Retrospective Study of Fournier Gangrene and it’s Co-relation with FGSI Scores in its Management at a Tertiary Hospital in Mauritius

Abstract

Background: Fournier’s gangrene is an acute rapidly progressive necrotizing fasciitis of infectious etiology. It usually affects scrotum, penis, perineum, perianal region and anterior abdominal wall occasionally. It is a poly-microbial infection resulting in thrombotic occlusion of small subcutaneous blood vessels leading to cutaneous gangrene. In spite of low prevalence at present FG carries considerable morbidity and mortality. It affects all age groups and both sexes. It is more prone in individuals with Diabetes Mellitus, chronic alcoholism, urogenital, anorectal diseases and immune-compromised persons. The diagnosis of FG is mostly clinical but radiological imaging was also needed to assess the extent of the disease. The management comprises of mainly aggressive surgical debridement under broad spectrum antibiotics coverage and ICU support. Material and Methods: It is a retrospective study comprising 30 number of FG cases clinically diagnosed and admitted in Dr Bruno Cheong Hospital, Flacq, Mauritius from 2019-2023. The data collected from hospital records comprising of routine and emergency cases. The preexisting co-morbidities, socio-economic status and outcome of management as per FGSI scores were assessed and recorded. Statistical Analysis: Standard statistical method, like SPSS was adopted for the analysis. Results: In the present study FGSI scores were co-related with the clinical picture and biochemical parameters of 30 no. of cases to assess severity of the disease. Moreover, FG being a serious and complicated disease, it was managed by a team comprising of surgeons and ICU team. Conclusion: FGSI scoring system is an excellent tool to assess the severity of the disease, in terms of mortality risk and outcome of management.