HOSPITAL GANGRENE Meaning and
Definition
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Hospital gangrene is a serious and potentially life-threatening form of gangrene that typically occurs in hospitalized individuals, particularly those who have undergone surgery or have underlying health conditions. It is characterized by the rapid destruction of cells and tissues in the affected area due to bacterial infection.
Hospital gangrene is primarily caused by the bacteria Clostridium perfringens, which are commonly found in soil, dust, and human intestinal tracts. In the hospital setting, the bacteria can enter the body through surgical wounds, open sores, or weakened areas of the skin. Factors that contribute to the development of hospital gangrene include poor hygiene practices, untreated wounds, compromised immune systems, and prolonged hospital stays.
The symptoms of hospital gangrene may include severe pain at the infection site, foul-smelling discharge, swelling, redness, and the formation of blackish-brown tissue called necrotic eschar. These symptoms can worsen rapidly, leading to the destruction of surrounding tissues, muscle, and blood vessels. If left untreated, the infection can spread throughout the body, causing sepsis and potentially leading to organ failure.
Treatment for hospital gangrene involves a combination of surgical debridement, which involves removing dead or infected tissue, along with the administration of antibiotics to target the underlying bacterial infection. In severe cases, amputation of the affected limb or surgical procedures to improve blood flow may be necessary. Prevention strategies focus on maintaining proper hygiene practices, wound care, and minimizing the risk of infection in healthcare settings.
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Moist g., due to infection of a wound with putrefactive bacteria, at one time common in ill-kept and crowded hospitals; sloughing phagedena.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for HOSPITAL GANGRENE
- hospital gangrenu
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Etymology of HOSPITAL GANGRENE
The word "hospital gangrene" is derived from the combination of two components: "hospital" and "gangrene".
1. Hospital: The term "hospital" has a Latin origin and is derived from the Latin word "hospitālis", which means "pertaining to a guest or host". In ancient Latin and Greek, it referred to a hospice or a place of shelter or lodging. Over time, the meaning of "hospital" evolved to specifically denote institutions or buildings providing medical care and treatment.
2. Gangrene: The word "gangrene" originates from the Latin term "gangraena", which was borrowed from the Greek word "gángraína". In Greek, "gángraína" referred to the condition of mortified tissue, affected by necrosis or decay. The exact roots or etymology of the Greek term "gángraína" are uncertain.
