A Disease-Specific Antibiogram to Evaluate Empiric Coverage Patterns in Fournier's Gangrene.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze our local antibiogram and antibiotic resistance patterns given concern for multidrug-resistant and fungal organisms in contemporary series detailing causative organisms in Fournier's Gangrene (FG). METHODS: All patients from 2018 to 2022 were identified from the institutional FG registry. Microorganisms and sensitivities were collected from operative tissue cultures. The primary outcome of this study was the adequacy of our empiric. Secondary outcomes included the rate of bacteremia, the concordance of blood cultures and tissue cultures, and the rate of fungal tissue infections. RESULTS: Escherichia coli and Streptococcus anginosus were most common, identified in 12 patients each (20.0%). Enterococcus faecalis (9, 15.0%), S agalactiae (8, 13.3%) and mixed cultures without a predominant organism (9, 15.0%) were also common. A fungal organism was identified in 9 (15.0%) patients. Patients who were started on Infectious Diseases Society of America guideline adherent antibiotic regimen were not significantly different in terms of bacteremia rate (P = .86), mortality (P = .25), length of stay (P = .27), or final antibiotic duration (P = .43) when compared to those on alternative regimens. Patients with a tissue culture positive for a fungal organism were not significantly different in terms of Fournier's Gangrene Severity Index (P = .25) or length of stay (P = .19). CONCLUSION: Local disease-specific antibiograms can be a powerful tool to guide empiric antibiotic therapy in FG. Although fungal infections are responsible for a majority of the gaps in empiric antimicrobial coverage at our institution they were present in only 15% of patients and their effect on outcomes does not justify addition of empiric antifungal agents.

The Antimicrobial Resistance Index and Fournier Gangrene Severity Index of Patients Diagnosed with Fournier's Gangrene in a Tertiary Hospital in North Eastern Romania.

Background: Although rare, Fournier's gangrene is a major urological emergency. We aimed to learn more about the pathogenesis of Fournier's gangrene and assess the antibiotic resistance patterns in individuals with this disease. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated the patients diagnosed with and treated for Fournier's gangrene in a Neamt county hospital and "CI Parhon" Clinical Hospital in Iasi, Romania between 1 January 2016 and 1 June 2022. Results: We included a total of 40 patients, all males; of these, 12.5% died. In our study, in the patients that died, the adverse prognostic factors were a higher body temperature (38.12 ± 0.68 vs. 38.94 ± 0.85 °C; p = 0.009), an elevated WBC (17.4 ± 5.46 vs. 25.23 ± 7.48; p = 0.003), obesity (14.28% vs. 60%; p = 0.04), and a significantly higher FGSI (4.17 ± 2.80 vs. 9.4 ± 3.2; p = 0.0002) as well as MAR index (0.37 ± 0.29 vs. 0.59 ± 0.24; p = 0.036). These patients were more likely to have liver affections than those in the group who survived, but the difference was not significant. The most frequently identified microorganism in the tissue secretions culture was E. coli (40%), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (30%) and Enterococcus (10%). The highest MAR index was encountered in Acinetobacter (1), in a patient that did not survive, followed by Pseudomonas (0.85) and Proteus (0.75). Conclusions: Fournier's gangrene remains a fatal condition, a highly resistant causative microorganism that is not always correlated with a poor prognosis.

Neonatal Fournier's Gangrene: Avoiding Extensive Debridement.

Fournier's gangrene is a necrotizing fasciitis of the scrotal and inguinal region, associating high mortality and complication rates. It is extremely rare in the neonatal period and may be life threatening. We present an exceptional case of a 24-day-old boy who consulted to the emergency department for fever (39 °C) and an indurated, fluctuating and painful erythema in both groins, left hemiscrotum, left anterior femoral region and perineum for the last 6 hours. Blood analysis showed increased acute phase reactants without leukocytosis. Ultrasound revealed significant soft-tissue involvement. Due to high clinical suspicion and hemodynamic instability (tachycardia and prolonged capillary filling), urgent fasciotomy, placement of Penrose drains and intensive irrigation was performed. Wound care with irrigations was performed 3 times a day. During the 12 days neonatal intensive care unit admission, he required hemodynamic support and orotracheal intubation and sedation for pain control. Broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy (with cefotaxime, clindamycin and cloxacillin) was administered for 2 weeks. Ampicillin-sensitive Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A) was isolated in blood culture at 4th day of admission allowing antibiotic de-escalation. He was discharged on postoperative day 24. He has minimal, inconspicuous scars and no functional sequelae. Fever in neonates requires close observation considering the use of empirical broad-spectrum antibiotics and hospitalization. Early diagnosis, prompt surgical management and broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy are essential to prevent complication. Early fasciotomy with intensive irrigation and close survey may avoid extensive skin debridement.

