Usefulness of serum procalcitonin for necrotizing fasciitis as an early diagnostic tool

IntroductionWhile the early diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is crucial and could lead to a favorable outcome, it is difficult to differentiate NF from cellulitis, resulting in delay for the appropriate treatment.Patients and methodsFor the purpose of examining which diagnostic tools could correctly differentiate NF from cellulitis, we conducted this case-control study. We retrospectively reviewed all patients who were diagnosed with NF at our institute during 2014–2019. The patients who were diagnosed with cellulitis were randomly selected during the study period as the control group. The severity of NF is evaluated by serum-procalcitonin (PCT), LRINEC score, NTSI assessment and SIARI score.ResultsA total of 25 NF patients were enrolled in this study. The median age was 68 years (range 39–79) and 18 (72%) were male. Comparing NF and cellulitis groups, NF group showed a higher LRINEC score and serum PCT than cellulitis group did, even though there was no statistical significance in serum PCT.With respect to the diagnostic value for differentiating NF from cellulitis, the area under the ROC curve for of serum PCT and LRINEC scores were 0.928 [95% confidential interval (CI) 0.864–0.992, p < 0.001] and 0.846 (95% CI 0.757–0.936, p < 0.001). The appropriate serum-PCT cutoff value was 1.0 and had a sensitivity of 88%, a specificity of 89%, a positive predictive value of 81%, and a negative predictive value of 93%.ConclusionSerum-PCT could be a useful diagnostic marker for differentiating diagnosis of NF from cellulitis.     

Anesthetic implications of necrotizing fasciitis

Necrotizing fasciitis, also known as necrotizing acute soft tissue injury (NASTI), commonly occurs as a consequence of group A streptococcal disease. An estimated 9,400 cases of invasive group A streptococcal disease occur annually in the United States, with 600 cases classified as NASTI. Mortality associated with NASTI is estimated at 20% to 50%. Research indicates that early diagnosis and surgical excision of necrotic tissue is the key to minimalization of morbidity and mortality associated with NASTI. Repeated surgeries typically are required in patients with NASTI, posing unusual anesthetic challenges. This article provides an overview of NASTI and includes preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative anesthetic considerations.     

Group a streptococcus necrotizing fasciitis

Necrotizing fasciitis due to Group A streptococcus has been observed with increasing frequency over the past decade. Appropriate management requires rapid recognition of this life-threatening infection and expeditious antimicrobial therapy as well as surgical debridement or excision of tissue.     

Diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis in children.

Necrotizing fasciitis is a rare but progressive soft tissue infection. This condition is difficult to recognize in the early phase, when it is often confused with cellulitis. We report the cases of four children with necrotizing fasciitis. The initial presentation in these cases was cellulitis. Fever and soft tissue swelling occurred within 24 h and spreading erythema within 4 to 12 h. Radiologic studies of the lesions showed soft tissue thickening. Ultrasonography of the lesions demonstrated distorted, thickened fascia with fluid accumulation. Well-defined, loculated abscesses were demonstrated in two cases. Although typical dusky skin and purplish patches were not found in our cases, necrotizing fasciitis was strongly suspected on the basis of the clinical course and sonographic findings. Ultrasonography also was used as a guide for aspiration of pus. Gram-stained smears and bacterial cultures yielded the pathogens. The choice of antibiotic therapy was made on the results of smears and culture. All patients survived after immediate surgical debridement, intensive antibiotic therapy, and aggressive wound care. In conclusion, ultrasonography provides a rapid and valuable diagnostic modality for necrotizing fasciitis. The pus obtained through sonographically guided aspiration for bacterial culture can allow identification of the pathogenic organisms.     

