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Predisposing factors

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

predisposing factors

Predisposing factors for freezing and non-freezing cold injury include:

  • general
    • unusually cold weather
    • prolonged exposure to cold
    • inadequate clothing or inadequate use of appropriate clothing
    • homelessness
    • smoking
    • dehydration
    • old age
    • ethnic origin
    • high altitude

  • systemic
    • peripheral vascular disease
    • diabetes
    • Raynaud’s disease
    • sepsis
    • previous cold injury

  • psychiatric illness

  • drugs
    • beta blockers
    • sedative
    • neuroleptics

  • trauma
    • any immobilising injury, especially head and spinal injuries
    • proximal limb trauma which causes disruption of the distal circulation

  • intoxication - alcohol and other illicit drug abuse (1)

Reference:

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