Challenging Treatment of a Female Patient with Extensive Fournier's Gangrene - Case Report.

Fournier's gangrene (FG) is a necrotizing fasciitis of the genital, perianal and perineal regions, caused by multiple anaerobic/aerobic infection. It is a rare but very serious condition with multiple long-term complications and high mortality rate. Early diagnosis and multidisciplinary approach in treatment of complicated cases of FG are crucial to the successful outcome. We report a case of an extensive FG in a 59-years-old female patient with multiple risk factors such as obesity, type 2 diabetes and hypertension. She was hospitalized as an emergency case with diabetic ketoacidosis, sepsis and extensive necrotic lesions located perineal, perianal, genital and spread to inguinal, hypogastric, gluteal and sacrococcygeal region. Fournier's gangrene was diagnosed, and after prompt resuscitation, intravenous fluids, broad-spectrum antibiotics, insulin infusion, emergency aggressive surgical debridement was performed. Several aerobic and anaerobic bacteria were isolated from wound culture and hemoculture. Patient has second debridement after four days. After second debridement was applied metabolic control, broad-spectrum antibiotics coverage, dressing the wound and negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT). Patient was discharged home five weeks after a second debridement in good condition. One month later she underwent reconstructive surgical treatment. Besides extensive FG and multiple comorbidity she was successfully managed with good outcome. Fournier's gangrene remains a life-threatening and fulminant disease which need urgent diagnosis and aggressive medical and surgical treatment, to achieve a reduction in long term complications and mortality rate.

Sepsis por celulitis necrotizante en paciente embarazada con sindrome antifosfolípido en tratamiento / Necrotizing sepsis cellulitis pregnant patient with antiphospholipid syndrome treatment

Introducción: El término ''síndrome antifosfolipídico'' (SAF) describe la asociación de los anticuerpos antifosfolipídicos (AAF) con un cuadro clínico de hipercoagulabilidad caracterizado por trombosis a repetición y abortos recurrentes. Objetivo: Presentar un caso de celulitis severa de periné en paciente con SAF y tratamiento con hidroxicloroquina. Caso clínico: Paciente de 39 años con embarazo de término con SAF tratado con hidroxicloroquina y anticoagulación que desarrolló una infección severa de partes blandas del periné que fue tratado con interrupción del embarazo, drenaje agresivo del periné y tratamiento antibiótico extenso con buena evolución. Conclusión: La asociación del tratamiento con hidroxicloroquina, embarazo y una complicación séptica es incierta. El tratamiento con inmunosupresión no es estándar y podría haber favorecido el mal pronóstico del cuadro clínico. (AU)

Objetive: To present a case of severe perineal cellulitis in a pregnant patient with Antiphospholipid syndrome treated wiht hidroxicloroquine. Case report: A 39 years old female pregnant patient with AFS treated with hidroxicloroquine and heparin developed severe perineal infection with systemic impairment. Final treatment included aggressive perineal drainage in multiple sessions, pregnancy delivered and systemic treatment with wide spectrum antibiotics and general measures. Discusion and Conclusion: Treatment with hidroxicloroquine, pregnancy and septic complication is infrequent. This approach is not standard and it could favored worst prognostic of the general syndrome. (AU)

Acute promyelocytic leukaemia presenting as necrotising fasciitis of the perineum (Fournier gangrene).

