Gangrene

Gangrene
Other namesGangrenous necrosis
Dry gangrene affecting the toes as a result of peripheral artery disease
SpecialtyInfectious disease, surgery, podiatry
SymptomsChange in skin color to red or black, numbness, pain, skin breakdown, coolness[1]
ComplicationsSepsis, amputation[1][2]
TypesDry, wet, gas, internal, necrotizing fasciitis[3]
Risk factorsDiabetes, peripheral arterial disease, smoking, major trauma, alcoholism, plague, HIV/AIDS, frostbite, Raynaud's syndrome[3][4]
Diagnostic methodBased on symptom, With medical imaging used to identify the underlying cause.
TreatmentDepends on underlying cause[5]
PrognosisVariable
FrequencyUnknown[2]

Gangrene is a type of tissue death caused by a lack of blood supply.[4] Symptoms may include a change in skin color to red or black, numbness, swelling, pain, skin breakdown, and coolness.[1] The feet and hands are most commonly affected.[1] If the gangrene is caused by an infectious agent, it may present with a fever or sepsis.[1]

Risk factors include diabetes, peripheral arterial disease, smoking, major trauma, alcoholism, HIV/AIDS, frostbite, influenza, dengue fever, malaria, chickenpox, plague, hypernatremia, radiation injuries, meningococcal disease, Group B streptococcal infection and Raynaud's syndrome.[3][4] It can be classified as dry gangrene, wet gangrene, gas gangrene, internal gangrene, and necrotizing fasciitis.[3] The diagnosis of gangrene is based on symptoms and supported by tests such as medical imaging.[6]

Treatment may involve surgery to remove the dead tissue, antibiotics to treat any infection, and efforts to address the underlying cause.[5] Surgical efforts may include debridement, amputation, or the use of maggot therapy.[5] Efforts to treat the underlying cause may include bypass surgery or angioplasty.[5] In certain cases, hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be useful.[5] How commonly the condition occurs is unknown.[2]

  1. ^ a b c d e "Gangrene Symptoms". NHS. 13 October 2015. Retrieved 12 December 2017.
  2. ^ a b c "Gangrene". patient.info. 12 March 2014. Retrieved 12 December 2017.
  3. ^ a b c d "Gangrene Causes". NHS. 13 October 2015. Retrieved 12 December 2017.
  4. ^ a b c "Gangrene". NHS. 13 October 2015. Retrieved 12 December 2017.
  5. ^ a b c d e "Gangrene Treatment". NHS. Retrieved 12 December 2017.
  6. ^ "Gangrene Diagnosis". NHS. 13 October 2015. Retrieved 12 December 2017.

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