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Updated: Aug 14, 2026
High-Resolution Three-Dimensional Imaging of the Footpad Vasculature in a Murine Hindlimb Gangrene Model
Published on: March 16, 2022
Abstract:
High morbidity and mortality continue to result from gas gangrene, despite the use of aggressive modes of therapy. Between 1967 and 1973, 34 patients with gas gangrene were seen at the University of Maryland Hospital; 11 (32.3%) died. Clostridium perfringens was recovered from the wounds in 79% of the cases and from the blood in 15%. Eighty-five percent of the wounds contained one or more organisms in addition to C perfringens, with as many as seven organisms recovered from some wounds. Twenty-nine patients received hyperbaric oxygen treatments, as well as the more conventional antibiotic drugs; it was not possible to assess the value of this added therapy. Gangrene of the abdominal wall resulted in a higher (50%) mortality than gangrene of an extremity (24%). Presence of normal or depressed white blood cell counts, decreased platelet counts, and abnormal renal or liver functions all denoted a poor prognosis.
Insights
Gas gangrene, often caused by Clostridium perfringens, leads to high mortality. Factors like abdominal wall involvement and specific blood counts indicate a poor prognosis for patients with this serious infection.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Gas gangrene presents a significant challenge due to high morbidity and mortality rates.
- Despite aggressive therapeutic approaches, outcomes remain poor for many patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the clinical characteristics, causative agents, and prognostic indicators of gas gangrene.
- To report on patient outcomes and mortality rates at a major hospital over a six-year period.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 34 gas gangrene cases treated between 1967 and 1973.
- Identification of microbial agents in wounds and blood cultures.
- Correlation of clinical findings and laboratory values with patient prognosis.
Main Results:
- Eleven out of 34 patients (32.3%) died from gas gangrene.
- Clostridium perfringens was the predominant pathogen, found in 79% of wounds and 15% of blood samples.
- Abdominal wall gangrene had a 50% mortality rate, compared to 24% for extremity gangrene.
- Factors such as normal/depressed white blood cell counts, low platelets, and abnormal renal/liver function indicated a poor prognosis.
Conclusions:
- Gas gangrene remains a life-threatening condition with significant mortality.
- Prognostic indicators, including the site of gangrene and specific hematological and biochemical parameters, are crucial for predicting patient outcomes.