Burn center management of necrotizing fasciitis

Necrotizing fasciitis is a rapidly progressive soft-tissue infection associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Necrotizing fasciitis is similar to invasive burn wound infection in that diagnosis requires histologic examination of affected tissue and treatment requires aggressive surgical debridement followed by skin autograft. Transfer to a burn center facilitates the management of necrotizing fasciitis, where requisite surgical and nursing expertise is available. We reviewed the experience of one burn center in the management of necrotizing fasciitis over a 5-year period. Ten patients were transferred to the burn center from other medical facilities for care, arriving a mean of 8.9 days after initial hospital admission. The diagnosis was made by a surgical service or consultation before transfer in all cases; initial admission to a medical rather than a surgical service delayed surgery in five cases. All patients had surgical debridement before transfer but required a mean of 5.1 additional operations at the burn center. Although the mean extent of involvement was 14.8% body surface area, the mean length of burn center stay was 34.9 days. Complications were frequent, including pulmonary failure requiring mechanical ventilation (n = 6), renal insufficiency or failure (n = 5), hypotension requiring pressers (n = 4), deep venous thrombosis (n = 3), and pulmonary emboli (n = 1). Overall mortality was 2 of 10 patients (20%). Both fatalities were associated with delay in initial surgical procedure and in transfer to the burn center. The similarity of necrotizing fasciitis and invasive burn wound infection makes the burn center the ideal setting for the treatment of this disease. We advocate the addition of necrotizing fasciitis to the list of conditions currently recognized by the American Burn Association as appropriate for burn center transfer and care.     

Early diagnosis of retroperitoneal necrotizing fasciitis

OBJECTIVE: To report survival of retroperitoneal necrotizing fasciitis in an inmunocompromised patient and to demonstrate early clinical signs that may help in the prompt diagnosis and treatment of this severe infection. DESIGN: Case report and literature review. SETTING: An adult, 18-bed intensive care unit within a university hospital. PATIENT: A 38-yr-old man who had undergone an uncomplicated closed hemorrhoidectomy was readmitted to the hospital on postoperative day 5 for erythema around the hemorrhoidectomy and a dirty brown discharge from the wound. INTERVENTIONS: Early diagnosis of retroperitoneal necrotizing fasciitis, wide and repeated debridement, broad-spectrum antibiotics, and eventual abdominal wall reconstruction. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: This patient manifested periumbilical and bilateral flank erythema, reminiscent of the pattern of ecchymosis seen in cases of retroperitoneal hemorrhage. The findings demonstrate a variation of Cullen's and Grey Turner's sign, most often found in patients with hemorrhagic pancreatitis. An abdominal radiograph revealed a ground glass appearance with radiolucency outlining the bladder, consistent with retroperitoneal air. The chest radiograph showed mediastinal air extending into the neck. Sharp debridement of the retroperitoneal fat, the right anterior rectus sheath, and the right anterior thigh fascia was required to gain control of the infection. Operative cultures grew a mixed flora with Eschericha coli, beta-hemolytic streptococcus, and Bacteroides fragilis predominating. The hospital course was complicated by hemodynamic instability, renal failure, pneumonia, and a pelvic abscess. The patient ultimately survived and underwent abdominal wall reconstruction with mesh. CONCLUSION: Retroperitoneal necrotizing fasciitis is an uncommon soft tissue infection that is often fatal. Early diagnosis in this case was facilitated by the unique clinical findings of a modified Cullen's and Grey Turner's sign. A review of the limited available literature suggests that survival of retroperitoneal fasciitis is possible with prompt debridement and antibiotic therapy.     

Soft-tissue infection: necrotizing fasciitis.

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a potentially fatal infection of the skin and soft tissue. The early presentation may first appear as cellulitis. The skin stays intact in the early stages of NF; this leads to a deceptive benign appearance. The skin typically appears red, hot and exquisitely tender. Blisters may or may not be present. Severe local pain, which is out of proportion to the size and type of wound, is a hallmark sign seen in NF. Recognition of the signs and symptoms, as well as timely diagnosis and treatment of this condition is imperative. This is necessary in order to assist in preventing widespread tissue destruction, and enhance favorable patient outcomes. The purpose of this paper is to increase the knowledge and understanding of NF and to discuss the nurses' role in minimizing unfavorable outcomes.     

