title: Surgical management and strategies in the treatment of hypothermia and cold injury.
abstract: Increased participation in outdoor activities and the epidemic of homelessness have caused the incidence of cold injuries in the civilian population to rise dramatically over the last 20 years. Knowledge of the treatment is crucial for emergency physicians in rural and urban areas. Recent developments have significantly advanced the understanding of the pathophysiology of hypothermic and frostbite injuries. Together with improved rewarming techniques and use of radiological assessment of tissue viability, future advancements should allow for a more aggressive and active approach to the management of these injuries.
authors.affiliation: Trauma Service A, Division of Trauma and Surgical Critical Care, Department of Surgery, University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, LAC + USC Medical Center, 1200 North State Street, Room 10-750, Los Angeles, CA 90033-4525, USA.
authors.forename: Patrizio
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Petrone
authors.forename: Eric J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Kuncir
authors.forename: Juan A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Asensio
mesh_terms: D004735:Energy Transfer; D005627:Frostbite / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000401:mortality / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D006358:Hot Temperature; D006801:Humans; D007035:Hypothermia / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D017694:Rewarming / Q000379:methods; D012307:Risk Factors