Necrotizing Fasciitis Post-Cesarean Section Leading to Transabdominal Hysterectomy.

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a rare but life-threatening disease characterized by rapidly spreading inflammation and subsequent necrosis of the fascial planes and surrounding tissues. Limited literature has described NF as involving an adjacent solid organ beyond fascial planes that has required its removal. We present a case of a 25-year-old white female who underwent a cesarean section and subsequently developed NF involving her uterus and abdominal wall that necessitated a total abdominal hysterectomy, serial surgical debridement of necrotic tissue, and wound vacuum assisted closure (VAC) placement. Her pathology report described her uterus infiltrated by polybacteria, confirming a diagnosis of NF. Despite NF's progressive nature and potential lethality, NF can be challenging to diagnose clinically due to a lack of pathognomonic signs and symptoms. However, early detection of NF with the aid of Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis score calculation using laboratory values such as white blood cell count, hemoglobin, sodium, glucose, serum creatinine, and C-reactive protein is critical for optimal patient outcomes. A multidisciplinary team approach is vital in treating these patients to debride necrotizing tissue and control the potential sequelae from the infection, particularly for postpartum patients.

Case report: Personalized triple phage-antibiotic combination therapy to rescue necrotizing fasciitis caused by Panton-Valentine leukocidin-producing MRSA in a 12-year-old boy.

Maximal standard-of-care (SOC) management could not stop the life-threatening progression of a necrotizing fasciitis induced by Panton-Valentine Leukocidin-producing Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in a 12-year-old boy. Multi-route phage therapy was initiated along with antibiotics against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, eventually leading to full recovery with no reported adverse events.

Revisiting Fournier's Gangrene: A Contemporary Epidemiological Perspective vs. Perineal Cellulitis.

INTRODUCTION: We conducted a population-based analysis of Fournier's gangrene to compare risk factors and mortality with perineal cellulitis. METHODS: We analyzed National Inpatient Sample data (2016-2020) to identify Fournier's gangrene and perineal cellulitis cases. Demographic, comorbidity, and procedural data were extracted. Logistic models assessed risk factors for Fournier's gangrene diagnosis and mortality. RESULTS: A total of 73,472 cellulitis and 9,326 Fournier's gangrene cases were identified corresponding to 74,905 (range 63,050-79,165) and 9,115 (range 7,925-11,080) median yearly weighted cases, respectively. Fournier's gangrene diagnosis vs cellulitis was positively associated with Native American race (OR 1.46, 95% CI 1.19-1.79), weekend (OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.06-1.18) or December (OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.22-1.44) admissions, diabetes mellitus (OR 2.51, 95% CI 2.38-2.64), and malignancy (OR 2.29, 95% CI 2.07-2.54). Conversely, Hispanic (OR 0.79, 95% CI 0.74-0.85), Asian/Pacific Islander races (OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.69-0.99), and the highest household income quartile (OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.78-0.90) were linked to a reduced likelihood of Fournier's gangrene diagnosis. Elevated mortality risks were observed with female gender (OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.08-1.63), Native American ethnicity (OR 2.29, 95% CI 1.14-4.57), and procedural frequency (OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.24-1.3) among Fournier's gangrene cases. CONCLUSIONS: Various patient and clinical factors are linked to the development and mortality of Fournier's gangrene compared to perineal cellulitis. Improved access to care and understanding of Fournier's gangrene can enhance patient outcomes.

Necrotizing Fasciitis Mimicking Interstitial Cystitis: An Atypical Clinical Presentation.

Necrotizing fasciitis is a severe, life-threatening disease with a nonspecific clinical presentation, making it a challenging diagnosis. Early treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics and surgical debridement is crucial to prevent rapid disease progression and poor outcomes. Given its high mortality rate and ambiguous presentation, maintaining a high index of suspicion for necrotizing fasciitis is essential. In this case, a 60-year-old woman presented to her gynecologist with urinary tract infection symptoms of frequency, hematuria, and suprapubic pain, with a year-long history of night sweats, hematuria, dysuria, and incomplete voiding. Although initially treated with outpatient antibiotics, she returned to the emergency department one day later with severe lower abdominal pain, overlying erythema, and a high fever. Abdominal imaging revealed extensive cellulitis. Upon the development of rapidly expanding erythema and crepitus, there was concern for necrotizing fasciitis. The patient received immediate treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics and underwent urgent surgical debridement. While she showed clinical improvement in the following days, laboratory studies revealed profound hypercalcemia, anemia, and persistent leukocytosis. Additional testing ultimately led to the diagnosis of advanced bladder cancer. This case underscores the importance of prompt recognition and treatment of necrotizing fasciitis. It also highlights the influence of confirmation and availability biases, which can lead to overlooking symptoms that may indicate more serious underlying conditions. As medical professionals, it is crucial to remain vigilant and not disregard seemingly insignificant symptoms, as they could be indicative of life-threatening diagnoses.

