Necrotizing Fasciitis Research Articles

PERK Pathway Inhibitors Cure Group A Streptococcal Necrotizing Fasciitis in a Murine Model.

Group A streptococcus (GAS) is a Gram-positive human pathogen that causes invasive infections with mild to life-threatening severity, like toxic shock syndrome, rheumatic heart disease, and necrotizing fasciitis (NF). NF is characterized by a clinical presentation of widespread tissue destruction due to the rapid spread of GAS infection into fascial planes. Despite quick medical interventions, mortality from NF is high. The early onset of the disease is difficult to diagnose because of non-specific clinical symptoms. Moreover, the unavailability of an effective vaccine against GAS warrants a genuine need for alternative treatments against GAS NF. One endoplasmic reticulum stress signaling pathway (PERK pathway) gets triggered in the host upon GAS infection. Bacteria utilize asparagine release as an output of this pathway for its pathogenesis. We reported that the combination of sub-cutaneous (SC) and intraperitoneal (IP) administration of PERK pathway inhibitors (GSK2656157 and ISRIB) cures local as well as systemic GAS infection in a NF murine model, by reducing asparagine release at the infection site. This protocol's methodology is detailed below. This protocol was validated in: Sci Transl Med (2021), DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abd7465.

Murine Soft Tissue Infection Model to Study Group A Streptococcus (GAS) Pathogenesis in Necrotizing Fasciitis.

Group A streptococcus (GAS) necrotizing fasciitis (NF) causes high morbidity and mortality despite prompt intravenous administration of antibiotics, surgical soft-tissue debridement, and supportive treatment in the intensive care unit. Since there is no effective vaccine against GAS infections, a comprehensive understanding of NF pathogenesis is required to design more efficient treatments. To increase our understanding of NF pathogenesis, we need a reliable animal model that mirrors, at least in part, the infectious process in humans. This chapter describes a reliable murine model of human NF that mimics the histopathology observed in humans, namely the destruction of soft tissue, a paucity of infiltrating neutrophils, and the presence of many gram-positive cocci at the center of the infection.

Morbidity and Mortality of Necrotizing Fasciitis and Their Prognostic Factors in Children.

This is a prospective study of the clinico-etiologic profile and factors affecting outcomes in 40 children managed for necrotizing fasciitis (NF). Demographic details, clinical characteristics, and laboratory parameters were recorded, and the Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis (LRINEC) score was calculated. Primary outcome (survival vs. nonsurvival) was noted, and prognostic factors were identified. Initiating factors included boils (45%), i.v. cannula extravasations (22.5%), and blunt trauma (17.5%). Lesion (s) were predominantly on the lower limbs (35%) and trunk (25%). Twenty-two patients (55%) had <5% body surface area (BSA) involved. Severely deranged clinical and laboratory parameters were common. Ultrasound localized fluid collections. Pus cultures showed methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (52.5%), methicillin-sensitive S. aureus [27.5%], and polymicrobial growth (20%). Blood culture was positive in 24 patients (60%). Most isolates were sensitive to clindamycin and amoxy-clavulanate. Prognostic factors for mortality (n = 6; 15%) included categorization as "Sick," BSA involvement >10%, thrombocytopenia, raised serum creatinine, late debridement, and polymicrobial blood culture isolates. All six nonsurvivors had a LRINEC score of ≥8 and positive blood cultures. Six patients (20.7%) developed unsightly scars and 5 (17.24%) contractures across joints. Pediatric NF has significant morbidity and mortality. Patients with adverse prognostic factors can benefit from early referral to a facility with a critical care unit. Adequate wound management is essential to minimize residual deformity.

Comparison of LRINEC Scoring System with Finger Test and Histopathological Examination for Necrotizing Fasciitis.

Background Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a life-threatening condition requiring urgent attention. It is clinically difficult to diagnose, linked to severe systemic toxicity, and has poor prognosis. In 2001, Andreasen and coworkers described the “Finger test” for the diagnosis of NF. Subsequent studies have suggested early recognition and management of NF. In this study, we compare the LRINEC—Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis—scoring system with the “Finger test” and histopathological examination for diagnosis of NF. Results In our study, LRINEC scoring system and Finger test are statistically significant in the diagnosis of NF. Males are more frequently affected, and the most common organism causing NF is Staphylococcus . Histopathology remained the gold standard for diagnosis of NF, while LRINEC score and Finger test were good diagnostic tools for early diagnosis, with sensitivities of 83.33 and 86.11%, respectively. Conclusion LRINEC laboratory-based scoring system is easy and reliable diagnostic tool though histopathology remains the gold standard. There is statistically significant correlation between histopathology and laboratory criteria. LRINEC test is independently better than bedside Finger test alone or combined LRINEC and bedside Finger test.

