An Innovative Therapy for the Treatment of Severe Frostbite Using the Prostacyclin Mimetic Iloprost

The medical treatments of human frostbite for decades have been viewed as relatively limited, in terms of practical therapeutic options. Historically, more severe cases of frostbite have often caused permanent damage and have subsequently required permanent treatment options, such as amputation, in order to help the patient. However, recent Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of the drug iloprost (Aurlumyn), a known treatment option for patients with pulmonary hypertension, has provided physicians with a greater ability to help prevent amputation in severe frostbite patients. This article aims to examine the overall issue of frostbite and its various classifications, as well as the physiological mechanisms by which frostbite affects the body. Furthermore, the article discusses the first line and clinical treatments for frostbite at various stages before the FDA approval of iloprost. Finally, the article delves into the newly approved vascular drug for frostbite, its mechanism of action, instructions for its use, and details regarding its pharmacology. The purpose of this article is to bring more attention to this novel and effective treatment for frostbite, which will hopefully give rise to future research concerning alternative methods to help prevent amputations in severe frostbite patients. Ideally, the newfound FDA approval of iloprost for frostbite treatment may inspire researchers to utilize alternative peripheral vasodilating drugs to aid in preventing permanent damage in patients suffering from acute bouts of frostbite.