for you.

Treatment List

Rapid rewarming, thrombolytic therapy, vasodilators, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, iloprost, botulinum toxin A

Literature analysis of 22 papers
Positive Content
19
Neutral Content
0
Negative Content
3
Article Type
2
0
1
5
21
1.

Frostbite treatment: a systematic review with meta-analyses.

Author: RegliIvo B, OberhammerRosmarie, ZafrenKen, BruggerHermann, StrapazzonGiacomo

Frostbite treatment
Limited data for other treatments

A systematic review of various frostbite treatments found that thrombolytics administered within 24 hours and iloprost administered within 48 hours were beneficial in treating frostbite. However, further prospective data from clinical trials or an international registry is needed to confirm the effectiveness of other commonly used treatments.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

2.

Frostbite: a treatment guideline for prehospital treatment in a military environment.

Author: TurnerB L, van DongenT T C F, BerendsenR R, de JongF J M, EndertE L, van HulstR A, HoencampR

Frostbite treatment

This paper provides a guideline on prehospital emergency care of frostbite in the Netherlands Armed Forces.

EditorialAn article in which the editor or publisher expresses their opinion or perspective on a particular topic or issue. Its purpose is to convey a specific message or idea to the reader.

Language : English

3.

American Burn Association Clinical Practice Guidelines on the Treatment of Severe Frostbite.

Author: WibbenmeyerLucy, LaceyAlexandra M, EndorfFrederick W, LogsettySarvesh, WagnerAnne L L, GibsonAngela L F, NygaardRachel M

Frostbite treatment

This clinical practice guideline provides recommendations for the treatment of severe frostbite in adults. The guideline recommends rapid rewarming and the use of thrombolytics to minimize amputations.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

5.

Botulinum Toxin A in the treatment of frostbite sequelae - results from a blinded, early-phase, comparative trial.

Author: NorheimArne Johan, BorudEinar, MercerJames Brian, de WeerdLouis, WeissThomas, WilsgaardTom

Vasospasm

This pilot study explored the feasibility and safety of Botulinum Toxin-A (BTX-A) treatment in patients with freezing cold injuries (FCI) sequelae. The study found that the methodology was feasible and safe, with no major adverse events. The study also highlighted the need for more refined FCI classification and recruitment procedures for future full-scale trials.

Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

6.

Frostbite of The Extremities - Recognition, Evaluation and Treatment.

Author: PersitzJonathan, EssaAhmad, NerEran Beit, AssarafEran, AvisarErez

Frostbite treatment

This article provides a comprehensive treatment plan for frostbite, based on current UpToDate literature. It discusses the causes, mechanisms, and management of frostbite, highlighting the importance of early intervention to minimize tissue damage and improve outcomes.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

7.

Successful Delayed Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and Iloprost Treatment on Severe Frostbite at High Altitude.

Author: MagnanDre Marie-Anne, GelsominoMarco, LougePierre, PignelRodrigue

Improved frostbite outcome
Frostbite

A 36-year-old man who sustained severe frostbite on both hands after losing his gloves at high altitude was successfully treated with delayed hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) and iloprost infusion. Despite the delay in treatment initiation, the patient avoided amputation, highlighting the potential benefit of this combined approach, even in cases with significant delays.

Case ReportsIn the medical field, a report that describes in detail a unique case, an unusual medical condition, or the effect of a treatment. Provides new insights and possibilities for treatment through individual patient cases.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

8.

Frostbite of the upper extremities: Hot issues in diagnosis and surgical treatment (review).

Author: LipatovKonstantin, KomarovaElena, AsatryanArthur, MelkonyanGeorge, Solov'evaEkaterina, GorbachevaIrina, VorotyntsevAlexander, MaximovAndrew, ShevchukAnna

Complex treatment
Early diagnosis
Amputation
Tissue necrosis

A review of literature on frostbite of the upper extremities found that timely diagnosis and complex treatment are crucial. Thrombolytic therapy and prostacyclin are most effective when used within the first day after tissue rewarming. Surgical treatment, including reconstructive skin plastic surgery, is important in cases of deep frostbite and late medical care.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

11.

Comprehensive Treatment of Single Finger Frostbite: A Case Study.

Author: ZhangYonghu, SongJintong, HuangGuobao

Frostbite treatment
Scarring
Tissue loss

Comprehensive treatments including negative pressure wound treatment effectively rescued deep frostbite tissues in a patient with third-degree frostbite of the right index finger. This approach has potential clinical application for managing deep frostbite.

Case ReportsIn the medical field, a report that describes in detail a unique case, an unusual medical condition, or the effect of a treatment. Provides new insights and possibilities for treatment through individual patient cases.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

12.

Frostbite injuries and our experience treatment in the Samarkand area Uzbekistan.

Author: ShakirovBabur M

Cold injury

The study retrospectively reviewed patients admitted to the Burn Department of the Centre of Emergency Medical Care with frostbite injury.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

14.

[Effects of recombinant human granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor gel on treatment of full-thickness frostbite wounds on foot and hand].

