Clostridial Myositis and Myonecrosis (Gas Gangrene)
Gas gangrene is a rapidly progressive, life-threatening infection. HBOT inhibits bacterial toxin production and is a critical adjunct to surgical treatment.
What is Gas Gangrene?
Gas gangrene (clostridial myonecrosis) is a severe, rapidly spreading infection caused by Clostridium bacteria, typically C. perfringens. These bacteria thrive in low-oxygen environments and produce toxins that destroy muscle tissue.
The infection can spread through tissue at rates of several inches per hour. Characteristic features include severe pain, tissue swelling with gas bubbles visible on imaging, and a thin, dark discharge.
Without aggressive treatment including surgery, antibiotics, and HBOT, gas gangrene has a mortality rate exceeding 50%. Even with treatment, amputation may be necessary to save the patient's life.
Symptoms of Gas Gangrene
If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, seek medical attention. Early intervention is critical for many of these conditions.
- Severe, sudden pain at wound site
- Rapid swelling
- Pale skin that progresses to bronze, then purplish-red
- Crackling sensation (crepitus) under skin
- Thin, brownish discharge
- Fever and rapid heart rate
- Low blood pressure
- Confusion and shock
Aggressive Multi-Specialty Treatment
Gas gangrene is a surgical emergency requiring immediate intervention. HBOT is one component of a comprehensive treatment strategy.
Emergency Surgery
Aggressive surgical debridement to remove all infected and dead tissue is the primary treatment.
IV Antibiotics
High-dose penicillin and clindamycin are the antibiotics of choice, started immediately.
Intensive Care
ICU admission for hemodynamic monitoring, fluid resuscitation, and organ support.
Wound Management
Serial debridements with negative pressure wound therapy between surgeries.
How Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Helps
Clostridial bacteria are anaerobes—they cannot survive in high-oxygen environments. HBOT creates oxygen levels that directly inhibit bacterial growth and, critically, stop the production of alpha-toxin, the main cause of tissue destruction.
HBOT also enhances the effectiveness of antibiotics and improves white blood cell function, which is impaired in low-oxygen tissue.
Key Benefits of HBOT for Gas Gangrene
Treatment Protocol
Gas gangrene requires emergent HBOT, typically at 3.0 ATA for 90 minutes, with sessions every 8 hours initially. This is always used in conjunction with surgical debridement and IV antibiotics.
Treatment continues with two to three daily sessions until clinical improvement, typically 5-10 total treatments.
Ready to Explore HBOT?
Schedule a consultation with our hyperbaric medicine specialists to discuss whether HBOT may be right for your condition.