What disease causes gas gangrene?

Gas gangrene is most commonly caused by infection with a bacterium called Clostridium perfringens. Bacteria gather in an injury or surgical wound that has no blood supply. The bacterial infection produces toxins that release gas and cause tissue death. Like wet gangrene, gas gangrene is a life-threatening condition.

Where is gas gangrene most commonly found?

Gas gangrene can occur anywhere on the body, but it most commonly affects the arms or legs. Common symptoms include increased heart rate, fever, and air under the skin. Skin in the affected area also becomes pale and then later changes to dark red or purple.

How is gas gangrene acquired?

Gas gangrene (also known as clostridial myonecrosis and myonecrosis) is a bacterial infection that produces tissue gas in gangrene. This deadly form of gangrene usually is caused by Clostridium perfringens bacteria. About 1,000 cases of gas gangrene are reported yearly in the United States.

What is the mortality rate of gas gangrene?

Gas gangrene is undoubtedly an infection that carries a very high mortality rate. The reported mortality rates vary widely, with a rate of 25% in most recent studies. The mortality rate approaches 100% in individuals with spontaneous gas gangrene and in those in whom treatment is delayed.

What are the odds of surviving necrotizing fasciitis?

Prognosis and Complications The mortality rate of necrotizing fasciitis ranges from 24% to 34%. Coincident necrotizing fasciitis and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) have a mortality rate of 60%. Extensive surgical debridement and amputations are not uncommon.

Is gas gangrene a surgical emergency?

Emergency Department Care Gas gangrene is a true emergency, and concurrent evaluation, treatment, and coordination of care should be carried out. Generally speaking, the treatment is a combination of antibiotics, surgery, and hyperbaric oxygen.

What does gas gangrene do to the body?

Gas gangrene causes very painful swelling. The skin turns pale to brownish-red. When the swollen area is pressed, gas can be felt (and sometimes heard) as a crackly sensation (crepitus). The edges of the infected area grow so quickly that changes can be seen over minutes.

What organs does necrotizing fasciitis affect?

Necrotizing fasciitis is a serious infection of the skin, the tissue just beneath the skin (subcutaneous tissue), and the tissue that covers internal organs (fascia). Necrotizing fasciitis can be caused by several different types of bacteria , and the infection can arise suddenly and spread quickly.

Is necrotizing fasciitis the same as gangrene?

Necrotizing fasciitis has also been referred to as hemolytic streptococcal gangrene, Meleney ulcer, acute dermal gangrene, hospital gangrene, suppurative fasciitis, and synergistic necrotizing cellulitis. Fournier gangrene is a form of necrotizing fasciitis that is localized to the scrotum and perineal area.