IJERPH, Vol. 18, Pages 9655: Long-Term Sequelae of Frostbite —A Scoping Review

IJERPH, Vol. 18, Pages 9655: Long-Term Sequelae of Frostbite—A Scoping Review International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health doi: 10.3390/ijerph18189655 Authors: Ivo B. Regli Giacomo Strapazzon Marika Falla Rosmarie Oberhammer Hermann Brugger Frostbite is tissue damage caused by freezing temperatures and constitutes an important cause of morbidity in cold climate zones and high altitude. The direct effects of sub-zero temperatures lead to tissue freezing, electrolyte shifts and pH alterations, microvascular damage, and eventually to cell death. Upon rewarming, inflammatory reperfusion injury and thrombosis may lead to further tissue damage. Several studies and various case reports show that many patients suffer from long-term sequelae such as vasomotor disturbances (associated with susceptibility to refreezing), and neuropathic and nociceptive pain, as well as damage to skeletal structures. There are still many uncertainties regarding the pathophysiology of these sequelae. It has been shown that the transient receptor potential channel (TRP) family plays a role in cold allodynia. Botulinum Toxin type A (BTX-A) injections have been reported to be beneficial in vasomotor and neuropathic disturbances secondary to frostbite. Epidural sympathetic block has been used for short-term treatment of frostbite induced chronic pain. Furthermore, amitriptyline, gabapentinoids, and duloxetine may have some benefits. Frostbite arthritis clinically resembl...
Source: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health - Category: Environmental Health Authors: Tags: Review Source Type: research