A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Pediatric Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infection Cases and Racial Disparities From the 2016 to 2020 National Inpatient Sample.

INTRODUCTION: The incidence, treatment, and outcomes of necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTIs) and associated racial disparities have been described in adults, but research in the pediatric population is limited. The purpose of this study is to provide a nationally representative characterization of pediatric NSTI and determine the presence of any racial disparities. METHODS: The National Inpatient Sample was analyzed from 2016 through 2020. Patients aged less than 20 y with a diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis, Fournier's gangrene, or gas gangrene (based on International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification codes) were included for analysis. RESULTS: A total of 355 patients were identified. Black and Hispanic patients accounted for the most admissions in 2016 and 2018, respectively (P = 0.024). Compared to White patients, more Black patients were insured by Medicaid (P = 0.037) and were in the first zip code-based income quartile (P = 0.005). The leading infection overall was necrotizing fasciitis and most patients (81.7%) underwent a surgical procedure by the first calendar day after admission. Although the proportion of Black patients undergoing subcutaneous tissue and fascia excisions was more than that of White patients (P = 0.005), there were no significant differences by race in the time to first procedure, the total number of procedures, or number of postoperative complications. Our amputation and mortality rates were low and unreportable, but there were no differences by race. CONCLUSIONS: NSTI is rare in the pediatric population and mortality is low. Black patients are disproportionately diagnosed, but these disparities do not extend to disease treatment or outcomes.

Severe skin and soft tissue infection in cohort patients admitted in a teaching hospital in Belgium: identification of risk factors for surgery.

BACKGROUND: Necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTIs) are associated with significant mortality if not promptly diagnosed and surgically treated. AIM: This study aims to compare patients with severe skin and soft tissue infection treated with or without a surgical intervention and to identify risk factors that can predict the need for early surgery. METHODS: Demographics, clinical, laboratory, Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis (LRINEC) and imaging results were retrospectively collected. RESULTS: There were 91 non-NSTI (group 1), 26 NSTI who were operated (group 2) and eight suspected NSTI who were not operated (group 3). In the multivariate analysis, skin necrosis, tachycardia, CRP value and hyperglycemia were predictive for surgery. A performance analysis revealed AUC of 0.65 (95%CI: 0.52-0.78) as to the LRINEC score for the use of surgery. The AUC for a predictive model associating four variables (heart rate, skin necrosis, CRP and glycemia at admission) was 0.71 (95%CI: 0.59-0.84). In terms of outcome, the median length of stay (LOS) was statistically higher in group 2 vs. group 1 (seven days (5-15) vs. 34 days (20-42), p < .001) and in group 2 vs. group 3 (34 days (20-42) vs. 14 days (11-19), p = .005). The overall in-hospital mortality at 30 days was 3.2% and did not statistically differ between the three groups. CONCLUSIONS: Although the LRINEC score performed well in predicting surgery, the AUC of a model combining four predictive variables (glycemia, skin necrosis, CRP and heart rate) was superior. Further research is needed to validate this model.

A case of necrotizing fasciitis of the breast following lumpectomy and oncoplastic closure.

BACKGROUND: NF is a life-threatening soft tissue infection that most commonly occurs in the lower extremity. While presenting symptoms such as erythema, severe pain, sepsis, and wound crepitation are well documented, diagnosis of NF of the breast often is obscured by a low clinical index of suspicion due to its relative rarity as well as by the breast parenchyma that physically separates the underlying fascia and overlying skin. Several risk factors have previously been identified, such as underlying infection, diabetes, advanced age, and immunosuppression. However, the gross morbidity and high mortality associated with NF warrant continued surveillance of contributing factors across any anatomic location. Fifteen cases in the literature document the development of NF following breast surgery. CASE REPORT: The authors of this case report aim to expand on the current literature through the presentation of a unique case of NF of the breast following right breast lumpectomy and oncoplastic closure with left reduction mammaplasty in an immunocompromised patient found to have concurrent perforated sigmoid diverticulitis. CONCLUSION: This case exemplifies how frequent postoperative surveillance, a low threshold for intervention, and efficient coordination of care are vital to minimizing the morbidity and mortality risks associated with NF of the breast.

Does Negative Pressure Wound Therapy Impact the Outcome for Patients With Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infection Infected With Anaerobic Bacteria?

