Gas composition in Clostridium septicum gas gangrene

J Formos Med Assoc. 1995 Dec;94(12):757-9.

Abstract

Clostridial gas gangrene (myonecrosis) is a rare but catastrophic condition that usually occurs in patients with underlying diseases. This paper reports a fatal case of spontaneous clostridial gas gangrene in a 60-year-old female diabetic patient. The composition of gas samples from the patient's damaged muscle was analyzed. The results showed 5.9% hydrogen, 3.4% carbon dioxide, 74.5% nitrogen and 16.1% oxygen. This gas composition supports the belief that such gas production occurs via glucose fermentation. This is the first time such an analysis has been performed in a clinical case of spontaneous clostridial gas gangrene.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Clostridium / metabolism*
  • Female
  • Fermentation
  • Gas Gangrene / metabolism*
  • Gases / analysis*
  • Glucose / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged

Substances

  • Gases
  • Glucose