We present a case of an unusual presentation of acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APML), which presented with Fournier gangrene (FG). A 38-year-old man presented with malaise, groin swelling, anal bleeding, fever and was found to have FG. Initial workup revealed pancytopaenia, borderline low fibrinogen, prolonged international normalized ratio (INR), which raised the suspicion for leukaemia. The peripheral blood differential revealed leucopaenia with absolute neutropaenia and a 5% abnormal promyelocytes but no blasts, suspicious for APML. Bone marrow biopsy was performed and fluorescence in situ hydridization (FISH), karyotype and PCR confirmed a t(15;17) translocation, establishing a diagnosis of APML. After 1 month of therapy for intermediate risk APML with All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and arsenic trioxide (ATO), repeat chromosomal analysis and repeat bone marrow biopsy revealed no evidence of residual APML. After the consolidation phase was started with ATRA and ATO regimen, the wound healed after 2 months and the patient achieved complete remission.

FOURNIER'S GANGRENE, A RARE COMPLICATION OF DIABETES MELLITUS (CASE REPORT).

The presented case reports on 54-years old patient with T2 Diabetes mellitus who, due to hypoglycemic episodes on Insulin therapy, was treated with oral anti-hyperglycemic medications. Patient was on hemodialysis due to the stage 5 chronic kidney failure and had various comorbid conditions: arterial hypertension, history of acute myocardial infarction, dilative cardiomyopathy, amaurosis and peripheral neuropathy. Besides his complicated medical history, patient developed an early stage of Fournier's gangrene. Diabetes mellitus represents a worldwide pandemic disease which induces a number of serious complications, such as cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney diseases, resulting in the end-stage renal disease requiring hemodialysis, cerebrovascular disorders, various types of neuropathies and frequent infections. One of the rarest but very serious and urgent conditions, which appears as a complication in patients with Diabetes mellitus, is Fournier's gangrene, which represents rapid and progressive fulminant infection of superficial tissue of the scrotum and penis.

Isolated Involvement of Penis in Fournier's Gangrene: A Rare Possibility.

skin and subcutaneous tissue. Penis may be secondarily affected in some cases; however, primary isolated involvement of penis is rare. A 48-year male smoker presented with pain and blackish discoloration of the distal part of penis for the last 4 days which developed following rupture of a papulo-vesicular lesion over the prepuce of penis. It rapidly progressed to involve half of the skin of the penis. The patient was hospitalized and broad spectrum antibiotics were administered parenterally. Emergency wound debridement and urinary diversion by suprapubic cystostomy was done. After repeated wound debridement and dressings, the wound healed. Our case was unusual as the penis was the sole site of affection, which is very unusual and only few such cases are reported in the literature.

Emergence of multi-drug resistant organisms (MDROs) causing Fournier's gangrene.

BACKGROUND: Fournier's gangrene is an uncommon but often devastating infection. There are few contemporary data on the risk factors and evolving microbiologic trends including drug-resistant organisms implicated in these life-threatening infections. METHODS: A retrospective study of Fournier's gangrene from 2006 to 2015 at a large academic hospital was conducted. Cases were identified using ICD codes (ICD-9: 608.83, V13.89; ICD-10: N49.3, Z87.438), and a review of medical, radiographic, and pathology records was performed to confirm each case. Data collected included socio-demographics, medical conditions, bacterial pathogens and their resistance patterns, treatments, and outcome. Descriptive and univariate statistics were performed. RESULTS: A total of 59 cases were evaluated with an overall incidence of 31.8 cases per 100,000 admissions which remained stable over the study period. Mean age was 56 years (range 18-91), 71% were male, and 44% white. Risk factors included overweight/obesity (61%), diabetes (44%, with a mean A1c of 9.6%), immunocompromised state (34%), and illicit use (20%). A causative organism was identified in all except 2 cases; 12 patients (21%) had a multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO) with MRSA being the most common pathogen (n = 8, 14% of all cases), followed by ESBL E. coli (n = 3) and MDRO Acinetobacter (n = 1). MRSA was the sole pathogen isolated in five (63%) of the eight cases involving this organism. Among those with an aerobic Gram-negative rod (GNR) isolated, 32% were fluoroquinolone-resistant. Overall, 30% of cases had a poor outcome (15% died and an additional 15% had loss of an organ/body part). Those with an MDRO were more likely to experience a poor outcome (42% vs. 28%), although this was not statistically significant (p = 0.48); of note, most (83%) MDRO cases were initially treated with an antibiotic that the organism was susceptible. CONCLUSIONS: This report highlights the emergence of MDROs as an important cause of Fournier's gangrene including MRSA and drug-resistant GNRs. Antibiotics should be chosen with broad-spectrum, anti-MDRO activity given the high morbidity and mortality associated with these infections.

