[Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio as predictor of mortality in patients with necrotizing fasciitis]. / Índice neutrófilo-linfocito como predictor de mortalidad en pacientes con fascitis necrotizante.

Background: Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) can affect any soft tissue and skin of the body. Its progression is rapid and it is associated with a high mortality rate. Therefore, the search for easily accessible and low-cost biomarkers that could predict the prognosis of patients with NF is necessary. Objective: To evaluate the role of neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) as a predictor of mortality in patients with NF. Material and methods: Observational, cross-sectional, retrospective and analytical study of patients admitted between April and October 2020 in a tertiary-care hospital. The statistical tests used for the comparison of variables between the study groups were chi-square, Fisher's exact, Student's t and Mann-Whitney U. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was performed to determine the accuracy of NLR in predicting mortality in patients with NF. Results: A total of 25 patients were included and stratified into non-survivors and survivors. The non-survivor group had an elevated NLR value compared to survivors (15.57 [13.75] vs. 7.91 [4.13]; p = 0.065). The NLR had an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.729 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.516-0.886; p = 0.044), sensitivity of 77.78% (40-97.2), and specificity of 75% (47.6-92.7). The optimal cut-off point obtained for NLR was > 9.21. Conclusions: An NLR value > 9.21 could be a predictor of mortality in patients with NF.

Introducción: la fascitis necrotizante (FN) puede afectar cualquier tejido blando y piel del cuerpo. Su progresión es rápida y está relacionada con un índice de mortalidad alto. Por lo tanto, la búsqueda de biomarcadores de fácil acceso y bajo costo que puedan predecir el pronóstico de los pacientes con FN es necesaria. Objetivo: evaluar el papel del índice neutrofilo-linfocito (INL) como un predictor de mortalidad en los pacientes con FN. Material y métodos: estudio observacional, transversal, retrospectivo y analítico de pacientes admitidos entre abril y octubre del 2020 en un hospital de tercer nivel. Las pruebas estadísticas utilizadas para la comparación de las variables entre los grupos de estudio fueron chi cuadrado, exacta de Fisher, t de Student y U de Mann-Whitney. Una curva característica operativa del receptor (ROC) fue realizada para determinar la precisión del INL en la predicción de mortalidad en pacientes con FN. Resultados: un total de 25 pacientes fueron incluidos y estratificados en no sobrevivientes y sobrevivientes. El grupo no sobreviviente tuvo un valor elevado del INL en comparación con los sobrevivientes (15.57 [13.75] frente a 7.91 [4.13]; p = 0.065). El INL tuvo un área bajo la curva (AUC) de 0.729 (intervalo de confianza del 95% [IC 95%] 0.516-0.886; p = 0.044), sensibilidad de 77.78% (40-97.2) y especificidad de 75% (47.6-92.7). El punto de corte óptimo obtenido para el INL fue > 9.21. Conclusiones: un valor de INL > 9.21 podría ser un predictor de mortalidad en los pacientes con FN.

Emerging infection: streptococcal toxic shock-like syndrome caused by group B Streptococcus (GBS), Streptococcus agalactiae.

Streptococcus agalactiae or Group B Streptococcus (GBS) infections are commonly associated with infections in neonates and pregnant women. However, there has been a rising incidence in nonpregnant adults. The risk of GBS infection in nonpregnant adults is increased for patients of advanced age and those with underlying medical conditions such as diabetes mellitus and cancer. We present a 77-year-old female with type-2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and bilateral foot ulcers that presented in probable septic shock with necrotic foot ulcers and necrotizing fasciitis and underwent bilateral lower limb amputations. The patient fulfilled the Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS) criteria as defined by The Working Group on Severe Streptococcal Infections. These criteria were created for group A Streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes). Our patient fulfilled the Working Group's criteria, except that the blood culture was positive for group B Streptococcus (Streptococcus agalactiae). Numerous studies demonstrate the importance of early detection and antibiotic treatment for GBS infections in general and early surgical management for necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTIs) such as necrotizing fasciitis.

