What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Clostridial Infection of Tissue
• Gas Bacillus Infection
• Myonecrosis due to Clostridium Infection

What is Gas Gangrene? (Definition/Background Information)

• Gangrene is a serious medical condition when tissues die, called necrosis, due to extremely poor blood supply. Gas Gangrene is an emergency situation characterized by the death of tissue in the body with the formation of gas, due to bacterial infection
• It is typically caused by the spore-forming bacterium Clostridium perfringens. As these toxin-producing bacteria grow inside the body, gas and other harmful substances are formed that can damage tissues, cells, and blood vessels in the body
• The risk factors for Gas Gangrene include deep wounds, atherosclerosis (affecting the blood vessels), poorly controlled diabetes, and colon cancer. In general, older adults have a higher risk for this condition
• Common signs and symptoms of Gas Gangrene include painful swelling of the affected region, presence of air under the skin, foul-smelling drainage from tissues, and increased heart rate
• Life-threatening complications can arise if the diagnosis and treatment of Gas Gangrene are not undertaken promptly. Delirium or coma can ensue, if the condition progresses
• In order to treat Gas Gangrene, surgery must be quickly performed to remove the damaged and infected tissue. While the condition can be life-threatening, with prompt diagnosis and treatment of Gas Gangrene, the prognosis can be improved and fatalities avoided
• Gas Gangrene due to Clostridia can be prevented by ensuring that skin injuries are promptly cleaned and treated adequately. Also, taking care of certain lifestyle factors, such as nutrition and exercise, may help prevent the development of atherosclerosis and keep diabetes under control, which are risk factors for Gas Gangrene

Who gets Gas Gangrene? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Gas Gangrene may affect individuals of all ages. However, elderly adults are more susceptible to it
• Both males and females are affected; no specific gender preference is observed
• The condition is observed worldwide and no racial or ethnic predilection is noticed

What are the Risk Factors for Gas Gangrene? (Predisposing Factors)

The risk factors for Gas Gangrene may include:

• Deep penetrating injury (deep tissue wound)
• Deep tissue wounds, which are frequent in battlefield injuries
• Atherosclerotic disease of the vessels
• Uncontrolled and longstanding diabetes
• Colon cancer

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Gas Gangrene? (Etiology)

• Gas Gangrene, typically caused by the Clostridium perfringens (or Group A streptococcus) bacteria, is characterized by the death of tissue in the body (necrosis)
• As the bacteria grows inside of the body, gas and other harmful gas and toxins are formed, which accumulate and damage tissues, cells, and blood vessels in the body

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Gas Gangrene?

Common signs and symptoms of Gas Gangrene include:

• Painful swelling
• Air under the skin
• Formation of blisters
• Skin that is brownish-red in color
• Foul-smelling discharge from tissues
• Increased heart rate
• Fever

Many of the signs and symptoms begin suddenly and progress very rapidly. If they are left untreated, then the individual may develop shock and further complications.

How is Gas Gangrene Diagnosed?

The following tests and procedures may be used to diagnose Gas Gangrene:

• A thorough physical exam with comprehensive medical history evaluation
• Tissue and fluid cultures
• Blood cultures
• Tissue Gram stain to determine the type of bacteria causing the infection
• X-ray of the affected region
• CT or MRI scans of the affected region

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Gas Gangrene?

Life-threatening complications due to Gas Gangrene can arise, if it is not diagnosed and treated promptly. The complications may include:

• Permanent tissue damage
• Kidney failure and liver damage
• Spread of infection throughout the body (septicemia) can occur
• Delirium, stupor, or coma are common, if the condition is allowed to progress without adequate treatment

How is Gas Gangrene Treated?

Surgery may have to be performed immediately to treat Gas Gangrene.

• During the surgery, the healthcare provider will attempt to remove the damaged and infected tissue
• Amputation of an affected limb may be undertaken to control spread of infection in the body
• Antibiotics are also commonly used to treat Gas Gangrene
• Undertaking treatment of any underlying comorbidity

How can Gas Gangrene be Prevented?

• Gas Gangrene can be prevented by properly cleaning and treating any skin injuries (especially penetrating wounds) that occur in the body
• Individuals should be alert for any signs of infection to the injured area. If any signs or symptoms arise, a healthcare provider should be informed immediately
• Diabetes and atherosclerosis may be kept in check by bringing about a healthy lifestyle (with respect to food and exercise)

What is the Prognosis of Gas Gangrene? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• Gas Gangrene can be a life-threatening infection. With prompt diagnosis and early aggressive treatment, the prognosis can be improved
• Untreated Gas Gangrene can result in permanent injury to the affected body part or even death

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Gas Gangrene:

• Fournier gangrene is gangrene that affects the skin in the scrotum, penis, and perineum region. It is a rare, serious, and rapidly progressive polymicrobial infection

The following article link will help you understand Fournier gangrene:

https://www.dovemed.com/diseases-conditions/fournier-gangrene/