Gangrene occurs when restricted blood flow causes body tissue to die and decay. It is usually caused by an infection, injury or circulation problems. Dry gangrene occurs when arteries become blocked causing restricted blood flow and tissue death. Wet gangrene develops when an injury becomes infected. Gas gangrene arises when a deep infection causes gases to build up in the tissues cutting off blood supply to that area. Complications vary depending on the location and type of gangrene affecting the body.
Amputation
A life-changing complication associated with gangrene is amputation. Amputation is a surgical procedure that occurs when part or all of an extremity or limb is removed due to injury, disease, infection or surgery, according to Pennsylvania's Lancaster General Health. People with gangrene typically need to have a limb amputated when the tissue surrounding the limb dies and starts to decay. Diabetics are 15 times more likely to have an amputation due to gangrene then people without diabetes, according to the UK-based primary care information website, NHS Choices. Diabetics tend to develop wet gangrene when a foot or toe is injured. Wet gangrene occurs when an injured limb becomes infected. Blood contains antibodies that help the body fight off infection so when blood flow is restricted, bacteria can enter the wound and spread to various parts of the body causing tissue death, decay and ultimately amputation.
Septicemia
People with wet gangrene may develop septicemia when an infected injury allows bacteria to enter the bloodstream, according to MedlinePlus. Septicemia is a serious infection that occurs when bacteria invades the bloodstream causing extremely high fevers, chills, rapid breathing, a rapid heartbeat, shock, low body temperature, falling blood pressure and/or confusion. This type of infection is usually associated with severe infections such as infections in the lungs, abdomen, urinary tract, the bone, central nervous system and/or other tissues. Treatment generally consists of a hospital stay, intravenous medications, fluids and/or oxygen.
Delirium
A rare and deadly complication associated with gas gangrene is delirium, according to Medline Plus. Gas gangrene occurs when an increase in harmful bacteria causes the body to produce harmful gases and toxins which damage bodily tissues. People with gas gangrene may experience delirium when the toxins in the body prevent oxygen from getting to the tissues surrounding the brain. Delirium is usually temporary and it usually accompanies a physical or mental illness, according to MedlinePlus. People with gangrene who develop delirium may experience rapid changes in moods and behavior. They may also slip into a stupor or coma as the gangrene continues to spread throughout their body.