Author: SunZ A, ZhangX H, XueY, ZhouX, ChenX X, GaoX X, YuJ A

Frostbite wound healing
Adverse drug reaction

This randomized controlled study evaluated the effects of recombinant human granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (rhGM-CSF) gel on the treatment of full-thickness frostbite wounds. rhGM-CSF gel significantly shortened wound healing time and reduced inflammatory response compared to aloe vera gel.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : Chinese

15.

Treatment of Frostbite With Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: A Single Center's Experience of 22 Cases.

Author: GhummanAmmara, St Denis-KatzHannah, AshtonRosalind, WherrettChristopher, MalicClaudia

None mentioned
Frostbite

Frostbite is a common injury in military personnel and those living in extreme temperatures. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been described as a treatment option but only in small case series.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

16.

Early treatment of frostbite with hyperbaric oxygen and pentoxifylline: a case report.

Author: RobinsMarc

Tissue preservation

This case report describes a patient with possible frostbite injury who received hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) treatment. Despite initial refreezing, the patient recovered full sensation and had no tissue loss or functional impairment, highlighting the potential benefits of early HBO2 treatment for frostbite.

Case ReportsIn the medical field, a report that describes in detail a unique case, an unusual medical condition, or the effect of a treatment. Provides new insights and possibilities for treatment through individual patient cases.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

17.

Wilderness Medical Society Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Frostbite: 2019 Update.

Author: McIntoshScott E, FreerLuanne, GrissomColin K, AuerbachPaul S, RodwayGeorge W, CochranAmalia, GiesbrechtGordon G, McDevittMarion, ImrayChristopher H, JohnsonEric L, PandeyPrativa, DowJennifer, HackettPeter H

Frostbite prevention
Frostbite treatment

This article provides evidence-based guidelines for the prevention and treatment of frostbite, developed by an expert panel from the Wilderness Medical Society. The guidelines cover pathophysiology, primary and secondary prevention measures, and therapeutic management, with recommendations graded based on the quality of evidence and the balance between benefits and risks.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Practice GuidelineGuidelines and recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of specific medical conditions in medical practice.

Language : English

18.

Barriers to frostbite treatment at an academic medical center.

Author: KhanSarah L, ParikhRaj, MooncaiTheodore, SandhuSukhmeet, JawaRaagini, FarberHarrison W

Reduced amputation rates
Treatment delays

This case report illustrates the deleterious effects of delays in the treatment of frostbite. The patient experienced multiple delays in imaging and initiation of intravenous prostanoids due to a lack of treatment protocol at the institution. This highlights the need for all facilities located in areas of cold exposure to have protocols in place for treating frostbite.

Case ReportsIn the medical field, a report that describes in detail a unique case, an unusual medical condition, or the effect of a treatment. Provides new insights and possibilities for treatment through individual patient cases.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

19.

The Use of tPA in the Treatment of Frostbite: A Systematic Review.

Author: HutchisonRichard L, MillerHannah M, MichalkeSpencer K

Reduced amputation rate

This systematic review examines the use of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) in the treatment of frostbite. While tPA has been reported and advocated for frostbite management, its efficacy remains unclear. This review aims to provide evidence-based guidance for physicians regarding the role of tPA in frostbite treatment, specifically evaluating its impact on amputation rates.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Systematic ReviewA review that systematically collects, evaluates, and integrates relevant research to answer a specific research question.

Language : English

20.

BET 2: Treatment of frostbite with iloprost.

Author: KallerMargo

Amputation risk reduction
Frostbite treatment

This short review examines the potential benefits of iloprost, a medication used to treat pulmonary hypertension, in reducing the risk of amputation after frostbite.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

21.

Delayed treatment of frostbite with hyperbaric oxygen: a report of two cases.

Author: LansdorpCorine A, RoukemaGert R, BoonstraOnno, DokterJan, van der VliesCees

Quick demarcation
Tissue preservation

This case report presents the hyperbaric oxygen (HBO₂) treatment of two patients who sustained frostbite injuries. Both patients showed a quick progression and demarcation of their wounds, with remarkable tissue preservation in one patient. The authors suggest HBO₂ therapy should be considered in treating frostbite, even in delayed cases.

Case ReportsIn the medical field, a report that describes in detail a unique case, an unusual medical condition, or the effect of a treatment. Provides new insights and possibilities for treatment through individual patient cases.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

22.

Successful conservative treatment of severe frostbite lesions in a Greenlandic Inuit.

Author: EkdahlMartin, PenningaLuit

Frostbite treatment
Frostbite risk

This case report described a successful conservative treatment of severe frostbite lesions in an 18-year-old man from Arctic Greenland. This case highlights the effectiveness of non-operative management for frostbite lesions.

Case ReportsIn the medical field, a report that describes in detail a unique case, an unusual medical condition, or the effect of a treatment. Provides new insights and possibilities for treatment through individual patient cases.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

This site uses cookies. Visit our privacy policy page or click the link in any footer for more information and to change your preferences.