[Emergencies in infectious diseases]. / Infektiologische Notfälle.

This article aims to provide an overview of common and high-impact medical emergencies that require prompt and effective infectious diseases management. In the described clinical scenarios of malaria, sepsis, necrotizing fasciitis, and meningitis the authors have emphasized the crucial importance of rapid and accurate diagnosis, as well as appropriate treatment from the perspective of infectious diseases. All of these emergencies demand a high degree of clinical suspicion for accurate diagnosis. Some of them also necessitate the involvement of other medical disciplines, such as neurology in the case of meningitis or surgery for necrotizing fasciitis. Additionally, implementing the right empiric antibiotic regimen or, in the case of malaria, antiparasitic treatment is crucial for improving patient outcomes. As patients with these diagnoses may present at any outpatient department, and efficient and quick management is essential, a deep understanding of diagnostic algorithms and potential pitfalls is of the utmost importance.

[Emergencies in infectious diseases]. / Infektiologische Notfälle.

This article aims to provide an overview of common and high-impact medical emergencies that require prompt and effective infectious diseases management. In the described clinical scenarios of malaria, sepsis, necrotizing fasciitis, and meningitis the authors have emphasized the crucial importance of rapid and accurate diagnosis, as well as appropriate treatment from the perspective of infectious diseases. All of these emergencies demand a high degree of clinical suspicion for accurate diagnosis. Some of them also necessitate the involvement of other medical disciplines, such as neurology in the case of meningitis or surgery for necrotizing fasciitis. Additionally, implementing the right empiric antibiotic regimen or, in the case of malaria, antiparasitic treatment is crucial for improving patient outcomes. As patients with these diagnoses may present at any outpatient department, and efficient and quick management is essential, a deep understanding of diagnostic algorithms and potential pitfalls is of the utmost importance.

Research progress in diagnosis and treatment of scrotal masses / 中国基层医药

Scrotal mass is a common problem in the outpatient department of urology, accounting for 1% of all emergency patients. The diagnosis of scrotal masses is challenging due to the overlapping symptoms and signs of various scotal masses. Failure to correctly identify and treat scrotal masses, such as testicular torsion, testicular cancer, varicocele, and hydrocele, may lead to infertility, testicular loss, or even death. Misdiagnosis or missed diagnosis of scrotal masses may result in infertility, testicular loss, or even death. Therefore, we must maintain a high degree of vigilance and accurately identify scrotal masses that may affect life and testicular function. A full understanding of the manifestations and differences of various scrotal masses can help clinicians make accurate diagnoses and provide optimal treatment plans. The most critical aspect is to exclude emergency situations that may endanger life or testicular function, such as testicular torsion, testicular cancer, and necrotizing fasciitis, which require immediate medical attention. Scrotal ultrasonography is the best method for distinguishing scrotal masses based on their origin. Magnetic resonance imaging is the best tool for diagnosing scrotal hematoma. However, good clinical judgment and decision-making are still the most important factors for successful treatment of scrotal masses. The purpose of this article is to describe correct evaluation methods for scrotal masses and identify potential conditions that may threaten testicular survival, enabling accurate pathological diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment plans for each scrotal mass.

Emerging infection: streptococcal toxic shock-like syndrome caused by group B Streptococcus (GBS), Streptococcus agalactiae

ABSTRACT Streptococcus agalactiae or Group B Streptococcus (GBS) infections are commonly associated with infections in neonates and pregnant women. However, there has been a rising incidence in nonpregnant adults. The risk of GBS infection in nonpregnant adults is increased for patients of advanced age and those with underlying medical conditions such as diabetes mellitus and cancer. We present a 77-year-old female with type-2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and bilateral foot ulcers that presented in probable septic shock with necrotic foot ulcers and necrotizing fasciitis and underwent bilateral lower limb amputations. The patient fulfilled the Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS) criteria as defined by The Working Group on Severe Streptococcal Infections. These criteria were created for group A Streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes). Our patient fulfilled the Working Group's criteria, except that the blood culture was positive for group B Streptococcus (Streptococcus agalactiae). Numerous studies demonstrate the importance of early detection and antibiotic treatment for GBS infections in general and early surgical management for necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTIs) such as necrotizing fasciitis.

