Gangrene Flashcards
What is gangrene?
Gangrene is a serious medical condition characterised by the death of body tissue due to a lack of blood supply, infection, or both.
Where does gangrene commonly occur?
Gangrene can affect any part of the body but commonly occurs in the extremities, such as the toes, fingers, feet, and hands.
Why is gangrene considered a medical emergency?
Gangrene requires prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent further tissue loss, systemic infection, and potentially life-threatening complications.
What is the pathophysiology of gangrene?
The pathophysiology of gangrene involves the interruption of blood supply, leading to tissue ischaemia and necrosis.
What can cause arterial occlusion leading to gangrene?
Arterial occlusion can be caused by atherosclerosis, thrombosis, or embolism.
How can infection contribute to gangrene?
Bacteria, especially in wet and gas gangrene, can exacerbate tissue necrosis through toxin production.
What role does trauma play in gangrene?
Severe injuries can compromise blood supply and introduce pathogens.
What chronic conditions can predispose individuals to gangrene?
Chronic conditions like diabetes mellitus can impair vascular function and immune response, increasing the risk of gangrene.
What is dry gangrene?
Dry gangrene is caused by chronic ischaemia, usually due to peripheral arterial disease (PAD).
What are the characteristics of dry gangrene?
Dry gangrene is characterised by dry, shrivelled, and blackened tissue with clear demarcation between healthy and necrotic tissue.
What is wet gangrene?
Wet gangrene results from a sudden lack of blood supply combined with bacterial infection.
What are the symptoms of wet gangrene?
Wet gangrene presents with swollen, moist, and blistered tissue with a foul odour and rapid spread.
What is gas gangrene?
Gas gangrene, or Clostridial myonecrosis, is caused by infection with Clostridium bacteria, which produce gas and toxins.
What are the symptoms of gas gangrene?
Gas gangrene is characterised by severe pain, swelling, and rapid onset of systemic symptoms, including tachycardia and shock.
What is necrotising fasciitis?
Necrotising fasciitis is a severe form of gangrene involving the fascia and subcutaneous tissues caused by mixed bacterial infections.
What are the symptoms of necrotising fasciitis?
Symptoms include intense pain, rapid progression of erythema, swelling, and systemic signs of sepsis.
What are the key management strategies for gangrene?
Key management strategies include surgical intervention, antibiotic therapy, supportive care, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
What surgical interventions are used in gangrene management?
Surgical interventions include debridement, amputation, and revascularisation.
What type of antibiotics are used for gangrene?
Empirical broad-spectrum antibiotics are used initially, followed by targeted therapy based on culture results.
What supportive care is provided for gangrene patients?
Supportive care includes management of systemic symptoms, fluid resuscitation, pain control, and monitoring of comorbid conditions.
How does hyperbaric oxygen therapy help in gangrene?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy enhances oxygen delivery to ischaemic tissues and inhibits anaerobic bacterial growth.
