Environmental cold-induced injury

Abstract

More than 650 deaths from hypothermia occur each year in the United States. Even minor deviation from normal temperature leads to important symptoms and disability. The most significant risk factors are advanced age, mental impairment, substance abuse, and injury. This article examines the incidence of hypothermia, its detrimental effect on trauma patients, and methods of rewarming the hypothermic patient. It also looks at the controversial protective role hypothermia might play in shock, organ transplantation, cardiac arrest, and brain injury. Finally, it examines cold injuries, including frostbite, chilblain, and trench foot, and makes recommendations for their treatment.