Gangrene

Would you like to know what lab results mean? DDxHub - Differential Diagnosis Hub helps to understand and explains your blood test.

Gangrene refers to the death of body tissue due to a lack of blood flow or a bacterial infection. Gangrene most commonly affects the extremities, including your toes, fingers and limbs, but it can also occur in your muscles and internal organs. Chances of developing gangrene are higher if you have an underlying condition that can damage your blood vessels and affect blood flow, such as diabetes or atherosclerosis. This is a complication of necrosis characterized by the decay of body tissues. Results from ischemia, infection, or trauma (or a combination of these processes). Two main categories: infectious gangrene (which includes necrotizing fasciitis and gas gangrene) and ischemic gangrene (which can arise from arterial or venous obstruction). Risk factors include diabetes, smoking, atherosclerosis, renal disease, drug and alcohol abuse, malignancy, trauma or abdominal surgery, contaminated wounds, malnutrition, hypercoagulable states, and prolonged use of tourniquets. Treatments for gangrene include surgery to remove dead tissue, antibiotics and other approaches. The prognosis for recovery is better if gangrene is identified early and treated quickly.

Symptoms:

Laboratory Test Procedures:

discoloration
gangrene skin ranging from pale to blue, purple, black, bronze or red
blackening of the skin
pale gray or blue skin color
numbness
pain
pale skin
foul-smelling discharge leaking from a sore
frostbite
fever
skin that feels warm to the touch
malaise
low blood pressure
fast heartbeat
lightheadedness
shortness of breath
confusion
skin rash

WBC
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
ESR - Sed Rate
RBC
Hemoglobin
Hematocrit
pH Urine
Chloride Cl
Bicarbonate (CO2)
Sodium
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All information on this page is intended for your general knowledge only and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See Additional Information