Standardization of reconstructions with flaps after Fournier's gangrene / Padronização das reconstruções com retalhos após gangrena de Fournier

Introduction: Fournier's gangrene is characterized by tissue necrosis, which requires treatment employing debridement and antibiotics with wounds of varying sizes. The objective is to standardize the surgical techniques of reconstructions with flaps used to treat wounds after Fournier's gangrene. Method: A study was conducted by searching the PubMed/Medline, SciELO, and LILACS databases. Results: In wounds with skin loss of 25% to 50%, a local advancement cutaneous flap or a pudendal flap from the thigh was used; in wounds, greater than 50%, a superomedial thigh flap or myocutaneous flap from the gracilis muscle was used, with the aim of to enable proper reconstruction. Conclusion: Advancement and pudendal thigh flaps were used for wounds with up to 50% loss of scrotal skin substance, while the myocutaneous gracilis flap and supero-medial flap of the thigh were indicated for wounds with more than 50% of the total scrotal surface affected, after Fournier gangrene.

Introdução: Gangrena de Fournier é caracterizada por necrose tecidual, que necessita de tratamento por meio de desbridamento e antibióticos, com feridas de dimensões variadas. O objetivo é padronizar as técnicas cirúrgicas de reconstruções com retalhos utilizadas no tratamento das feridas após gangrena de Fournier. Método: Realizou-se estudo por meio da busca nas bases de dados PubMed/Medline, SciELO e LILACS. Resultados: Nas feridas com perdas cutâneas de 25% a 50%, foram utilizados retalho cutâneo local de avanço ou retalho pudendo da coxa, nas maiores de 50% foram necessárias as confecções do retalho superomedial da coxa ou retalho miocutâneo do músculo grácil, com intuito de possibilitar a reconstrução adequada. Conclusão: Os retalhos de avanço e pudendo da coxa foram utilizados para feridas com perda de substância cutânea escrotal de até 50%, enquanto os retalhos miocutâneo de músculo grácil e superomedial da coxa foram indicados para as feridas com mais de 50% da superfície escrotal total acometida, após gangrena de Fournier.

[Diagnosis of severe skin infections, epidemiology and clinical semiology]. / Diagnostic des infections cutanées graves, épidémiologie et sémiologie clinique.

DIAGNOSIS OF SEVERE SKIN INFECTIONS, EPIDEMIOLOGY AND CLINICAL SEMIOLOGY. Serious skin infections are mainly represented by necrotizing soft-tissue infections (NSTI). They are rare but associated with a high mortality rate and severe long-term sequelae. Despite their relatively low incidence, most physicians may see at least one case of NSTI throughout their career. The main difficulty lies in establishing an early diagnosis with a rapid distinction of necrotizing soft tissue infections from non-necrotizing soft tissue infection. Early diagnosis and surgical management are major prognostic factors.

DIAGNOSTIC DES INFECTIONS CUTANÉES GRAVES, ÉPIDÉMIOLOGIE ET SÉMIOLOGIE CLINIQUE. Les infections cutanées graves sont essentiellement représentées par les infections nécrosantes des tissus mous, ou dermohypodermites bactériennes nécrosantes-fasciites nécrosantes (DHBN-FN). Elles sont rares mais associées à une mortalité élevée et à de lourdes séquelles à long terme. Malgré leur incidence relativement faible, la plupart des médecins peuvent être amenés à voir au moins un cas de DHBN-FN au cours de leur carrière. La principale difficulté réside dans le fait d'établir un diagnostic précoce, avec une distinction rapide du caractère nécrosant de la dermohypodermite bactérienne. La précocité du diagnostic et de la prise en charge chirurgicale sont des facteurs pronostiques majeurs.

[Prevention of the after-eff ects of severe skin infections, reconstruction and rehabilitation]. / Prévention des séquelles des infections cutanées graves, reconstruction et réhabilitation.