特殊部位坏死性筋膜炎的临床治疗

目的探讨特殊部位坏死性筋膜炎(Necrotizing Fasciitis,NF)的发病机制、疾病转归和治疗。方法回顾分析四川省人民医院皮肤外科近年来收治的4例特殊部位坏死性筋膜炎病例特点、治疗及疗效。结果 4例病例均得以治愈,疗效较好,功能、外观均较理想。结论坏死性筋膜炎是少见而严重的皮肤软组织感染,治疗的关键在于早期确诊及切开引流、彻底清创,创面修复方式多以皮瓣转移和游离皮片移植为主。     

Sonographic findings of necrotizing fasciitis in the breast

Necrotizsing fasciitis is a rapidly developing, fatal bacterial infection of deep subcutaneous tissues. It may occur at any site in the body. We describe a case of necrotizing fasciitis in the breast that was diagnosed on the basis of sonographic findings. Sonographic examination revealed fluid collection in deep tissues with bright echoes likely to represent gas microbubbles. The diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis was subsequently confirmed on surgical exploration.     

Predictors of mortality in patients with necrotizing fasciitis

Background

Necrotizing fasciitis is an uncommon and life-threatening soft tissue infection with high mortality. Though early aggressive surgical intervention is important for improving survival, the impact of mortality from different microorganisms remains uncertain. Our study aims to identify the association of mortality and different microorganisms, and the positive and negative predictors of mortality in patients with necrotizing fasciitis.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study enrolled patients admitted via the emergency department (ED) with discharged diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, code 72886). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify microbiological, clinical, and biochemical variables independently associated with the mortality of necrotizing fasciitis.

Results

Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that Vibrio infection, Aeromonas infection, hypotension, malignancy, and band form 10% or greater were significantly associated with increase of mortality (P < .05). They were considered as positive predictors of mortality. The presence of hemorrhagic bullae, however, was significantly associated with decrease of mortality (P < .05). It was considered as negative predictor of mortality.

Conclusion

Aeromonas infection, Vibrio infection, cancer, hypotension, and band form white blood cell count greater than 10% are independent positive predictors of mortality in patients with necrotizing fasciitis. Streptococcal and staphylococcal infections, in contrast, are not predictors of mortality. The presence of hemorrhagic bullae is an independent negative predictor of mortality. Further study should focus on the accuracy of these factors.     

Streptococcal necrotizing fasciitis of the eyelids and orbit

Streptococcal necrotizing fasciitis in previously healthy persons can develop quickly and may be difficult to diagnose. In a number of cases, this potentially fatal condition has been seen originally in the eyelid and orbit. Intensive antibiotic therapy and prompt debridement are the usual course of treatment.     

应用PET及SPECT评价干细胞心肌移植模型的稳定性和可靠性

目的:应用正电子发射断层摄影术(PET)、单光子放射计算机断层显像术(SPECT)评价干细胞心肌移植模型稳定性和可靠性。方法:12只杂种犬分两组,在全麻下左侧开胸建立前降支根部结扎和心尖区CO2冷冻慢性心肌梗死模型,分别于建立模型前、后4,8周应用18F-FDG心肌代谢PET(代谢显像)和99TCm-MIBI心肌SPECT(灌注显像)对两种模型进行评价,计数显像减低总节段数及心肌灌注与代谢的匹配关系,计算放射性分布缺损计数(F值)。结果:12只犬无1例死亡,正常心肌PET,SPECT显像清晰,F值接近零,结扎组术后8周心肌灌注F值(6.67±1.03),糖代谢F值(5.83±0.75)与术后4周(10.47±0.51,10.33±0.66)比较,均有不同程度的下降(P<0.05),冰冻组术后4,8周心肌灌注F值(5.67±0.82,5.17±0.98),糖代谢F值(5.50±1.31,5.00±1.55),差异无显著性意义(P>0.05)。在灌注减低区,结扎组术后4周梗死心肌占41.9%,8周占70%,冰冻组术后4周梗死心肌占91.7%,8周几乎占100%。结论:犬CO2冷冻慢性心肌梗死模型较结扎模型稳定,不受冠状动脉侧支循环的干扰,适宜进行犬慢性心肌梗死细胞移植的实验研究。