J Trauma
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Clostridial gas gangrene is a well recognized complication of traumatic and surgical wounds, and is associated with an overall mortality rate of 25% (5, 22). Gas gangrene of a limb results in a mortality rate approximately half that of gas gangrene of the trunk (4, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 19, 24). ⋯ Patients with gas gangrene involving all layers of the abdominal wall as well as an extremity pose major resuscitative, operative, supportive, and rehabilitative problems. A report is presented of two such patients with comments on the therapeutic modalities employed.
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A patient is presented with diabetes insipidus secondary to craniofacial trauma. Diabetes insipidus can occur in any patient within ten days of craniofacial trauma. ⋯ The disease can recur following operative reduction of facial fractures. Diabetes insipidus can be successfully treated by intramuscular Pitressin and appropriate fluid intake.
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The incidence of penetrating wounds of the chest is rising rapidly. Opinions continue to differ on their management. Our experience with 200 consecutive cases of stab wounds of the chest between 1972 and 1975 were reviewed. ⋯ The average period of hospitalization was 6.5 days. Treatment was individualized. Indications for each course of therapy are discussed.