PREVENTION OF THE AFTER-EFFECTS OF SEVERE SKIN INFECTIONS, RECONSTRUCTION AND REHABILITATION. The management of necrotizing bacterial dermohypodermatitis and necrotizing fasciitis is surgical. The procedure is often very disfiguring, with a significant loss of substance, responsible for important sequelae. Surgical techniques (skin grafts and flaps) can improve the functionality of a limb, but non-surgical tools can moreover accelerate the healing process such as negative pressure therapy, and maintain a good functionality through functional rehabilitation, massage, cryotherapy, thermotherapy or electrotherapy.

PRÉVENTION DES SÉQUELLES DES INFECTIONS CUTANÉES GRAVES, RECONSTRUCTION ET RÉHABILITATION. La prise en charge des dermohypodermites bactériennes nécrosantes-fasciites nécrosantes est chirurgicale. Le geste est souvent très délabrant, entraînant une perte de substance conséquente, responsable de séquelles importantes. Les techniques chirurgicales (greffes de peau et de lambeaux) peuvent améliorer la fonctionnalité d'un membre, mais des outils non chirurgicaux permettent par ailleurs d'accélérer le processus de cicatrisation, comme la thérapie par pression négative, et de conserver une bonne fonctionnalité grâce à la rééducation fonctionnelle, les massages, la cryothérapie, la thermothérapie ou l'électrothérapie.

Uso de la membrana amniótica como material de apósito en paciente con fascitis necrotizante: A propósito de un caso

Introducción: La fascitis necrotizante es una infección grave que involucra la piel, el tejido celular subcutáneo y las fascias superficiales-profundas, progresa muy rápidamente y si no se trata a tiempo puede causar la muerte. Reporte de caso: Presentamos el caso de una paciente adulta con antecedentes de anemia, a quien se le diagnosticó fascitis necrosante de origen odontogénico, por lo que fue intervenida quirúrgicamente y se realizó un drenaje intraoral y extraoral más escarectomía. Además, se le administró tratamiento farmacológico (antibióticos intravenosos) y se colocó una membrana amniótica como material de apósito para reconstruir la superficie hemorrágica dejada por la fascitis necrotizante. Conclusiones: La membrana amniótica como material de apósito presentó resultados favorables en la paciente al obtenerse una rápida regeneración de la secuela producida por la fascitis necrotizante.

Introduction: Necrotizing fasciitis is a serious infection that involves the skin, the subcutaneous tissue, and the superficial-deep fascia, it progresses very quickly and if not treated in time it can cause death. Report case: We present the case of an adult patient with a history of anemia, who was diagnosed with odontogenic necrotizing fasciitis, for which she underwent surgery and underwent intraoral and extraoral drainage plus escharectomy. In addition, pharmacological treatment (intravenous antibiotics) was administered, and an amniotic membrane was placed as a dressing material to reconstruct the hemorrhagic surface left by the necrotizing fasciitis. Conclusions: The amniotic membrane as a dressing material presented favorable results in the patient, obtaining a rapid regeneration of the sequel produced by necrotizing fasciitis.

Reconstrução escrotal após gangrena de Fournier / Scrotal reconstruction after Fournier's gangrene