Progressive Perianal Necrotising Soft Tissue Infection in Decompensated Chronic Liver Disease: A Case Report

Necrotising soft tissue infection in diabetics is known to carry a significant risk of mortality, while if it is associated with chronic liver disease (CLD) Child C, the mortality further increases. CLD alone has a predicted 5-year survival of 50%. This case report selectively highlights the occurrence of perianal spreading cellulitis in the presence of liver disease and diabetes with stress on special considerations. A 50-year-old male, presented with decompensated Child’s C CLD in metabolic acidosis with reduced urine output, deranged renal function, ascites and elevated bilirubin levels along with perianal pathology that began as a seemingly innocuous painful swelling. He was found to have extensive necrotising infection extending beyond the perianal region to involve the gluteal skin, perineum and scrotum and had poor anal sphincter tone. MRI revealed an extensive collection of pus involving both ischiorectal fossae extending extra-peritoneally into the left side of the pelvis. Special preoperative considerations involved optimising hydration (while avoiding overload), correcting acidosis arranging adequate blood products in view of coagulopathy and anaemia. The necessity of debridement for source control carried with it the attendant risk of further decompensation of CLD besides major haemorrhage from porto-systemic collaterals. Diversion, though imperative, carried the risk continuous peri-stomal seepage of ascites We describe a case of diversion after physiological stabilisation and highlight graded damage control measures for optimal outcomes and preventing stoma related complications in such immunocompromised patients.

Case report on necrotising fascitis

Necrotizing fasciitis is a highly rare condition necrotizing easy matter contamination that can consequence cutting-edge wild tissue harm, necrosis , and possibly deadly severe sepsis. The situation organization remains a test particularly fashionable a reserve incomplete surroundings. This is create in the deep subcutaneous layer and superficial layer and high mortality rate. That many strains of bacteria can cause a flesh-eating disease known as necrotising fascitis The client is obtainable by severe, tender, erythematous, and dropsical casing lesion of his correct leg from knee to foot. The client undergone clinical examination, then an analysis of necrotizing fascitis remained established finished investigational indication of gangrene front and neutrocyte penetration cutting-edge flesh biopsy. Group A 54-year-old male through diabetes Mellitus with hypertension with bronchial asthma with tuberculosis. The patient presented his right leg on the day of admission necrosis and blacking present above the knee pus discharge from the incision . The occurrence rate of gangrene front in adults is 0.40 belongings per 10,00,00 people/ year. The general death amount in the combined conditions from 2003- 2013 was 4.8/10,00,000 per year. Affected role after completely stage collections container grow gangrene front but to some extent extra rare between&lt;50 year besides belongings males and females similarly. Case Presentation : A 54 – year old male was taken treatment before admission his history was small bites over the right knee since from 15 days then he was taken treatment in the local hospital don’t find any relief patient went to private hospital for further treatment. He undergone surgery then patient was discharge. Patient was then reffered to multispeciality hospital for the further treatment with chief complaints are fever, cough, chest pain , diabetes mallitus, hypertension, bronchial asthma, tuberculosis then necrosis and blackening present above the knee level pus discharge present from incision site incision present on medial surface below the medial malleitus of right foot and as dorsal aspect of right foot. Debridment done over dorsal tibia of right foot no contamination. Conclusion : In summary, necrotising factor is remains an important but rare condition in surgical condition. rate of necrotizing fasciitis in adult is 0.40 cases per 10,00,00 people/ year. Necrotizing fasciitis remains an rare illness that consequences fashionable uncultured sickness and humanity doubt not preserved in initial phases

POINT-OF-CARE ULTRASOUND IN THE EARLY DIAGNOSIS OF NECROTIZING FASCIITIS.