Background: A notable improvement in the treatment of necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTIs) is the development of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT). Clinicians are still debating whether NPWT is as successful as conventional wet-to-dry dressings at removing bacteria. Recent research has revealed potential oxygen deprivation effects of NPWT in underlying wound tissues, although clinical trials regarding the effects of reduced oxygen on anaerobic bacterial soft tissue infections remain noticeably lacking. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that NPWT-treated patients with NSTIs who were solely infected by anaerobic bacteria would have worse outcomes than those who were infected with other bacterial species. Patients and Methods: Our study included a retrospective examination of the 2008-2022 period of our Acute and Critical Care Surgery database. Patients who had been identified as having necrotizing fasciitis, Fournier gangrene, or gas gangrene and who had their conditions verified by positive wound cultures acquired during the initial debridement and subsequently received NPWT made up the study cohort. Comorbidities, surgical techniques, and clinical results were all covered by the data. Based on their wound infections, patients were divided into two groups: those with exclusively anaerobic NSTIs and those with different bacterial groups (such as polymicrobial and aerobic). Multiple regression, χ2 analysis, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were among the analytical methods used. Results: One hundred twelve patients with NSTI who had received NPWT comprised the study cohort. Sixteen of these patients (14.3%) had NSTIs that were exclusively anaerobic, whereas the remaining 96 (85.7%) had NSTIs that were mixed aerobic, facultative, or polymicrobial. Between the two groups, there was no difference in the initial wound size. Patients with anaerobic NSTI who underwent NPWT showed a statistically significant increase in the number of debridements (3 [interquartile range {IQR},1-9] vs. 2 [IQR, 1-4]; p = 0.012) and an increased 100-day re-admission rate (37.5% vs. 12.5%; p = 0.012) when compared with patients with non-anaerobic NSTI. The 100-day re-admission rate increased three-fold in NPWT-treated anaerobic NSTIs, according to a logistic regression analysis (odds ratio [OR], 3.63; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06-12.44; p = 0.04). Conclusions: In contrast to patients with other bacterial strains, our data show that patients with NSTI treated with NPWT who only have anaerobic bacterial infections have a larger number of debridements and are much more likely to require re-admission within 100 days. We call for additional prospective studies to be conducted to identify additional risk factors and consider alternate treatment options for individuals with exclusively anaerobic NSTIs in light of these findings.

IDENTIFICATION OF POTENTIALLY MODIFIABLE FACTORS TO IMPROVE RECOGNITION AND OUTCOME OF NECROTIZING SOFT-TISSUE INFECTIONS.

ABSTRACT: Background : Necrotizing soft-tissue infections (NSTIs) present a surgical emergency of increasing incidence, which is often misdiagnosed and associated with substantial mortality and morbidity. A retrospective multicenter (11 hospitals) cohort study was initiated to identify the early predictors of misdiagnosis, mortality, and morbidity (skin defect size and amputation). Methods : Patients of all ages who presented with symptoms and were admitted for acute treatment of NSTIs between January 2013 and December 2017 were included. Generalized estimating equation analysis was used to identify early predictors (available before or during the first debridement surgery), with a significance level of P < 0.05. Results : The median age of the cohort (N = 216) was 59.5 (interquartile range = 23.6) years, of which 138 patients (63.9%) were male. Necrotizing soft-tissue infections most frequently originated in the legs (31.0%) and anogenital area (30.5%). More than half of the patients (n = 114, 54.3%) were initially misdiagnosed. Thirty-day mortality was 22.9%. Amputation of an extremity was performed in 26 patients (12.5%). Misdiagnosis was more likely in patients with a higher Charlson Comorbidity Index (ß = 0.20, P = 0.001), and less likely when symptoms started in the anogenital area (ß = -1.20, P = 0.003). Besides the established risk factors for mortality (septic shock and age), misdiagnosis was identified as an independent predictor of 30-day mortality (ß = 1.03, P = 0.01). The strongest predictors of the final skin defect size were septic shock (ß = 2.88, P < 0.001) and a skin-sparing approach to debridement (ß = -1.79, P = 0.002). Conclusion : Recognition of the disease is essential for the survival of patients affected by NSTI, as is adequate treatment of septic shock. The application of a skin-sparing approach to surgical debridement may decrease morbidity.

