Gas Gangrene

Question 1

Organisms that cause gas gangrene

Answer 1

Clostridium perfiringens and clostridium septicum

Question 2

Risk factors for gas gangrene

Answer 2

Crush injury, laceration of large/medium arteries, open fractures

Question 3

Anaerobic organism for gas gangrene vs aerobic

Answer 3

Anaerobic: c.perfiringins
Aerobic: C. Septicum

Question 4

S/s of gas gangrene

Answer 4

Septic appearance, excruciating pain, foul smelling, serosanguinous drainage w/gas bubbles, brawny edema, cutaneous blisters with bluish fluid, warm shock

Question 5

Gas gangrene diagnostics ( imaging and procedures)

Answer 5

CT/MRI: Determine if infection is local vs spreading
Needle aspiration or punch biopsy
Gram staining and tissue biopsy (GOLD STANDARD)

Question 6

Gas gangrene tx plan (ABX and procedures)

Answer 6

Immediate surgical debridement, radical amputation, resect back to healthy tissue, delay closure for 5-6 days
ABX: PCN plus clindamycin (IF PCN allergy sub ceftoxin plus clindamycin)
If infected with c. Tertium Vanco plus Flagyl
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy only with anaerobic types