[Anaerobic infections of the soft tissues]. / Les infections anaérobies des tissus mous.

Anaerobic soft tissue infections are still life threatening infections. Although their frequency is actually moderate; they remain severe because physicians are often insufficiently aware of them. Although the classification between myonecrosis and necrotizing fasciitis is still valid, these infections share so many points in common that they can be considered together. Their origin is often traumatic or surgical but may also be secondary to an ulcer or a small wound in a high-risk patient: arteriosclerotic, diabetic. Hypoxia, traumatic muscle crush, heavy bacterial contamination as well as incorrect antibiotic prophylaxis are the major reasons for their occurrence. Management consists of antibiotics adapted to both anaerobic and associated aerobic bacteria, large and early surgical debridement, but with conservative excision, and intensive hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Strict prevention measures must be applied to avoid their occurrence.

[Carbon monoxide poisoning]. / L'intoxication au monoxyde de carbone.

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning still represents a frequent and severe casualty in France. Aside from the well-known effect of CO on hemoglobin, the role of CO binding to other hemoproteins like myoglobin and cytochrome a3 has been more recently recognized. Moreover, in addition to these hypoxic injuries, the reoxygenation phase may itself induce toxic effects by a mechanism close to the ischemia-reperfusion phenomenon. Clinical manifestations include neurologic disturbances, cardiac arrhythmia, respiratory and circulatory failures which usually disappear with removal from toxic atmosphere and administration of oxygen. However, long term neurologic manifestations may occur and lead to important functional impairment and disability. Hyperbaric oxygen is actually the treatment of choice to avoid the occurrence of delayed sequelae. HBO is advocated in every patient who remains comatose on hospital admission, who has lost consciousness during toxic exposure or with persisting neurologic abnormalities. CO poisoned pregnant women should also undergo HBO.