MICROBIOLOGICAL PROFILE, ANTIBIOTIC SENSITIVITY AND PROGNOSIS OF PATIENTS WITH FOURNIER’S GANGRENE: A PROSPECTIVE, HOSPITAL BASED STUDY FROM NORTH INDIA

Abstract

Background: Fournier's gangrene (FG) is a devastating disease that is characterized by necrotizing fasciitis of the perineal, genital, or perianal region. Broad-spectrum antibiotics are the key component of its treatment. However, there is paucity of data regarding the optimal empirical antibiotic therapy for FG. Materials and Methods: Data from patients who underwent surgery for FG was retrieved from a prospectively collected departmental FG database. Demographics, clinical characteristics, causative pathogens and drug susceptibility/resistance were evaluated. Outcome was also assessed in terms of mortality. Results: Fifty patients with a median age of 58.5 (40-83) years were included. The perianal region and scrotum (88%) were the most commonly affected. Diabetes mellitus (DM) was the most common comorbidity (92%). The median time to onset of symptoms was 7 (2-15) days, and the median duration of hospital stay was 22 (4-65) days. Ventilator requirement was required in 15 (30%) patients. The median UFGSI score was 9.5 (3-15). The overall mortality rate was 26%. A positive growth was found in specimen cultures of 48 (96%) patients. The median number of bacterial strains that grew in the cultures was 3 (0-10). Amikacin was the antibiotic with the highest frequency of sensitivity (74%), while the highest resistance was observed against ampicillin-sulbactam (64%). Escherichia coli was the most common microorganism (68%). Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella pneumonia were signicantly more common in patients who required mechanical ventilation. The mortality rate was 26%. An Uludag Fournier's Gangrene Severity Index (UFGSI) score of > 9.5 and ventilatory support requirement were factors associated with an increased rate of mortality. Acinetobacter baumannii was the only microorganism which was associated with an increased mortality rate. Conclusion: Causative pathogens in FG appeared to be shifting; thus, empirical antibiotic treatment for this disease should be modied. We recommend 3rd-generation cephalosporin, metronidazole and amikacin for empirical therapy.