Introdução: Gangrena de Fournier é uma infecção polibacteriana, geralmente causada por bactérias anaeróbias e aeróbias, sendo caracterizada por fasciite necrosante escrotal e perineal. Seu tratamento é embasado em intervenção cirúrgica com excisão da área necrótica e antibioticoterapia precoces. Diversas são as estratégias de reconstrução do defeito resultante do desbridamento, devendo ser salientado que perdas teciduais maiores do que 50% costumam ser reconstruídas com retalhos. Métodos: Análise retrospectiva da série de casos de reconstrução escrotal após gangrena de Fournier procedidos pelos autores ao longo de 2020, totalizando oito pacientes. Resultados: O retalho mais utilizado foi o fasciocutâneo de coxa, que apresentou taxa de necrose parcial de 14,29%, sem necrose total. Em um dos casos foi possível reconstruir uma uretra esponjosa com músculo grácil sem fistulização, evitando que o paciente fosse submetido a uma uretrostomia definitiva. Quanto às complicações, foi comum a ocorrência de intercorrências menores que necessitaram de procedimentos revisionais simples. Destaca-se a prevalência de 75% de diabetes mellitus em nossa casuística, o que pode ter interferido negativamente no processo cicatricial. Conclusão: A reconstrução escrotal com retalhos é importante para acelerar a cicatrização da ferida proveniente do desbridamento de gangrena de Fournier e para manter o aspecto de bolsa necessário para a termorregulação do testículo. Nossa opção primária foi o retalho fasciocutâneo de coxa, que se mostrou seguro. Pequenas intercorrências foram frequentes nesta série, sem comprometimento do resultado final.

Introduction: Fournier's gangrene is a polybacterial infection, usually caused by anaerobic and aerobic bacteria, characterized by scrotal and perineal necrotizing fasciitis. Its treatment is based on surgical intervention by excision of the necrotic area and early antibiotic therapy. There are several strategies to reconstruct the defect resulting from debridement, and it should be noted that tissue losses greater than 50% are usually reconstructed with flaps. Methods: Retrospective analysis of the series of cases of scrotal reconstruction after Fournier's gangrene performed by the authors throughout 2020, totaling eight patients. Results: The most used flap was thigh fasciocutaneous flap, which presented a partial necrosis rate of 14.29%, without total necrosis. In one of the cases, it was possible to reconstruct a spongy urethra with gracilis muscle without fistulization, preventing the patient from undergoing a definitive urethrostomy. As for complications, the occurrence of minor complications that required simple revision procedures was common. The prevalence of 75% of diabetes mellitus in our series is highlighted, which may have negatively interfered with the healing process. Conclusion: Scrotal reconstruction with flaps is important to accelerate wound healing from Fournier gangrene debridement and to maintain the pouch aspect necessary for testicular thermoregulation. Our primary option was thigh fasciocutaneous flap, which proved to be safe. And minor complications were frequent in this series, without compromising the final result.

Aplicação do ultrassom point of care e relevância da anatomia na fasciite necrosante / Application of point of care ultrasound and relevance of anatomy in necrotizing fasciitis

Introdução: O ultrassom tem sido utilizado na atualidade na medicina intensiva. A fasciite necrosante quando não diagnosticada e tratada rapidamente apresenta progressão rápida e alta mortalidade. O objetivo é apresentar a importância da anatomia na fasciite necrosante e o uso do ultrassom no diagnóstico precoce. Métodos: Apresentou-se a aplicação do ultrassom point of care e a relevância da anatomia na fasciite necrosante. Resultados: As comunicações anatômicas entre as fáscias das regiões escrotal, perineal, peniana e abdominal permitem a disseminação do processo infeccioso decorrente da gangrena de Fournier para as regiões adjacentes. O ultrassom possibilitou o diagnóstico precoce na fasciite necrosante. Conclusão: As comunicações entre as fáscias das regiões escrotal, perineal, peniana e abdominal contribuíram para a progressão do processo infeccioso decorrente da gangrena de Fournier e o ultrassom possibilitou o diagnóstico precoce.

Introduction: Ultrasound is currently being used in intensive care medicine. When not diagnosed and treated quickly, necrotizing fasciitis has a rapid progression and high mortality. The objective is to present the importance of anatomy in necrotizing fasciitis and the use of ultrasound in early diagnosis. Methods: The application of point-of-care ultrasound and the relevance of anatomy in necrotizing fasciitis were presented. Results: The anatomical communications between the fasciae of the scrotal, perineal, penile and abdominal regions allow the spread of the infectious process resulting from Fournier's gangrene to the adjacent regions. Ultrasound enabled early diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis. Conclusion: Communications between the fasciae of the scrotal, perineal, scrotal, penis and abdominal regions contributes to the progression of the infectious process resulting from Fournier gangrene and ultrasound permitted earlier diagnose.

