They say it was cold at the Chosin Reservoir.
Posted on 06/19/2007 8:32:10 AM PDT by Hal1950
A blood thinner can restore affected tissue, research shows, and keep more of a patient's fingers and toes from being amputated.
Frostbite patients were able to keep more fingers and toes when their treatment included a drug that dissolves blood clots, according to a study published Monday.
Surgeons at the University of Utah health center treated frostbite patients with the clot-busting drug called tissue plasminogen activator, or tPA. Six patients who received tPA kept 90% of affected fingers and toes, and 12 patients treated before the center began using tPA had 41% of their frostbitten digits amputated. The research appears in the June issue of Archives of Surgery.
Frostbite is a common hazard for those who work or play in cold weather and among the homeless. Thousands of U.S. soldiers were permanently hobbled by frostbite injuries in the Korean War, and frostbite remains a concern today for soldiers fighting or training in cold weather.
(Excerpt) Read more at latimes.com ...
The best bet is prevention.....
Never place yourself outdoors without the proper equipment....
So what do you do if you need this drug but the FDA doesn’t approve it?
Hmmm, does this mean the usauge of ale (though not trully good for preventing hypothermia) had a use in preserving apendages?
Is this something for the mythbusters?
Quite true. But you know the old saying: $#!t Happens.
Yep...but the Boy Scout motto is “Be prepared”
I hate to lose my digit.....
Many have been saved from TPA administered during a stroke, as well.
The guys at the Frozen Chosin didn't have much choice . . . .
They say it was cold at the Chosin Reservoir.
True.....
But hopefully our commanders now are sending our guys into the field with proper gear......
The only thing certain about war is that the unexpected will happen. Nobody thought the Chinese would intervene like they did. Like Rummy said, you fight with the Army you have, not the one you wish you had.
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