Title
Protocoled thrombolytic therapy for frostbite improves phalangeal salvage rates.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2020
Institution/Department
Surgery, Radiology
Journal Title
Burns Trauma
MeSH Headings
Amputation, Digit salvage, Frostbite, Thrombolysis, Tissue plasminogen activator
Abstract
Background: Frostbite is a cold injury that has the potential to cause considerable morbidity and long-term disability. Despite the complexity of these patients, diagnostic and treatment practices lack standardization. Thrombolytic therapy has emerged as a promising treatment modality, demonstrating impressive digit salvage rates. We review our experience with thrombolytic therapy for severe upper extremity frostbite.
Methods: Retrospective data on all frostbite patients evaluated at our institution from December 2017 to March 2018 was collected. A subgroup of patients with severe frostbite treated with intra-arterial thrombolytic therapy (IATT) were analysed.
Results: Of the 17 frostbite patients treated at our institution, 14 (82%) were male and the median age was 31 (range: 19-73). Substance misuse was involved in a majority of the cases (58.8%). Five (29.4%) patients with severe frostbite met inclusion criteria for IATT and the remaining patients were treated conservatively. Angiography demonstrated a 74.5% improvement in perfusion after tissue plasminogen activator thrombolysis. When comparing phalanges at risk on initial angiography to phalanges undergoing amputation, the phalangeal salvage rate was 83.3% and the digit salvage rate was 80%. Complications associated with IATT included groin hematoma, pseudoaneurysm and retroperitoneal hematoma.
Conclusions: Thrombolytic therapy has the potential to greatly improve limb salvage and functional recovery after severe frostbite when treated at an institution that can offer comprehensive, protocoled thrombolytic therapy. A multi-center prospective study is warranted to elucidate the optimal treatment strategy in severe frostbite.
ISSN
2321-3868
First Page
008
Last Page
008
Recommended Citation
Paine, Rosemary Elizabeth; Turner, Elizabeth Noel; Kloda, Daniel; Falank, Carolyne; Chung, Bruce; and Carter, Damien Wilson, "Protocoled thrombolytic therapy for frostbite improves phalangeal salvage rates." (2020). Maine Medical Center. 1829.
https://knowledgeconnection.mainehealth.org/mmc/1829