Medical history (history of illness) represents an important component in the diagnosis of gas gangrene group clostridial infections. Family history What is the general health status of your relatives? Social anamnesis Current medical history/systemic medical history (somatic and psychological complaints). What symptoms have you noticed? Are you experiencing any pain? Where is this pain localized? … Gas Gangrene: Medical History
Musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (M00-M99). Gas-forming myositis (muscle inflammation) caused by pathogens such as Bacteroides species, streptococci. Injuries, poisoning, and other consequences of external causes (S00-T98). Hematoma (bruise) Further Skin emphysema – air/gas accumulation in the skin.
The following are the most important diseases or complications that may be caused by infections with clostridia of the gas gangrene group: If not treated in a timely manner, the infection is usually lethal (fatal).
Pathogenesis (disease development) Clostridia are found worldwide. They occur primarily in soil. However, they also occur physiologically in the intestinal flora and genital flora of women. Clostridia are toxin- and spore-forming bacteria that are obligate anaerobes (organisms that do not require free oxygen to live). Factors favoring gas gangrene infection are: Restricted blood supply to … Gas Gangrene: Causes
Conventional nonsurgical therapy methods Hyperbaric oxygenation (HBO; synonyms: hyperbaric oxygen therapy, HBO therapy; hyperbaric oxygen therapy; HBO2, HBOT); therapy in which medically pure oxygen is applied under an elevated ambient pressure – rarely performed due to poor availability of hyperbaric chambers and the usually poor condition of patients
A comprehensive clinical examination is the basis for selecting further diagnostic steps: General physical examination – including blood pressure, pulse, body temperature, body weight, body height; furthermore: Inspection (viewing). Skin, mucous membranes, and sclerae (white part of the eye) [jaundice]. Abdomen (abdomen) Shape of the abdomen? Skin color? Skin texture? Efflorescences (skin changes)? Pulsations? Bowel … Gas Gangrene: Examination
Laboratory parameters of the 1st order – obligatory laboratory tests. Bacteriological examination of wound secretions, muscle biopsy if necessary – but result does not come in time for adequate therapy! Laboratory parameters 2nd order – depending on the results of the history, physical examination and the obligatory laboratory parameters – for differential diagnostic clarification. Small … Gas Gangrene: Lab Test
Therapeutic target Elimination of the pathogens Therapy recommendations Antibiosis (antibiotic therapy). Symptomatic therapy (analgesics/painkillers if necessary). See also under “Further therapy“.
Optional medical device diagnostics – depending on the results of the history, physical examination, laboratory diagnostics, and obligatory medical device diagnostics – for differential diagnostic clarification. Abdominal ultrasonography (ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs) – for basic diagnostics. X-ray of the affected region of the body – often a feathering of the muscles can be … Gas Gangrene: Diagnostic Tests
1st order Wound revision – early and extensive; amputation may be necessary.
To prevent gas gangrene group clostridial infection, care must be taken to reduce individual risk factors. Avoid factors favorable to gas gangrene infection: Restricted blood supply to the affected body region (e.g., due to diabetes mellitus, vascular disease, etc.). Malnutrition (endogenous infection) Mixed infections with other anaerobes or enterobacteria. Behavioral risk factors Drug use Injections … Gas Gangrene: Prevention
The following symptoms and complaints may indicate exogenous infection with Clostridia (gas gangrene): Leading symptoms Acute onset of severe wound pain that continues to increase in intensity. Swelling tissue around the wound Crepitation (crackling sound) when palpating the wound area. Dirty hemorrhagic secretion, sweet smelling Skin discoloration around the wound, first white-yellowish, later greenish to … Gas Gangrene: Symptoms, Complaints, Signs