Result of Health Illiteracy and Cultural Stigma: Fournier's Gangrene, a Urological Emergency.

A 63-year-old Caucasian man presents to his regional hospital 8 days postinsertion of beads in his urethra, causing Fournier's gangrene of the penis and delayed surgical management of his gangrene. The reasons for his delay are cultural stigma associated with sexual practices and health illiteracy.

Cefepime Associated With Phenytoin Induced Stevens-Johnson Syndrome.

We describe a recent case of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome. A 49-year-old man was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of an Anaesthesia and Resuscitation Department because of a Fournier gangrene that derived in a sepsis, ventilator-associated pneumonia, and renal failure. He was under treatment with cefepime and suffered a generalized status epilepticus, so started treatment with phenytoin. The next day he developed a "maculous cutaneous eruption in trunk and lower limbs" compatible with a Stevens-Johnson Syndrome. Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is a very severe and potentially fatal multiorganic disease, especially when present in critically ill patients, with a strong drug-related etiology, especially with antiepileptic drugs.

Less is more? Antibiotic duration and outcomes in Fournier's gangrene.

BACKGROUND: Antibiotic management of Fournier's gangrene (FG) is without evidence-based guidelines and is based on expert opinion. The effect of duration of antibiotic therapy on outcomes in FG is unknown. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of FG patients from 2012 to 2015 at a single institution. Patients were managed by our institutional practice of complete primary wound closure as possible, with antibiotic duration according to physician judgment. Patients were stratified into multiple durations of antibiotic administration. RESULTS: Overall, 168 patients with FG were included. When examining multiple stratifications of antibiotic therapy of 7 days or less, 8 days to 10 days, 11 days to 14 days, or 15 days or more of antibiotics, there was no significant difference in mortality (p = 0.11), primary closure (p = 0.75), surgical site infection (SSI) (p = 0.52), or Clostridium difficile infection (p = 0.63). There were no cases of recurrent FG in any antibiotic stratification. Mortality was not increased (p = 1.00) and ability to achieve primary closure was not decreased (p = 0.08) with initial antibiotic therapy exclusive of cultured organisms. CONCLUSION: Shorter antibiotic courses for patients in whom source control is obtained and initial antibiotic selection exclusive of many resistant organisms were not associated with worse outcomes in FG. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, level IV.

Myelodysplastic syndrome diagnosed on the occasion of Fournier's gangrene.

Fournier's gangrene (FG) is a fulminant infective necrotizing fasciitis, which includes the genital, perineal, and perianal regions. A 77-year-old man had previously been diagnosed as having diabetes mellitus (DM) and was treated with pioglitazone (15 mg) and miglitol (150 mg). He developed sudden perineal discomfort, fever with painful penile, and scrotal edema, subsequently leading to urinary retention. According to physical examination and CT scan results for the swollen penis and scrotum, he was diagnosed with FG. FG was eventually controlled by extensive treatment with broad spectrum antibiotics and repeated surgical debridement including penectomy and scrotectomy. He showed persistent anemia and decreased neutrophils exhibiting hypogranulation. Bone marrow aspiration revealed hypercellularity with 9% myeloblasts, micromegakaryocytes, abnormal leukocyte granulation, and erythrocytic dyspoiesis, leading to a diagnosis of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) RAEB-1, and he was evaluated as high risk according to IPSS-R. After 4 courses of azacitidine treatment, he achieved HI-E and had no further recurrence of FG for more than 18 months. Although DM and alcohol misuse are common systemic comorbidities in patients with FG, MDS should be considered in elderly FG cases, even when DM complications are present.

Microbiological aspects of Fournier's gangrene.

