Severe Frostbite and Rhabdomyolysis in Refugees: Case Series from Eastern Türkiye

Cold exposure is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, particularly among vulnerable populations such as refugees who face harsh environmental conditions during migration. This case series presents three Afghan male refugees, aged 19, 24, and 56, who developed severe frostbite and rhabdomyolysis after prolonged exposure to subzero temperatures in the Ağrı and Erzurum provinces of Eastern Türkiye. Their journey on foot through mountainous terrain under extreme winter conditions highlights the severe environmental and physiological stressors faced by displaced individuals. All patients were hospitalized; two underwent surgical debridement, and one developed acute kidney injury requiring intensive care monitoring. Early diagnosis and timely multidisciplinary management played a critical role in preventing severe complications, including potential limb loss. These cases underscore the intersection of environmental exposure and humanitarian crises, emphasizing the need for increased awareness and preventive strategies targeting cold-related injuries among refugee populations.