[Gas gangrene in childhood--a review]

Although gas gangrene in childhood is not mentioned in the paediatric literature, paediatric surgery textbooks included, this toxic wound infection also occurs in children. Prognosis totally depends on the early detection of the disease. Having checked over 2000 relevant literature sources, in which 110 cases of gas gangrene are mentioned, of which 24 are described in detail, this paper points to constellations paving the way for developing or favouring the infection. In aetiologic respect accidents range first, but also in children postoperative clostridial myonecrosis and those resulting from intramuscular injections are possible, but rare. On the basis of case reports the initial symptoms are stressed. In the foreground local (heavy pains, odematous swelling, "dirty" exudate, dyschromia, foetor) and general (tachycardia, rapidly deteriorating condition, shock, icterus) signs are dealt with, which occur after a latent period ranging between some few and 72 (up to 96) hours. Only through quick diagnosis and sufficient immediate therapy it will be possible to improve the prognosis and, in particular, reduce letality. A later publication in this journal will explain that also in children gas gangrene does not belong to those diseases which seldom occur.