FASCIITIS: THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES

Abstract

20 cases of necrotizing fasciitis treated in our clinic during the last 7 years were evaluated in this study. This disease has also been named as: Gangrenous erysipelas, necrotizing erysipelas, hospital gangrene, hemolytic streptococcic gangrene. The localization was at the perineum in 10 cases (50%), and extremities in 10 cases (50%). The age of the patients varied between 24 and 80, with an average of 47.8. 18 patients were ma/e (90%) and 2 were female (10%). The average duration between the onset of symptoms and referral to the clinic was 7.4 days. Main predisposing factors were; Diabetes, chronic renal failure and perianal abscess. One to seven debridements were required. The mean hospital stay was 36 days (1 to 73 days). 7 patients died, and the overall mortality rate was 35%. The mortality rate for perineal infections was 50% and 20% for extremity infections.