The aim: To detect the ultrasonographic signs of necrotizing fasciitis (NF) suitable for its early diagnosis. Materials and methods: Eigty two patients with soft tissue infection, including 14 with necrotizing faciitis, were examined by ultrasonography at the admission. Ultrasonografic features were compared to intraoperative findings by the same surgeon. Results: The thickening of subcutaneous tissue had high sensitivity (100%), but low specificity (5.8%). The hypoechoic and hyperechoic zones had the shape of "cobblestone" with sensitivity - 78.5%, specificity - 33.8%. Higher specificity (69.1%) had sign of "cobblestone separation" on two layers. The presence of fluid above the fascia (sensitivity - 71.4%; specificity - 69.1%), thickening of the fascia (sensitivity - 85.7%; specificity - 58.8%), indistinctness of the fascia edges (sensitivity - 85.7%; specificity - 66.1%) and loss of fascial homogeneity (sensitivity - 71.4%, specificity - 66.1%) were noted in early stages of NF. Advanced cases of NF were accompanied by the dissection of thick¬ened fascia with a strip of fluid (sensitivity - 57.1%, specificity - 92.6%) and accumulation of a fluid under the fascia (sensitivity - 28.5%, specificity - 95.5%). The muscles thickening (sensitivity - 28.5%; specificity - 67.6%), skin thickening (sensitivity - 57.1%; specificity - 58.8%), and loss of the skin's lower edge clarity (sensitivity - 57.1%; specificity - 63.2%) don't have diagnostic value without other signs of NF. Conclusions: Point-of-care ultrasonography allows visualization of soft tissue changes that may be hidden in the initial stages of necrotizing fasciitis and should be recommended for implementation as mandatory method of examination in patients with suspected surgical soft tissue infection.

Incidence and role of large vessel disease in diabetic foot

Introduction: Diabetic patients are at risk for considerable morbidity as a result of chronic foot ulceration and infection, including limb loss. Diabetic foot infections are usually a consequence of skin ulceration from ischaemia or trauma to a neuropathic foot. The accurate diagnosis of the underlying cause is very important in planning the treatment. The aim of the study was to study the incidence and role of large vessel disease in patients with diabetic foot. Materials and Methods: Seventy-five patients admitted with features of diabetic foot and its complications were included in the study after excluding patients of comorbid medical illness. The presence of macrovasculopathy was assessed by examination for peripheral pulses, followed by assessment using arterial Doppler amongst patients with macrovasculopathy, those with gangrene or non-healing ulcers and those who underwent amputations or disarticulations were analysed. Results: Clinically, dorsalis pedis artery pulses were absent in 81.3% and posterior tibial artery pulses were absent in 54.7%. In arterial Doppler, involvement is 66.7% for dorsalis pedis and 68% for posterior tibial. Fifty-six percentage of patients ended up having poor outcomes in the form of amputations or disarticulations. There is a significant incidence of large vessel disease, especially in elderly patients who were diabetic for more than 10 years. Large vessel disease seems to have a significant role in the final outcome of diabetic foot complications. Conclusions: Vasculopathy is a strong risk factor in the development of diabetic foot lesions. An arterial Doppler will help detect involvement early in cases presenting with diabetic foot complications. The presence of diabetic microvascular disease imparts an even greater importance on the early detection and treatment of significant macrovascular disease.

FULMINANT SOFT TISSUE INFECTIONS CAUSED BY ANAEROBIC BACTERIA – THE PARAMEDIC’S PERSPECTIVE

Anaerobic bacterial infections are a broad group of conditions ranging from superficial skin infections to deeply embedded necrotic soft tissue infection. It has been observed that amongst all the microorganisms causing soft tissue infection, as many as 70% of anaerobic bacteria are unquestionably related to mortality in fulminant infections. Such infections are most commonly caused by an open wound that is insufficiently disinfected, or through the wound coming into contact with soil or human or animal faeces. This is particularly the case for wounds resulting from traffic accidents and injuries sustained in agriculture. In 80-95% of cases, the bacteria Clostridium perfringens is responsible for the appearance of gas gangrene manifested by sharp pain and crepitus in the wound area, as well as disseminated intravascular coagulation and septic shock. Due to time-consuming diagnosis and delays in obtaining the results of bacteriological tests, identifying the condition and commencing treatment relies mainly on a paramedic’s knowledge and experience. Improving the body of knowledge on soft tissue infection and awareness of the potential risks can affect the patient’s prognosis.

