Diagnosis:
Tissue biopsy is the best method of diagnosis. Cultures can be obtained locally from the periphery of the spreading infection or from deeper tissues during surgical debridement. Radiographic studies can show the presence of sub. Q gases and CT scans can pinpoint the anatomical areas of necrosis.
Treatment:
Prompt and aggressive exploration and debridement is essential. Most patients will have a combination of debridement, fasciotomy and/or amputation. Penicillin, clindamycin, metronidazole, ceftriaxone (Rocephine), gentamycin, chloramphenicol, and ampicillin are used PO, IM or IV to treat the organisms. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) has also proven to be affective by increasing the rate of healing and decreasing mortality rates. HBO therapy increases O2 saturation rates by a thousand fold causing a bactericidal effect.
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