Frostbite: Clot-dissolving Agent May Be Beneficial In Treatment Of Severe Frostbite

clipped from www.sciencedaily.com Science Daily — A preliminary study suggests that a blood clot-dissolving medication that is administered to some patients following a stroke or heart attack may help to reduce the risk of amputation following severe frostbite, according to a report in the June issue of Archives of Surgery. Frostbite treatment has remained essentially the same for the past 25 years, according to background information in the article. "Today, traditional therapy consists of tissue rewarming, prolonged watchful waiting and often delayed amputation," the authors write. "While many other areas of burns, trauma and critical care have advanced significantly in their treatment modalities, the saying 'Frostbite in January, amputate in July' is still relevant today."
Source:	JAMA and Archives Journals
Date:	June 19, 2007

"Based on the dramatic improvements in perfusion [blood flow] and reduction in rates of amputations when tPA was administered within 24 hours of frostbite injury, we anticipate the continued use of tPA in patients who are admitted to our institution with acute frostbite," the authors write.