Comparative analysis of scoring systems for predicting mortality in Fournier gangrene: single center, 15 years experience.

To compare 5 published scoring systems (Fournier gangrene severity index [FGSI], Uludag FGSI [UFGSI], age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index [ACCI] and the Quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA) and the Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing fasciitis (LRINEC) scores and to evaluate risk factors for outcome prediction in patients with Fournier gangrene (FG). Between 2010 and 2024, 311 patients were included in the study. The data of 276 survivors and 55 non-survivors were compared. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine which of the 5 scoring systems calculated according to demographic, laboratory and clinical data predicted mortality better. In addition, a cut-off value for these scoring systems was determined by ROC analysis. The mortality rate was 17.6% in FG patients. In all 5 scoring systems, univariate analyses showed higher values in non-survivor patients, while UFGSI and FGSI scoring systems were superior to other scoring systems in multivariate analyses (p < 0.001). ROC analysis using mortality-based sensitivity and specificity revealed that the optimal cut-off values for FGSI, UFGSI, ACCI, SOFA and LRINEC should be equal to or higher than 10, 12, 4, 2 and 8, respectively. UFGSI and FGSI scores had the highest AUC values among all scores. This was followed by ACCI, qSOFAand LRINEC. For a UFGSI score ≥ 12, the sensitivity was 84%, specificity 97%, PPV 85% and NPV 97%. Among the scoring systems used to predict mortality, UFGSI was the most accurate, while LRINEC was the least accurate.

Wide exposure VS. stab surgical incisions in necrotizing fasciitis of the head and neck: a retrospective analysis of 22 cases.

PURPOSE: Necrotizing fasciitis of the head and neck is a rare, rapidly progressing bacterial infection with high mortality. Traditional surgical management involves wide exposure incisions, but minimally invasive stab incisions have emerged as a potential alternative. This study aimed to compare outcomes between wide exposure and stab surgical incisions in the management of head and neck necrotizing fasciitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 22 patients treated for necrotizing fasciitis of the head and neck between January 2006 and January 2023. Patients were divided into two groups based on the surgical approach: wide exposure incisions (N = 15) and stab surgical incisions (N = 7). Data on mortality, hospital stay, hypertrophic scarring, neck contractures, and tracheostomy tube dependence were collected. RESULTS: The overall mortality rate was 9.1%, with 6.7% in the wide exposure group and 14.3% in the stab surgical incision group (p > 0.05). Hypertrophic scarring occurred in 59.1% of patients, all of whom underwent wide exposure incisions. Neck contractures were observed in 9.1% of cases, also in the wide exposure group. Tracheostomy was performed in 63.6% of patients, with successful decannulation achieved in 91.7%. The median hospital stay was longer in the stab surgical incision group (p < 0.05), partly due to the need for revision surgeries. CONCLUSION: Wide exposure incisions remain the standard treatment for necrotizing fasciitis of the head and neck due to their effectiveness in managing extensive tissue necrosis. However, stab surgical incisions offer the advantage of reduced morbidity and functional impairment. These benefits are offset by a slightly higher mortality rate and the potential need for additional interventions. Stab incisions may be a viable option in carefully selected patients, particularly those without extensive comorbidities or advanced disease.

The intricate pathogenicity of group a Streptococcus: A comprehensive update.

Group A Streptococcus (GAS) is a versatile pathogen that targets human lymphoid, decidual, skin, and soft tissues. Recent advancements have shed light on its airborne transmission, lymphatic spread, and interactions with neuronal systems. GAS promotes severe inflammation through mechanisms involving inflammasomes, IL-1ß, and T-cell hyperactivation. Additionally, it secretes factors that directly induce skin necrosis via Gasdermin activation and sustains survival and replication in human blood through sophisticated immune evasion strategies. These include lysis of erythrocytes, using red cell membranes for camouflage, resisting antimicrobial peptides, evading phagocytosis, escaping from neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), inactivating chemokines, and cleaving targeted antibodies. GAS also employs molecular mimicry to traverse connective tissues undetected and exploits the host's fibrinolytic system, which contributes to its stealth and potential for causing autoimmune conditions after repeated infections. Secreted toxins disrupt host cell membranes, enhancing intracellular survival and directly activating nociceptor neurons to induce pain. Remarkably, GAS possesses mechanisms for precise genome editing to defend against phages, and its fibrinolytic capabilities have found applications in medicine. Immune responses to GAS are paradoxical: robust responses to its virulence factors correlate with more severe disease, whereas recurrent infections often show diminished immune reactions. This review focuses on the multifaceted virulence of GAS and introduces novel concepts in understanding its pathogenicity.

