title: Clostridial sepsis: unusual clinical presentations.
abstract: We present four cases exhibiting the widely diverse nature of clinical infections due to anaerobic Clostridium perfringens. These cases exemplify the need for a thorough initial physical examination, immediate Gram staining of fluid from involved tissue, and recognition of the severity of the disease in any patient who has early septic deterioration after elective or emergency surgical procedures. Management of these infections includes both high-dose parenteral penicillin therapy and aggressive initial surgical debridement of all involved tissues.
authors.forename: N M
authors.initials: NM
authors.lastname: Moustoukas
authors.forename: R L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Nichols
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Voros
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002481:Cellulitis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery; D002764:Cholecystitis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery; D003016:Clostridium perfringens; D003646:Debridement; D005208:Fasciitis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery; D005738:Gas Gangrene / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010406:Penicillins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010538:Peritonitis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery
chemical_list: D010406:Penicillins