Frostbite in Southwest China: A Single-Center Retrospective Analysis

Abstract

Abstract Objective: The current study aimed to profile the demographics, hematological index, and extrinsic factors of patients treated for frostbite in a single center in Southwest China. Methods: We collected the clinical data of patients with frostbite admitted to a regional hospital from January 1st, 2009 to January 1st, 2019. The baseline information was summarized, and the causes and hematological indexes of frostbite were analyzed. Results: The study cohort comprised 27 patients. The median patient age was 22 years (range 14–81 years). All frostbite injuries occurred between September 22nd and April 27th. Half of the patients were Tibetans. Cold injuries in Tibetan patients were associated with pilgrimage (70%, 9/13) and grazing (15%, 2/13), while the leading causes of frostbite in Han residents of the Southwest China basin were mandatory fieldwork without protection (36%, 5/14) and loss of consciousness (36%, 5/14). The hematological examination findings did not significantly differ between amputees and those who did not undergo amputation. Several hematological indexes significantly differed between patients with good outcomes versus those with poor outcomes. Conclusion: To avoid severe frostbite damage, routine mandatory activities like pilgrimage should be conducted under proper protection in extreme weather. Hematological indexes such as the red blood cell count, hematocrit, and hemoglobin level should be monitored closely by first-line medical personnel during hospitalization, as these indexes might indicate the outcome of frostbite. Further research is needed to improve the management of patients with frostbite in Southwest China.