Validating the laboratory risk indicator for necrotizing fasciitis (LRINEC) score: a prospective cohort study in a resource limited setting.

BACKGROUND: Necrotising fasciitis is a rare and fulminant soft tissue infection. Prompt surgical debridement of the involved soft tissues and necrotic fascia is its definitive treatment, with any delay associated with increased mortality. The LRINEC score is a scoring system initially designed to aid in early diagnosis of necrotising fasciitis to facilitate early surgical intervention. This score utilizes common biochemical tests to produce a score of 0-13, stratifying patients into risk categories. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was designed including all patients presenting with severe soft tissue infection from June 2011 to January 2014. Exclusion criteria included: less than 15 years or above 90 years, antibiotics within 48 h of presentation or prior debridement of their soft tissue infection. All patients underwent routine blood investigations, required for calculation of the LRINEC score. RESULTS: The positive predictive value of the LRINEC score was 95.42%, whilst the negative predictive value was 81.16%. There was a statistically significant correlation between white cell count, serum creatinine, blood glucose level and positive histopathology. The mortality rate for patients with histopathologically-confirmed necrotising fasciitis was 10%. CONCLUSION: The LRINEC score is a clinical adjunct to risk stratify patients presenting to the emergency department with soft tissue infections. It utilizes common blood tests commonly to calculate a score, which risk stratifies patients. The use of this scoring system can facilitate better allocation of resources and aids in the decision to transfer patients in rural or regional settings, which are often complicated by being a resource limited environment.

Successful management of surgical site infection caused by Mycobacterium mageritense in a breast cancer patient.

Mycobacterium mageritense (M. mageritense), a nontuberculous mycobacterium, is classified as a rapidly growing mycobacterium, class IV in the Runyon Classification. This bacterium is found in soil, water, and other habitats. Infections caused by M. mageritense are relatively rare and no treatment protocol has been established. Herein, we report a case of skin and soft tissue infection caused by M. mageritense. A 49-year-old woman underwent surgery for right breast cancer. Four months after surgery, a surgical site infection was found, and M. mageritense was identified in the wound culture using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Based on the sensitivity results, the patient was treated with levofloxacin and doxycycline for 4 months. In addition to antimicrobial agents, aggressive surgical interventions led to a favorable course of treatment. In conclusion, successful treatment of skin and soft tissue infections with M. mageritense requires surgical intervention whenever possible, aggressive susceptibility testing, and appropriate antimicrobial therapy.

Vacuum-assisted closure of a tissue deficit of the submental area in a patient with a necrotizing soft tissue odontogenic infection.

Odontogenic infections can rarely progress to necrotizing soft tissue infections. Cervical necrotizing fasciitis (CNF) is a rare but fulminant infection that spreads along the fascial planes, including connective tissue, muscle, and subcutaneous fat, and is typified by necrosis of the skin and other adjacent tissues. This article aims to present the treatment of a patient with submental skin and soft tissue necrosis due to an odontogenic infection and the subsequent management of the tissue deficit with a vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) system. The patient presented with extensive skin necrosis in the submental area and was immediately hospitalized, and management of the odontogenic infection was performed. When the patients' infection had been sufficiently controlled, a wound VAC device was placed in the deficit. The VAC device was removed after 12 days, and the patient was discharged. In conclusion, VAC can be used to manage tissue deficits with good aesthetic results.

Infección necrotizante de tejidos blandos: experiencia durante 15 años en un hospital pediátrico / Necrotizing soft tissue infections: experience over 15 years in a pediatric hospital

