Cold sensitivity and associated factors : a nested case–control study performed in Northern Sweden

• Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health
• Main Authors: Stjernbrandt, Albin, Carlsson, Daniel, Pettersson, Hans, Liljelind, Ingrid, Nilsson, Tohr, Wahlström, Jens
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Umeå universitet, Yrkes- och miljömedicin 2018
• Subjects: Cold exposure; Cold sensitivity; Frostbite; Hand; Raynaud’s phenomenon; Sweden; Occupational Health and Environmental Health; Arbetsmedicin och miljömedicin; Northern Sweden
• Online Access: http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-141016; https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-018-1327-2

Aim To identify possible risk factors for cold sensitivity, by comparing cases to controls with regard to demographic and anthropometric characteristics, previous illnesses and injuries as well as ambient exposures. Methods Through a questionnaire responded to by the general population (n=12,627) cold sensitivity cases (n=502) and matched controls (n=1,004) were identified and asked to respond to a second questionnaire with focus on different aspects of cold sensitivity, hereditary factors, previous diseases, medication, tobacco use as well as exposure to ambient cold climate and hand-arm vibration (HAV). Results In total, 997 out of 1506 study subjects answered the second questionnaire, 374 cases and 623 match controls. Identified risk factors among the cases were frostbite of the hands Odds Ratio (OR) 10.3 (95% confidence interval (CI) 5.5-19.3), rheumatic disease OR 3.1 (95% CI 1.7-5.7), upper extremity nerve injury OR 2.0 (95% CI 1.3-3.0), and vascular disease OR 1.9 (95% CI 1.2-2.9). Sex differences in risk factors were HAV exposure for men and cold exposure for women increased the risk of cold sensitivity. Rheumatic diseases and migraine increased the risk of cold sensitivity among women but not among men. Conclusions The present study shows that cold sensitivity is associated with both inherent factors, acquired conditions and external exposures. Among acquired conditions, frostbite, vascular disease, nerve injury, joint disorders and migraine are significantly related to the reporting of cold sensitivity. Among external exposures, both cold climate and HAV exposure are significantly associated to cold sensitivity, and thus suitable targets for primary preventive measures. There was a difference in risk factors related to sex. HAV exposure for men and cold exposure for women increased the risk of cold sensitivity. Originally included in thesis in manuscript form with title [Cold sensitivity and associated factors: a case-control study performed in northern Sweden] CHINS