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 antibiotherapy for FG. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from patients who underwent surgery for FG between January 2007 and December 2012 were retrieved from a prospectively collected departmental FG database. Demographics, clinical characteristics, causative pathogens and drug susceptibility/resistance were evaluated. RESULTS: Fifty patients with a median age of 58.5 (22-83) years were included. The perianal origin (58%) was most commonly affected. 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 (72%). Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella pneumonia were significantly 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 modified. We recommend 3rd-generation cephalosporin, metronidazole and amikacin for empirical therapy.

Fournier Gangrene Caused by Candida albicans in an Infant After Cardiac Surgery.

Fournier gangrene is a rare, rapidly progressive, life-threatening condition. We report a 23-day-old boy with pulmonary atresia and ventricular septal defect treated surgically, who developed Fournier gangrene. Emergency surgery was performed with tissue sampling for microbiological examination. Candida albicans was confirmed; caspofungin followed by fluconazole was administered with excellent results.

Fournier's gangrene during ACTH therapy.

Fournier's gangrene is an infectious necrotizing fasciitis of the perineal, genital, or perianal regions and is uncommon in children. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is effective for the treatment of infantile spasms; however, suppression of immune function is one of the major adverse effects of this approach. We encountered a 2-month-old boy with infantile spasms that had been treated with ACTH and had developed complicating Fournier's gangrene. Strangulation of a right inguinal hernia was observed after ACTH treatment. Although surgical repair was successful and no intestinal injuries were detected, swelling and discoloration of the right scrotum developed in association with pyrexia and a severe inflammatory response. A scrotal incision revealed pus with a putrid smell. The patient was subsequently diagnosed with Fournier's gangrene complicated by septic shock and disseminated intravascular coagulation. Extensive debridement and intensive care was performed. Enterobactor aerogenes, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus faecalis were isolated from the pus. Meropenem, teicoplanin, and clindamycin were administered to control the bacterial infection. The patient was discharged from the intensive care unit without any obvious neurological sequelae. Suppression of immune function associated with ACTH therapy may have been related to the development of Fournier's gangrene in this case.

Abdominal dermocutaneous flap for reconstruction of a bleeding area in necrotizing fasciitis / Retalho dermocutâneo abdominal para reconstrução de área cruenta pós-fasceíte necrotizante

Introduction: The sequelae caused by Fournier's syndrome are extensive, systemic, debilitating, and deforming. They require both general and local treatments with antibiotics and subsequent debridement to delimit non-necrotic margins, which result from extensive bleeding areas. Methods: The area affected and described in this study is the upper third of the right thigh. The goal was to use the dermocutaneous excess, usually removed in abdominoplasties. Abdominoplasty was routinely performed, and the cutaneous excess of the hypogastrium was transferred to cover a bleeding area in the upper third of the thigh throughout its extension. In the bleeding region, adequate occlusion was performed, and a tissue with similar thickness and elasticity was used to minimize the deformities that affected both the donor and receiving areas. Results: The bleeding area was covered in a single surgery. Conclusion: The use of the cutaneous excess of the hypogastrium to cover the bleeding region of the upper third of the thigh is an alternative technique, which can be conducted in a single surgery in patients presenting excess abdominal skin.

Introdução: As sequelas decorrentes da síndrome de Fournier são extensas, de repercussão sistêmica, debilitantes e deformantes, que exigem tratamento geral e local com o uso de antibióticos e sucessivos desbridamentos para delimitar os limites sem necroses resultando áreas cruentas e extensas. Métodos: O caso presente envolveu o terço superior da coxa direita. A proposta foi a de utilizar o excedente dermocutâneo, que normalmente é eliminado nas abdominoplastias. A abdominoplastia foi realizada dentro da rotina em que este excedente cutâneo do hipogástrio foi transferido para cobrir a área cruenta em toda a sua extensão no terço superior da coxa. A oclusão foi adequada na área cruenta, com um tecido semelhante em espessura e elasticidade, minimizando a deformidade tanto na área doadora quanto na receptora. Resultados: Foi obtida total cobertura da área cruenta num único tempo operatório. Conclusão: A utilização dos excessos cutâneos do hipogástrio para recobrir a área cruenta no terço superior da coxa segue como mais uma opção técnica num único tempo operatório em pacientes com excesso cutâneo abdominal.