Gas Gangrene - Types, Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Definition

Gas gangrene is a life-threatening infection of muscle tissue caused mainly by the bacteria name as Clostridium perfringens and also several other Clostridium species. It generally occurs at a wound or surgical site, causing painful swelling and destruction of involved tissue. Gas gangrene is rapidly progressive and often fatal.

There are three major types of gangrene. This are :-

1) Dry gangrene- Dry gangrene is a condition that results when one or more arteries become obstructed.
2) Moist gangrene - Moist gangrene may occur in the toes, feet, or legs after a crushing injury or as a result of some other factor that causes blood flow to the area to suddenly stop.
3) Gas (a type of moist gangrene)- Gas gangrene, also called myonecrosis, is a type of moist gangrene that is commonly caused by bacterial infection with Clostridium welchii, Cl. perfringes, Cl. septicum, Cl. novyi, Cl. histolyticum, Cl. Sporogenes.

Causes

Gas gangrene occurs as a result of infection by Clostridium bacteria that, under anaerobic (low oxygen) conditions, produce toxins that cause the tissue death and associated symptoms. Clostridium bacteria release gas that causes swelling in the surrounding tissue. Gas gangrene generally occurs at the site of trauma or a recent surgical wound. About a third of cases occur spontaneously. Patients who develop this disease spontaneously often have underlying vascular disease (atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries), diabetes, or colon cancer.

Symptoms

The first symptom of gas gangrene is sudden, severe pain in the wound, with swelling that stretches the skin "tight" nearby. The skin in the area of the wound may be pale, bronze and it is tender to the touch. Large, bloody blisters may form in the area, and the wound itself may have a sweet smell and may leak a brown, bloody, or amber-colored fluid.
As the infection progresses, the person become sweaty and very anxious; vomiting may also occur. Rapid heart rate and rapid breathing are common. These effects are caused by toxins produced by the bacteria.

Treatment

Gas gangrene is usually treated in a hospital, with antibiotics and surgical removal of dead tissue around the wound. Prompt surgical removal of dead, damaged, and infected tissue (debridement) is necessary. Amputation of an arm or leg may be indicated to control the spread of infection.
Antibiotics, preferably penicillin-type, should be given. Initially, this is given intravenously (through a vein). Analgesics may be required to control pain. Hyperbaric oxygen has been tried with varying degrees of success.

Other treatment options:

1.Hyperbaric oxygen -- oxygen forced into tissues in an oxygen chamber
2.Polyvalent Gas Gangrene anti-toxin