Case for diagnosis

Frostbite in the Pediatric Population: A Comprehensive Review and a Prospective Canadian Survey

INTRODUCTION

Frostbite in the pediatric population, where skeletal maturity has not been achieved, can have important repercussions on subsequent growth. Yet, the optimal management of frostbite injuries in children remains vague. This review aims to summarize the current evidence for frostbite management in children and understand Canadian practice trends on this topic.

METHODS

A review using Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, and gray literature was performed to identify relevant literature on the clinical manifestations, diagnostic methods, and treatment options in pediatric frostbite. An online survey was sent to plastic surgeons through the Canadian Society of Plastic Surgeons (CSPS) mailing list to further identify national practices and trends for pediatric frostbite management.

RESULTS

A total of 109 articles were reviewed. No article provided a specific algorithm for pediatric frostbite, with existing recommendations suggesting the use of adult guidelines for treating children. Our survey yielded 9 responses and highlighted the rarity of pediatric frostbite cases, with no responder treating more than 10 cases per year. Most (55.6%) do not use a pediatric-specific treatment algorithm, whereas 30% apply adult guidelines. A conservative approach focusing on rewarming (55.6%), limb elevation (50%), and tetanus status verification (66.7%) was predominant. Imaging and surgical interventions seem to be reserved for severe cases.

CONCLUSIONS

The current literature for pediatric frostbite management lacks specificity. Canadian practices vary, with a trend toward a conservative approach. The limited evidence and rarity of experience highlight the need for further research, ideally in a collaborative multicentric manner, to create a consensus for pediatric frostbite care.

COVID-19 Related Acro-Ischemic Neuropathic-like Painful Lesions in Pediatric Patients: A Case Series

BACKGROUND

A variety of skin manifestations have been associated with COVID-19 infection. Acral lesions on hands and feet, closely resembling chilblains, have been reported in association with COVID-19, which are nonspecific. These acro-ischemic painful lesions have been described mainly in asymptomatic and mildly symptomatic pediatric COVID-19 positive patients, without a precise pathogenetic mechanism. COVID-19-induced chilblains may portend an indolent course and a good outcome. In young patients, the IFN-1 response induces microangiopathic changes and produces a chilblain lupus erythematosus-like eruption with vasculitic neuropathic pain features.

OBJECTIVES

This paper presented a case series of pediatric patients with COVID-19-related skin lesions and neuropathic-like pain.

METHODS

Clinical outcomes were collected from 11 patients diagnosed with painful erythematous skin lesions with neuropathic-like pain and positive IgG for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).

RESULTS

It is a mildly symptomatic condition not related to severe pain rates, and it is treated with paracetamol due to the transitory nature of the problem, which provides good results.

CONCLUSIONS

A particular point of interest is skin lesion manifestation as a further indirect sign of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Due to the initial manifestation of chilblains in pauci-symptomatic pediatric patients, they need to be immediately tested and isolated. Chilblains can be considered a clinical clue to suspect SARS-CoV-2 infection and help in early diagnosis, patient triage, and infection control.

Chilblains

Idiopathic chilblain is a relatively common yet poorly recognized acrosyndrome. This literature review aims to better understand and draw attention to this disorder. Chilblain is a localized inflammation of the skin that occurs on exposure to cold but non-freezing wet weather. It usually resolves spontaneously. The etiology is uncertain, but vasospasm seems to play a role in this abnormal reaction to cold. Diagnosis is most often based on clinical presentation, but a skin biopsy can be useful in dubious cases. In histology, dermal edema and an inflammatory infiltrate are usually present. A distribution of the infiltrate particularly around the eccrine gland is typical. Systemic symptoms and underlying autoimmune disease should be screened. Avoiding cold and keeping extremities warm is the first recommendation for management, as well as smoking cessation. Calcium channel blockers (in particular nifedipine) seems to be the treatment that has been most evaluated in chilblains. However, their effectiveness is not confirmed by all studies. Topical betamethasone is often used but its effect has not been confirmed by randomized clinical trials. Other treatments, such as pentoxifylline, hydrochloroquine and topical nitroglycerin have shown positive effects only in a reduced number of patients. Acupuncture seems to bring a benefit.

Chilblains in Turkey: a case-control study

BACKGROUND

Chilblains are rather common in winter months in our country.

OBJECTIVES

Determination of demographical and clinical characteristics of patients presenting with chilblains in Diyarbakir, Turkey. Evaluation of body mass index (BMI) as risk factor for development of chilblains.

METHODS

Sixty-nine patients who were diagnosed as chilblains at our outpatient clinics were included in this study. No exclusion criteria were sought. Demographical data including height and weight and answers to questions related to personal history were recorded. A control group consisting of 108 controls were chosen from among patients presenting with complaints of hair loss. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS 17.0.

RESULTS

Of the 69 patients with chilblains, 45 (65.2%) were females and 24 (34.8%) were males. Mean age (± SD) of the patients was 21 ± 9. 71.2% of the patients complained of itching, 51.6% of pain, 31.3% of burning in the lesions. 61.3% of the patients reported recurrence of the lesions every winter season. Mean BMI of the patients was 20.5 ± 2.9. Mean BMI of the controls was 22.4 ± 3.7 and the difference was statistically significant (p=0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Low BMI may be a risk factor contributing to development of chilblains in persons exposed to cold weather conditions. Apart from external factors, there seems to be a personal tendency to develop lesions, as many patients report recurrences every year. Diagnosis of chilblains requires wariness, as history of cold exposure may not be evident.