Book chapter
32 - Cold-induced injury: Frostbite
Total Burn Care, pp.354-358.e2
Elsevier Inc, Sixth Edition
2026
DOI: 10.1016/B978-0-323-88389-4.00041-5
Abstract
This provides an overview of the history and pathophysiology of frostbite, as well as current clinical recommendations for treatment of frostbite. Frostbite has a dual pathophysiologic etiology caused by freezing of soft tissues and microvascular thrombosis. Rapid rewarming in a 38°C to 42°C water bath remains the first-line treatment for frostbite injury. Following warming, thrombolytic therapy has shown promise for digital salvage, but the effectiveness of this therapy is time dependent. Rapid identification and treatment of severe frostbite are essential to prevent limb or digit loss. Therapies for delayed presentations of frostbite remain elusive at this time. Further study is needed of modalities, including thrombolytics, prostacyclin analogs, and other adjuvant therapies.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- 32 - Cold-induced injury: Frostbite
- Creators
- Rachel M NygaardDesmond KhorLucy Wibbenmeyer
- Resource Type
- Book chapter
- Publication Details
- Total Burn Care, pp.354-358.e2
- Edition
- Sixth Edition
- DOI
- 10.1016/B978-0-323-88389-4.00041-5
- Publisher
- Elsevier Inc; Amsterdam
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 2026
- Academic Unit
- Surgery; Injury Prevention Research Center
- Record Identifier
- 9985121594202771
Metrics
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