Echinacea-the excellent drug from eclectic school of medicine to homoeopathy: An academic cum clinical analysis

This ancient European herb used in eclectic medicine has three species. Those are Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea purpura, and Echinacea pallida. The Echinacea is popularly known as blood purifier, antidote against insect stings, scorpion and snake bite in crude form, in homoeopathy now Echinacea angustifolia and Echinacea purpura are also used as mother tincture for the same above mentioned purpose and also used as Homoeopathic antibiotics for bacteria, fungal and viral infection. Its potency form 3 0C and 20 0C is clinically tried for suppurated infection in 100 cases inspired by some miracle success of curing gangrenous ulcer where amputation of right hand decided. Some of interesting cases are also cited for further beneficial use.

Novel clinical risk scoring model for predicting mortality in patients with necrotizing fasciitis: The MNF scoring system.

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a life-threatening soft tissue infection that rapidly progresses and requires urgent surgery and medical therapy. If treatment is delayed, the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome, including death, is significantly increased. The goal of this study was to develop and validate a novel scoring model for predicting mortality in patients with NF. The proposed system is hereafter referred to as the Mortality in Necrotizing Fasciitis (MNF) scoring system. A total of 1503 patients with NF were recruited from 3 provincial hospitals in Thailand during January 2009 to December 2012. Patients were randomly allocated into either the derivation cohort (n = 1192) or the validation cohort (n = 311). Clinical risk factors used to develop the MNF scoring system were determined by logistic regression. Regression coefficients were transformed into item scores, the sum of which reflected the total MNF score. The following 6 clinical predictors were included: female gender; age > 60 years; white blood cell (WBC) ≤5000/mm3; WBC ≥ 35,000/mm3; creatinine ≥ 1.6 mg/dL, and pulse rate > 130/min. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AuROC) analysis showed the MNF scoring system to have moderate power for predicting mortality in patients with NF (AuROC: 76.18%) with good calibration (Hosmer-Lemeshow χ2: 1.01; P = .798). The positive likelihood ratios of mortality in patients with low-risk scores (≤2.5) and high-risk scores (≥7) were 11.30 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 6.16–20.71) and 14.71 (95%CI: 7.39–29.28), sequentially. When used to the validation cohort, the MNF scoring system presented good performance with an AuROC of 74.25%. The proposed MNF scoring system, which includes 6 commonly available and easy-to-use parameters, was shown to be an effective tool for predicting mortality in patients with NF. This validated instrument will help clinicians identify at-risk patients so that early investigations and interventions can be performed that will reduce the mortality rate among patients with NF.

Increase in the Complement Activation Product C4d and the Terminal Complement Complex sC5b-9 Is Associated with Disease Severity and a Fatal Outcome in Necrotizing Soft-Tissue Infection

The hyperinflammatory burden is immense in necrotizing soft-tissue infection (NSTI). The complement system is a key during the innate immune response and may be a promising target to reduce the inflammatory response, potentially improving the clinical outcome. However, complement activation and its association to disease severity and survival remain unknown in NSTI. Therefore, we prospectively enrolled patients with NSTI and sampled blood at admission and once daily for the following 3 days. Plasma C4c, C4d, C3bc, and C3dg and the terminal complement complex (TCC) were evaluated using ELISA techniques. In total, 242 patients were included with a median age of 62 years, with a 60% male predominance. All-cause 30-day mortality was 17% (95% confidence interval [CI] 13–23) with a follow-up of >98%. C4c and C3dg were negatively correlated with Simplified Acute Physiology Score II (Rho −0.22, p < 0.001 and Rho −0.17, p = 0.01). Patients with septic shock (n = 114, 47%) had higher levels of baseline TCC than those in non-shock patients (18 vs. 14, p < 0.001). TCC correlated with the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score (Rho 0.19, p = 0.004). In multivariate Cox regression analysis (adjusted for age, sex, comorbidity, and SOFA score), high baseline C4d (>20 ng/mL) and the combination of high C4d and TCC (>31 arbitrary units/mL) were associated with increased 30-day mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 3.26, 95% CI 1.56–6.81 and HR 5.12, 95% CI 2.15–12.23, respectively). High levels of both C4d and TCC demonstrated a negative predictive value of 0.87. In conclusion, we found that in patients with NSTI, complement activation correlated with the severity of the disease. High baseline C4d and combination of high C4d and TCC are associated with increased 30-day mortality. Low baseline C4d or TCC indicates a higher probability of survival.