INTRODUCCIÓN: La Infección Necrotizante de tejidos blandos (INTB) tiene una elevada morbimortalidad. El objetivo de este trabajo es describir del manejo perioperatorio de menores de 15 años que cursaron con INTB durante 15 años en un Hospital pediátrico. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: serie de pacientes identificados INTB entre 2000 y 2015 en el Hospital Roberto del Río. Se describen variables demográficas, clínicas, vacuna, tratamiento, cirugías, complicaciones, microorganismos, seguimiento, y fallecimientos. RESULTADOS: 22 pacientes, con mediana de 2 años y 9 meses de edad. 50% estaban cursando con una varicela. Dos fallecieron. Ninguno era previamente vacunado contra el virus varicela zoster. La localización fue tronco (14), extremidades (7), cuello (1). Los pacientes conscientes presentaron hiperestesia cutánea. Se realizó aseo quirúrgico con una mediana de 6,8 horas desde el inicio de la hiperestesia y 2 horas desde la sospecha diagnóstica. Los microorganismos fueron: S. pyogenes (38%) y E. coli (31%). Los antibióticos más frecuentes fueron penicilina más clindamicina. La herida se manejó con cierre primario, injertos y/o colgajos. Cinco evolucionaron con secuelas que necesitaron tratamiento. CONCLUSIÓN: Se identificó que la INTB puede presentarse con varicela. Debe sospecharse en lesiones cutáneas e hiperestesia desproporcionada. Resección amplia y precoz son fundamentales para el tratamiento.

INTRODUCTION: Necrotizing soft tissue infection (NSTI) has a high morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study is to describe the perioperative management of children under 15 years of age who have had this condition for 15 years in a pediatric hospital. MATERIAL AND METHODS: cases series of patients identified by Pathological Anatomy with NSTI during 2000 and 2015 at the Dr. Roberto del Río Hospital. Demographic variables, treatment, antecedents of vaccination, surgeries, complications, microorganisms, follow-up, and deaths are described. RESULTS: 22 patients were identified, with a median of 2 years 9 months of age (interquartile range: 13 months to 5 years y 10 months). 50% of the cases were associated to chickenpox. Two died. No patient was previously vaccinated against varicella zoster virus. The location was trunk (14), extremities (7) and neck (1). All conscious patients presented cutaneous hyperesthesia. Surgical debridement was performed with a median of 6.8 hours from the onset of hyperesthesia and 2 hours from diagnostic suspicion. The most frequent microorganisms were: Streptococcus pyogenes (38%) and Escherichia coli (31%). The most frequent antibiotics used were penicillin plus clindamycin. The wound was handled with primary closure, grafts and / or flaps. Five patients evolved with sequelae that needed treatment. CONCLUSION: It was identified that STNI in children is associated with chickenpox. It should be suspected in cutaneous lesions and disproportionate hyperesthesia. Aggressive resection is essential for treatment

Clinical versus computed tomography evaluation in the diagnosis and management of deep neck infection

CONTEXTO: Infecções profundas do pescoço têm um potencial alto para complicações graves e morte, se não corretamente diagnosticadas e tratadas. A diferença entre resultados de avaliação clínica e tomográfica pode demonstrar que a avaliação clínica isolada subestima a extensão de doença, o que pode conduzir a tratamento conservador e a pior prognóstico. OBJETIVO: Comparar achados clínicos à tomografia computadorizada de pescoço em relação aos espaços cervicais envolvidos e determinar as características clínicas e radiológicas principais associadas com infecção de espaço profundo de pescoço. TIPO DE ESTUDO: Estudo retrospectivo não randomizado. LOCAL: Departamento de Otorrinolaringologia - Cabeça e Pescoço, Universidade Estatal de Campinas, Brasil, um centro universitário, terciário. MÉTODOS: Foi avaliado prontuário médico de 65 pacientes com infecções profundas de pescoço. Foram analisados idade, gênero, queixas clínicas, exames físicos, resultados de raios-x e tomografia computadorizada, microbiologia, tratamento e resultados. Foram avaliados os sinais clínicos e sintomas, estratificados em ordem de freqüência. A freqüência de espaços cervicais profundos envolvidos nesta infecção também foram avaliados clínico e tomograficamente. Todos resultados clínicos e tomográficos foram comparados com a observação cirúrgica em relação aos espaços cervicais afetados por infecção. RESULTADOS: Os resultados clínicos mais freqüentes foram inchaço cervical, dor local, eritema cutâneo local e aumento localizado de temperatura. O local mais afetado de acordo com a avaliação física foi o triângulo de submandibular (49,2%), mas, à tomografia computadorizada cervical, foi o espaço látero-faríngeo (65%). Mais de um espaço cervical profundo foi acometido, de acordo com a tomografia computadorizada cervical, em 90% dos pacientes, como demonstrado pela extensão do edema e aumento de captação de tecidos moles, e em geral apenas um espaço à avaliação clínica isolada. DISCUSSAO: Os sintomas clínicos mais freqüentes das infecções cervicais profundas foram dor cervical, aumento de volume cervical e febre. Sinais importantes da tomografia computadorizada, para avaliação desta infecção, foram aumento de captação de contraste em tecidos moles do pescoço e edema. O espaço profundo do pescoço mais afetado pela infecção foi o laterofaríngeo, pela tomografia computadorizada do pescoço. O espaço...