Retrospective analysis of treatment experience in 25 cases of lower extremity necrotizing fasciitis / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective:To retrospectively analyze the treatment of 25 cases of lower necrotizing fasciitis.Methods:A total of 25 patients with lower limb necrotizing fasciitis (13 males and 12 females), with mean age 63 years old (48-75 years old) in Dalian Municipal Central Hospital from September 2016 to December 2020. After admission, the patient′s general physical condition was strictly evaluated, the relevant preoperative examination was improved, and the necrotizing fasciitis laboratory risk index (LRINEC) score was performed. In the absence of surgical contraindication, multiple debridement was performed, leaving the necrotic tissue removed for general bacterial culture and drug sensitivity test in parallel. After debridement, eight patients showed a large area of skin necrosis, and amputation was selected. The other 17 patients chose limb protection treatment after debridement, and adopted debridement and free skin grafting. After surgery, patients were encouraged to strengthen rehabilitation exercise to restore limb function to the maximum extent.Results:With followed up 0.6 to 3.0 years, with an average of 1.8 years. Methods include outpatient return visit, WeChat contact or telephone inquiry. The skin survived in 17 patients with mean healing time (27.5 ± 6.9) d. Eighteen patients were multiple bacterial infections and seven patients were single bacterial infections. All patients had no joint dysfunction caused by scar contracture, and reinfection in the skin grafting area.Conclusions:Necrotizing fasciitis requires early diagnosis and early treatment, with correct choice of treatment method is closely related to the patient′s prognosis.

Necrotizing fasciitis caused by Vibrio vulnificus through consuming seafood: a report of 3 cases and literature review / 中华全科医师杂志

Three cases of vibrio vulnificus-associated necrotizing fasciitis are presented. All patients showed a rapidly progressing, swelling, redness in the limb after eating seafood. Additionally, they presented with multiple organ dysfunction syndromes affecting the heart, lung, liver, kidney, coagulation, and blood. Vibrio vulnificus related necrotizing fasciitis is a fatal soft-tissue infection with high mortality. These are essential to improve survival by early clinical suspicion and immediate surgical intervention.

CT in necrotizing soft tissue infection: diagnostic criteria and comparison with LRINEC score.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate which computed tomography (CT) criteria are most useful in diagnosing necrotizing soft tissue infection (NSTI) and how CT performs with respect to the Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis (LRINEC) score. METHODS: Patients who underwent CT for suspected NSTI were eligible for inclusion. LRINEC score was assessed. CT scans were evaluated for subcutaneous edema, fluid along superficial fascia, fluid along deep fascia, blurring of intermuscular fat planes, fluid collection, and air in the soft tissues. Surgical findings or clinical follow-up served as reference standard. RESULTS: Fourteen patients with NSTI and 34 patients with non-NSTI were included. LRINEC score was significantly higher in patients with NSTI (median of 7.5 vs. 6, p = 0.039). Fluid along the deep fascia was significantly more frequently present in patients with NSTI (46.2% vs. 5.9%, p = 0.001). In multiple logistic regression analysis, presence of fluid along the deep fascia was significantly associated with NSTI (odds ratio [OR] = 10.28, 95% CI: 1.57 to 67.18, p = 0.015), whereas the LRINEC score was not significantly associated with NSTI (OR = 1.27, 95% CI: 0.92 to 1.74, p = 0.146). Using presence of fluid along the deep fascia as diagnostic criterion for NSTI, sensitivity was 46.2% (95% CI, 23.2 to 70.9%) and specificity was 94.1% (95% CI, 80.9 to 98.4%). CONCLUSION: Fluid along the deep fascia was the only CT criterion which was significantly associated with NSTI and appeared more useful than the LRINEC score. In the right clinical setting, presence of this CT finding is highly suggestive for NSTI. Its absence, however, does not rule out NSTI. KEY POINTS: • The presence of fluid along the deep fascia at CT is highly suggestive for NSTI in suspected patients. Its absence, however, does not rule out NSTI. `• The use of fluid along the deep fascia as a criterion appears to be more useful than the LRINEC score in diagnosing NSTI.