1361. Actinotignum schaalii an Under-recognized Cause of Infections: A Case Series in Calgary from 2012 - 2020

Abstract Background Actinotignum schaalii is a gram-positive rod that is a fastidious commensal of the urogenital tract. Infections with A. schaalii are underdiagnosed previously because phenotypic methods fail to identify it. Both MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and 16S rRNA sequencing allow definitive identification of this opportunistic emerging pathogen. A. schaalii is an infrequent but important cause of UTIs in the elderly, particularly with urological abnormalities. The spectrum of invasive disease caused by A. schaalii is not well characterized; however, it has been isolated in severe infections including necrotizing skin and soft tissue infections, bacteremia, osteomyelitis, and endocarditis. We used a population-based approach to characterize and describe the clinical and microbiological features of invasive A. schaalii infections in our region. Methods All adult and pediatric cases enrolled had microbiological isolates of Actinotignum schaalii recovered from blood cultures, sterile fluids and tissue cultures from Jan 2012 to Dec 2020 by APL, a regional centralized microbiology laboratory serving the Calgary Zone in Alberta, Canada. Clinical data were retrieved and linked from administrative health databases, chart review and the laboratory information system. Standard descriptive statistics were used. Results We identified 84 unique A. schaalii infections, 35 were from bloodstream, 32 soft tissue, 7 post-operative infections. Median age and Charslon comorbidity score was higher in BSI. 54.3% of patient with BSI had a genitourinary pathology, with 51.4% caused by a complicated urinary infection, while soft and skin tissue infections caused 65.3% of non-BSI. Using EUCAST MIC cut-offs, 48% and 100% of the isolates were resistant to clindamycin and metronidazole, respectively. In contrast, all specimens were susceptible to penicillin. Hospitalization and 90-days mortality were higher in the BSI group. Conclusion A. schaalii is an anaerobic opportunistic pathogen that can cause life-threatening invasive infections, particularly in older adults with underlying genitourinary pathology. BSI were associated with higher rates of hospitalization and mortality. In contrast, patients with A. schaalii isolated from cutaneous sources were younger and had better clinical outcomes. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Comparison of vacuum assisted closure therapy with conventional dressing in the management of necrotizing fasciitis wound

Background: The purpose of our study was to compare the effect of vacuum assisted closure (VAC) therapy and conventional dressings in patients with open wounds due to necrotizing fasciitis (NF) on the basis of healing rate, infection control, frequency of dressing and pain score.Methods: The study evaluated 50 patients admitted with NF requiring surgery over a period of 18 months. The patients were randomized to two groups. In group A patients, the wounds were managed with conventional dressings and in group B patients, negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) was applied. Serial assessment of both groups was done for four weeks. The parameters including size of wound, wound bed, granulation tissue formation, color, amount and odor of exudate, edema, frequency of dressing, re-debridement and pain were monitored and analysed.Results: In our study, patients with NF wounds who underwent VAC therapy had earlier granulation tissue formation, resolution of infection and readiness for skin grafting. The frequency of dressing, requirement of re-debridement, resolution of edema, odor, skin maceration, inflammation around wound and pain significantly reduced in group B (VAC) when compared to conventional dressing group.Conclusions: When compared to the conventional dressing on NF wound, application of VAC helped in early appearance of granulation tissue, significant reduction of inflammation, wound odor, exudate, need for re-debridement, frequency of dressing and pain. Thus, VAC dressing can be considered as a better option in the management of NF wounds.

Effect of Hyperbaric Oxygenation on Blood Cytokines and Arginine Derivatives; No Evidence for Induction of Inflammation or Endothelial Injury.

(1) Background: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) uses 100% oxygen delivered at 1.5–3 times the atmospheric pressure in a specialised chamber to achieve supraphysiological oxygen tension in blood and tissues. Besides its target, HBOT may affect inflammation, endothelial function or angiogenesis. This study analysed the effect of HBOT on blood concentrations of factors that may affect these processes in patients with necrotizing soft-tissue infections (NSTI), aseptic bone necrosis (ABN) and idiopathic sudden sensory neural hearing loss (ISSNHL). (2) Methods: Concentrations asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and other arginine derivatives were measured with liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry, whereas ELISA was used to quantitate vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and cytokines (IL-1, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, TGF-β) before and after HBOT in 80 patients (NSTI n = 21, ISSNHL n = 53, ABN n = 6). (3) Results: While some differences were noted between patient groups in ADMA and other arginine derivatives as well as in cytokine concentrations, HBOT did not affect any of these parameters. (4) Conclusions: While cytokines and arginine derivatives concentrations were modified by underlying pathology, hyperbaric oxygenation did not immediately modify it suggesting that it is neutral for inflammation and is not inducing endothelial injury.

