Gas gangrene

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Clostridial myonecrosis (gas gangrene) is an uncommon sequela of traumatic injury. Because the infection can become rapidly fatal, early recognition and expeditious treatment are critical. In addition to wide surgical debridement and treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics, hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been shown to have synergistic benefit. Dr Stephens presents an illustrative case and discusses current data regarding effective management.

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Notes on contributors

Lt Mark B. Stephens

LT Mark B. Stephens, MC, USNR Dr Stephens is a third-year resident, department of family medicine, Naval Hospital Bremerton, Bremerton, Washington. He has had additional training in hyperbaric research at Naval Medical Research Institute, Bethesda.