Fasceíte necrotizante do tórax em pós-operatório de cirurgia cardíaca / Postoperative necrotizing fasciitis of the thorax in cardiac surgery

Necrotizing fasciitis is a rare soft tissue infection and a life-threatening emergency, often fatal. Its incidence and management are described plentifully in the medical literature regarding the most common anatomical sites involved like the abdomen, lower and upper limbs, and perineum. However, available data and case reports of chest wall necrotizing fasciitis after thoracic procedures are scarce, mainly after major cardiac operations. We report and discuss a case of necrotizing fasciitis of the chest wall occurring in the immediate postoperative period of a cardiac procedure, and include a brief review of the concepts, pathophysiology, and treatment reported in the medical literature. We emphasize the need for early diagnosis and urgent and effective surgical debridement. Of importance is the fact that we have not found any references in the literature to cases similar or equal to the one we describe here, which occurred in the postoperative period of a cardiac procedure

Infecciones severas de partes blandas / Soft tissue infections

Antecedentes: Las infecciones severas de partes blandas, son cuadros rápidamente progresivos. Su reconocimiento tardío conspira contra las posibilidades de curación. Objetivo: Analizar un grupo de pacientes atendidos en los últimos siete años. Evaluamos factores predisponentes y determinantes como así también el tratamiento. Método: Fueron analizados 29 pacientes que presentaron infecciones severas de partes blandas y divididos según la variedad anatomoquirúrgica de presentación. Resultados: La mortalidad global fue de 11 pacientes (37,9 por ciento). Las lesiones por clostridio presentaron 100 por ciento de mortalidad. La Cámara Hiperbárica fue utilizada en seis pacientes de los cuales cuatro fallecieron. Conclusiones: Son afecciones que deben sospecharse en forma específica, en enfermos con factores predisponentes. Los diagnósticos tempranos permiten mejor evolución. Los debridamientos deben ser amplios y reiterados

Uso da ultra-sonografia na detecção precoce de abscessos decorrentes de infecções odontogênicas / Use of ultrasonography for early detection of abcesses resulting from odontogenic infections

As infecções odontogênicas, quando tratadas em sua fase inicial, geralmente estão associadas a baixos índices de morbidade e mortalidade. No entanto, a detecção tardia de possíveis abscessos, e conseqüente demora para intervenção cicrúrgica, pode levar a complicações sépticas graves e até fatais. Por este motivo, a drenagem cirúrgica de coleções purulentas deve ser realizada o mais precocemente possível. Embora a presença de abscessos que estiverem profundamente localizados ou associados a extensa celulite, quer para descartar a presença dos mesmos, evitando a realizaçào de procedimentos cirúrgicos desnecessários. No presente trabalho, os autores relatam a experiência do Serviço de Urgências Buco-Maxilo-Faciais do Hospital Universitário da USP no uso da ultra-sonografia para detecção precoce de abscessos em pacientes com infecções odontogênicas (au)

Infecciones de tejidos blandos / Soft tissue infections

Se revisan 20 casos de infecciones de tejidos blandos hospitalizados en el Servicio de Cirugía del Hospital San Juan de Dios (1990-1998). De estos, 10 correspondieron a fasceítis, 9 a celulitis y 1 caso de erisipela. La etiología fue predominantemente polimicrobiana en la fasceítis necrotizante (80 por ciento) y monomicrobiana en la celulitis (55 por ciento). La evolución clínica fue favorable en el 100 por ciento de los casos de erisipela y celulitis, los cuales requirieron solamente tratamiento antimicrobiano. Falleció el 20 por ciento de los pacientes con fasceítis necrotizante y otro debió ser sometido a amputación. El tratamiento de estos casos es fundamentalmente quirúrgico, asociado a terapia antimicrobiana