What is the difference between gas gangrene and necrotizing fasciitis

Clostridial myonecrosis. In: Post TW, ed. Last updated: May 12, Accessed: September 20, Gas Gangrene. Miller ML. Causes of rhabdomyolysis. Hakkarainen, T. Curr Problems Surg. J Burn Care and Res. J Emerg Med. Rheum Dis Clin N Am. J Infect Dis. Rev Infect Dis. J Antimicrob Chemother. Surg Clinics N Am.

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What every physician needs to know. Jump to Section I. History Part 2: Prevalence: C. Physical Examination Findings. What diagnostic tests should be performed? What imaging studies if any should be ordered to help establish the diagnosis? Default Management. Immediate management.

Physical Examination Tips to Guide Management. Long-term management. Common Pitfalls and Side-Effects of Management. Management with Co-Morbidities. Liver Insufficiency. Systolic and Diastolic Heart Failure. Diabetes or other Endocrine issues. Immunosuppression HIV, chronic steroids, etc. Gastrointestinal or Nutrition Issues. Hematologic or Coagulation Issues. Transitions of Care. Anticipated Length of Stay. When is the Patient Ready for Discharge?

Type II necrotising fasciitis has been sensationalised in the media and is commonly referred to as a flesh-eating disease. It affects all age groups. Healthy people are also prone to infection with this group. Type III necrotising fasciitis is caused by Clostridium perfringens or less commonly Clostridium septicum.

It usually follows significant injury or surgery and results in gas under the skin: this makes a crackling sound called crepitus. Necrotising fasciitis due to marine organisms is usually due to contamination of wounds by seawater, cuts by fish fins or stingers, or consumption of raw seafood.

It occurs more commonly in patients with liver disorders. These infections can be very serious and can be fatal if not attended within 48 hours. Fungal necrotising fasciitis complicates traumatic wounds in immunocompromised people.

Other terms used for necrotising fasciitis include haemolytic streptococcal gangrene, Meleney ulcer , acute dermal gangrene, hospital gangrene, suppurative fasciitis, and synergistic necrotising cellulitis. Necrotising fasciitis affecting perineal , genital , and perianal regions is known as Fournier gangrene.

Necrotising fasciitis may occur in anyone, with almost half of all known cases of streptococcal necrotising fasciitis occurring in young and previously healthy individuals. The disease may occur if the right set of conditions is present, these include:. The infection starts in the superficial fascia.

Enzymes and proteins released by the responsible micro-organisms cause necrosis of fascial layers. Horizontal spread of infection may not be clinically apparent on the skin surface and hence diagnosis may be delayed. The infection then spreads vertically up into the skin and down into deeper structures. Thrombosis occludes the arteries and veins leading to ischaemia and necrosis of the tissues. Find a Doctor. Center for Hyperbaric Medicine.

Contact Us Treatment Typically a patient will receive one or two 2 hour treatments each day for as many days as is required to help fight the infection. How it all works The normal air we breathe contains 21 percent oxygen This can be improved by breathing percent oxygen via a mask, hood, or if very ill, assisted by a ventilator.