Gangrene of the upper extremity in the newborn

Gangrene presenting at birth is a rare clinical problem; it results from diminished perfusion of a part of the body, usually the extremities. A variety of aetiological factors may account for this situation. Arterial thrombosis, emboli, trauma, congenital heart disease, sepsis, coagulopathy, polycythaemia, congenital bands, and birth trauma are some of the causes which should be considered. In the majority of cases, an aetiological factor is not identified. The management of neonatal gangrene is usually conservative, preventing infection of the affected part and allowing the gangrenous portion to declare itself in order to optimise future reconstruction and rehabilitation. In this paper, two cases of newborn with gangrene of an upper extremity are reported.