Constitutional and behavioral risk factors for chilblains: a case-control study from Pakistan

Abstract

Objectives: To study constitutional and behavioral risk factors for chilblains in patients at Abbottabad and Sialkot, Pakistan.

Methods: One hundred patients and matched controls completed a single-page, close-ended questionnaire which included demographic data and questions related to possible constitutional and behavioral risk factors for chilblains. Computer program SPSS-10 was used to manage and analyze the data. Risk factors were identified statistically by determining odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals using multivariate analysis.

Results: There were an equal number of male and female respondents in each group. Age of the patients and controls ranged from 2 to 80 years with a mean of 24.51 +/- 16.02. Twenty-six patients and 3 controls had a positive family history for chilblains (odds ratio = 9.33); 42 patients and 14 controls reported a history of constipation (odds ratio = 2.69); 32 patients and 8 controls had a history of either numbness or tingling of fingers or toes (odds ratio = 2.93); 55 patients and 45 controls led sedentary lifestyles (odds ratio = 1.27); 85 patients and 58 controls consumed a low number of cups of tea daily (odds ratio = 3.20); 65 patients and 29 controls frequently washed their hands and/or feet (odds ratio = 4.93); and 56 patients and 33 controls had occasional sun exposure during winter months (odds ratio = 2.08).

Conclusion: Significant risk factors for the development of chilblains for people at Abbottabad and Sialkot included a history of chilblains in first-degree relatives, numbness and tingling sensations of fingers or toes, frequent hand or feet washing, and lower tea consumption during winter months.