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. 2010 May 19:10:e35.

Frostbite injury of hand caused by liquid helium: a case report

Celalettin Sever, Yalcin Kulahci, Ali Acar, Haluk Duman

Frostbite injury of hand caused by liquid helium: a case report

Celalettin Sever et al. Eplasty. .

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to present a case report of a patient with hand frostbite injury sustained by helium vapor and discuss the circumstances of this injury, treatment, and preventive measures.

Methods: A case report of the incident was drafted and the relevant literatures were reviewed. The patient was treated with antiedema therapy, extremity elevation, high-molecular-weight dextran, heparin infusion, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Results: The frostbite injury healed with spontaneous epithelization. At his last follow-up at the eighth month, he had a good range of movement of his hand.

Conclusion: Frostbite injuries are relatively uncommon and have various etiologies. The adjunctive hyperbaric oxygen therapy is an alternative treatment of frostbite injuries, although it is still considered investigational.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Appearance of frostbite burn caused by helium gas.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Sixty hours after the injury.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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