Novel Clinical Risk Scoring Model for Predicting Amputation in Patients With Necrotizing Fasciitis: The ANF Risk Scoring System.

Background: Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a life-threatening infection of the skin and soft tissue that spreads quickly and requires immediate surgery and medical treatment. Amputation or radical debridement of necrotic tissue is generally always required. The risks and benefits of both the surgical options are weighed before deciding whether to amputate or debride. This study set forth to create an easy-to-use risk scoring system for predicting the risk scoring system for amputation in patients with NF (ANF).Methods: This retrospective study included 1,506 patients diagnosed with surgically confirmed NF at three general hospitals in Thailand from January 2009 to December 2012. All diagnoses were made by surgeons who strictly observed the guidelines for skin and soft tissue infections produced by the Infectious Diseases Society of America. Patients were randomly allocated to either the derivation (n = 1,193) or validation (n = 313) cohort. Clinical risk factors assessed at the time of recruitment were used to create the risk score, which was then developed using logistic regression. The regression coefficients were converted into item scores, and the total score was calculated.Results: The following four clinical predictors were used to create the model: female gender, diabetes mellitus, wound appearance stage 3 (skin necrosis and gangrene), and creatinine ≥1.6 mg/dL. Using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AuROC), the ANF system showed moderate power (78.68%) to predict amputation in patients with NF with excellent calibration (Hosmer-Lemeshow χ2 = 2.59; p = 0.8586). The positive likelihood ratio of amputation in low-risk (score ≤ 4) and high-risk (score ≥ 7) patients was 2.17 (95%CI: 1.66–2.82) and 6.18 (95%CI: 4.08–9.36), respectively. The ANF system showed good performance (AuROC 76.82%) when applied in the validation cohort.Conclusion: The developed ANF risk scoring system, which includes four easy to obtain predictors, provides physicians with prediction indices for amputation in patients with NF. This model will assist clinicians with surgical decision-making in this time-sensitive clinical setting.

Association between adjunct clindamycin and in-hospital mortality in patients with necrotizing soft tissue infection due to group A Streptococcus: a nationwide cohort study.

Necrotizing soft tissue infection (NSTI) due to group A Streptococcus (GAS) is a severe life-threatening microbial infection. The administration of adjunct clindamycin has been recommended in the treatment of NSTIs due to GAS. However, robust evidence regarding the clinical benefits of adjunct clindamycin in NSTI patients remains controversial. We aimed to investigate the association between early administration of adjunct clindamycin and in-hospital mortality in patients with NSTI attributed to GAS. The present study was a nationwide retrospective cohort study, using the Japanese Diagnosis Procedure Combination inpatient database focusing on the period between 2010 and 2018. Data was extracted on patients diagnosed with NSTI due to GAS. We compared patients who were administered clindamycin on the day of admission (clindamycin group) with those who were not (control group). A propensity score overlap weighting method was adopted to adjust the unbalanced backgrounds. The primary endpoint was in-hospital mortality and survival at 90days after admission. We identified 404 eligible patients during the study period. After adjustment, patients in the clindamycin group were not significantly associated with reduced in-hospital mortality (19.2% vs. 17.5%; odds ratio, 1.11; 95% confidence interval, 0.59-2.09; p = 0.74) or improved survival at 90days after admission (hazard ratio, 0.92; 95% confidence interval, 0.51-1.68; p = 0.80). In this retrospective study, early adjunct clindamycin does not appear to improve survival. Therefore, the present study questions the benefits of clindamycin as an adjunct to broad spectrum antibiotics in patients with NSTI due to GAS.

Early diagnosis of craniofacial necrotising fasciitis: Analysis of clinical risk factors.