Catastrophic complications from filler injection on external genitalia.

Soft tissue filler injections are widely used due to their immediate effects, predictable results, and high stability. However, as the use of soft tissue filler injections has increased, various complications have been reported. We report a life-threatening complication in a patient who developed sepsis and necrotizing fasciitis. A 45-year-old woman presented with right leg pain and discharge from the labia majora. The patient had received a soft tissue filler injection of unknown composition 1 year earlier and had recently undergone incision and drainage for an inflammatory cystic nodule. Antibiotic treatment was administered for cellulitis, but the infection progressed to necrotizing fasciitis and sepsis. Fasciotomy and intensive care unit treatment improved the systemic infection, but the soft tissue filler injection site did not respond to treatment for 1 month. Thus, the injection site was covered with a pedicled vertical rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap after wide excision. The area of skin necrosis on the leg was covered with split-thickness skin grafts. Infections occurring after soft tissue filler injections are related to biofilms, and treatment is sometimes difficult. Therefore, although soft tissue filler injections have a favorable safety profile, it is important to be aware of the risk of life-threatening complications.

Necrotizing Fasciitis Caused by Photobacterium damselae: The First Case in Portugal.

Necrotizing fasciitis is a severe soft tissue infection with a high mortality rate and therefore requires emergent surgical treatment. Several microorganisms can cause this infection, Photobacterium damselae being one of them, with only eight cases previously published in the literature. We report the first ever case of necrotizing fasciitis, caused by this microorganism, in Portugal. In this case report the patient survived after several debridement procedures and reconstruction of the upper limb with acellular dermal matrix and skin graft. A brief review of the Photobacterium damselae soft tissue infection reports as well as the clinical presentation, diagnosis, pathophysiology and treatment of necrotizing fasciitis can also be found in this paper.

Infective characteristics of Fournier gangrene and evaluation of effect of negative pressure wound therapy / 中华创伤杂志

Objective:To summarize the infective characteristics of Fournier's gangrene (FG) and evaluate the effect of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT).Methods:A retrospective case control study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of 31 patients with FG admitted to Peking University First Hospital from May 2010 to September 2020, including 29 males and 2 females, aged 21-78 years [(55.2±2.0)years]. A total of 29 patients were caused by infectious diseases of the perianal and urinary system, and the rest two patients were caused by vulvar infection and retroperitoneal abscess. A total of 23 patients were treated with NPWT (Group A) and 8 patients were treated with conventional dressing (Group B). Characteristics of pathogen, drug-resistance rate, medical treatment and prognosis for all patients were summarized. The hospitalization duration, numbers of operation and wound healing time were compared between two groups.Results:Monomicrobial infection was identified in 14 patients, while polymicrobial infection in 15 patients, fungal infection in 1 and culture-negative in 1. Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus faecium, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus haemolyticus were the most common pathogenic bacteria. The resistance rate of gram-negative bacilli to third-generation cephalosporins was 37%. Staphylococcus haemolyticus were methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus. The carbapenem antibiotics combined with vancomycin antibiotics were used for all patients as the empirical anti-infection treatment. Three patients died, and the rest 28 patients were followed up for 3 to 12 months [(10.8±2.6)months] after discharge. All the wounds were healed well without recurrence. In Group A and Group B, the hospitalization duration was (37.4±15.0)days and (47.0±16.0)days, respectively ( P>0.05); the number of operation was 3(3, 6) times and 13(4, 17)times, respectively ( P<0.05); the wound healing time was (38.9±17.8)days and (61.8±14.2)days, respectively ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Enterobacteriaceae, Enterococcus and Staphylococcus haemolyticus are the most common pathogenic bacteria for FG, among which the proportion of drug-resistant bacteria is relatively high. NPWT is an effective adjuvant therapy for wound management with reduced operation times and short wound healing time compared to conrentional method.