Necrotising fasciitis (NF) is a rapidly progressing fatal disease. Craniofacial necrotising fasciitis (CNF) is limited to the region above the mandibular margin, and early diagnosis is particularly difficult in the absence of related studies. Ten‐year data of patients with craniofacial infection were collected from four separate hospitals. Based on the diagnostic criteria, patients were classified into abscess and CNF. The risk factors for early diagnosis were analysed by comparing the two groups. Simple abscess was found in 176 patients, and CNF was detected in 25 patients. The risk factors associated with CNF include old age, presence of odontogenic infection, elevated white blood cell count (WBC), increased C‐reactive protein (CRP), high levels of creatinine (Cr) and glucose (Glu) and low levels of haemoglobin (Hb) and albumin (Alb). In addition, fever above 38°C and sinusitis at the time of admission and progressive sepsis after admission were also risk factors. Among the statistically significant risk factors, low Alb level showed the greatest association with CNF progression. Appropriate management of CNF via early diagnosis and extensive surgical intervention based on identified risk factors can reduce the mortality rate, complications and unnecessary medical expenses. Clinical question/level of evidence: Diagnostic, III.

Impact of Early Surgical Intervention of Plastic Surgeons on the Prognosis of Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infection.

BackgroundNecrotizing soft tissue infection (NSTI) is a rare, severe bacterial infection that causes rapidly progressive soft tissue necrosis from the skin to the muscle. The gold standard for treating NSTI is a prompt diagnosis, early surgical debridement of necrotic tissue, and antimicrobial therapy. This study investigated the relationship between the involvement of plastic surgeons and the clinical course of NSTI cases treated at Yokosuka General Hospital Uwamachi.MethodologyThis study involved 28 patients with NSTI who were treated at Yokosuka General Hospital Uwamachi. Patient background, outcomes (mortality and amputation), and days to the first surgery were compared in the early and nonearly plastic surgery intervention groups. Moreover, the duration of treatment was also compared in surviving patients. Differences between the two groups were analyzed using Fisher’s direct probability test, Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of continuous variables between the two groups, and Spearman’s rank correlation analysis was used for the bivariate correlation coefficient. The significance level was set at <5%.ResultsThere were eight and 20 patients in the early and nonearly plastic surgery intervention groups (14 in later intervention and six in nonintervention), respectively. A difference in the median number of days to the first surgery between the early (zero days) and the nonearly (two days) intervention groups was significant (p = 0.002). In the survival groups, the median treatment duration in the early (n = 8) and nonearly (n = 13) intervention groups was 44 and 82 days, respectively, which was significantly shorter in the early intervention group (p = 0.003).ConclusionsThe number of days until the first surgery and the length of the treatment period were significantly shorter in the early plastic surgery intervention group than in the nonearly intervention group.

Necrotizing Fasciitis and Fatal Septic Shock Associated with Streptococcus constellatus

Abstract Introduction/Objective Streptococcus anginosus group consists of three species: S. anginosus, S. intermedius, and S. constellatus (SC), normal flora in the human oral cavity, gastrointestinal and urogenital tracts. What makes them unique is their ability to form abscesses. Methods/Case Report We report a case of a 43 year old morbidly obese bipolar male presenting with general malaise and diarrhea. He had a history of uncontrolled diabetes mellitus Type 2 and persistent right thigh wound. Admitting labs revealed diabetic ketoacidosis. Physical examination revealed a right medial thigh ulcer with necrotic scrotal skin, after which he underwent urgent surgical debridement. Wound culture grew SC. Debrided tissue measured 44 x 17 x 4 cm. Histology revealed abscesses next to zones of pale gray necrotic tissue having a granular appearance without associated neutrophils. Gram stain of these pale gray zones revealed sheets of Gram positive cocci, consistent with Stage III necrotizing fasciitis (NF), which has 47% mortality. He died shortly after surgery with death attributed to septic shock. Toxic shock syndrome is most often associated with Group A Streptococcus. However, other rare pathogenic streptococci, including SC, may be associated with a similar syndrome. Gram stain is essential in confirming NF, characterized by pale gray necrosis with a granular appearance. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) NA Conclusion Our case highlights the risk of fatal NF due to SC. Identification of SC in a deep wound warrants early surgical intervention for adequate source control and administration of appropriate antibiotic. Poor diabetic control and ulcerated chronic thigh wound predisposed our patient to fatal necrotizing fasciitis due to SC, confirmed by Gram stain.