Gangrena de Fournier secundaria a cuerpo extraño: Reporte de caso / Fournier's gangrene secondary to a foreign body: Case report

Introducción. La gangrena de Fournier es un proceso infeccioso progresivo que compromete piel, tejido celular subcutáneo, grasa y fascia subyacente, con una incidencia de 1,6 pacientes por cada 100.000 personas/año. Se considera una urgencia quirúrgica, que requiere de manejo oportuno, ya que puede llegar a ser fatal, con una tasa de mortalidad del 20 al 35 %, que es más alta en hombres, en la tercera década de la vida y en pacientes inmunocomprometidos. Caso clínico. Se presenta el caso clínico de un paciente masculino de 44 años de edad, quien cursó con gangrena de Fournier secundaria a una espina de pescado de 5 cm de largo, incrustada en la unión anorrectal. Resultados. El paciente fue manejado por urología y cirugía general, requirió hospitalización en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos y curaciones por parte de terapia enterostomal, con resultados satisfactorios. Conclusiones. Sus posibles causas son múltiples y en ocasiones puede ser desencadenada por un factor externo, como un cuerpo extraño. Uno de los factores predisponentes es la obesidad. El diagnóstico oportuno y un tratamiento con intervención multidisciplinaria mejoran la sobrevida y la calidad de vida de los pacientes.

Introduction. Fournier's gangrene is a progressive infectious process that involves skin, subcutaneous tissue, fat and underlying fascia, with an incidence of 1.6 per 100,000 people/year. It is considered a surgical emergency, which requires timely management since it can be fatal, with a mortality rate of 20 to 35%, which is higher in men, in the third decade of life and in immunocompromised patients. Clinical case. Clinical case. A 44-year-old male patient is presented with Fournier's gangrene secondary to a 5 cm long fishbone embedded in the anorectal junction. Results. The patient was managed by urology and general surgery, requiring hospitalization in the ICU and treated by enterostomal therapy with satisfactory results. Conclusions. Its possible causes are multiple and sometimes it can be triggered by an external factor, such as a foreign body. One of the predisposing factors is obesity. Timely diagnosis and treatment with multidisciplinary intervention improve survival and quality of life of patients

Prognostic factors and clinical outcomes in Fournier's Gangrene: a retrospective study of 35 patients.

BACKGROUND: Fournier's gangrene is a severe form of infectious necrotizing fasciitis affecting the perineum, perianal, and genital areas; it is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Hence, it is important to identify prognostic factors that can predict clinical outcomes and guide treatment strategies. Thus, our study aimed to analyze patient characteristics and determine prognostic factors affecting clinical outcomes in Fournier's gangrene. METHODS: This retrospective study involved examining medical records spanning 18 years for patients with Fournier's gangrene at our institution. Considering the exclusion criteria, data from 35 patients were included in this study. RESULTS: A total of 35 patients were included in the analysis. The mean age of the patients showed no statistically significant difference between the survivor and non-survivor groups. The Charlson Comorbidity Index, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score were not significantly different between the two groups. Notably, the initial Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score was significantly higher in the non-survivor group than that in the survivor group. The overall in-hospital mortality rate was 17.1%. Moreover, the prevalence of multidrug resistant bacterial infection was markedly higher in the non-survivor group than that in the survivor group. Coagulation dysfunction was significantly more prevalent in the non-survivor group than that in the survivor group, and had the most significant impact on in-hospital mortality. A multivariable logistic regression analysis identified multidrug resistant bacterial infection to be independently associated with high in-hospital mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Coagulation dysfunction and multidrug resistant bacterial infection were identified as independent negative prognostic factors, highlighting the need for prompt monitoring and proactive strategies against Fournier's gangrene.

Necrotizing fasciitis of the head and neck in era of COVID-19: a single-institution experience.

Objectives: Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) of the head and neck is a critical condition, known for its severe impact and high mortality rates, often linked with diabetes, odontogenic infections, and immunosuppression. Observations from the University of Ottawa's Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery indicate an increase in NF cases since the COVID-19 pandemic began, suggesting a possible association between COVID-19 and NF. This study aims to assess the incidence of NF since the pandemic's onset and explore its association with COVID-19. Design: Conducted as a single-center retrospective review from January 1, 2015 to April 7, 2023, this study included patients aged over 18 years with histopathologic confirmation of NF, analyzing clinical risk factors, treatment, and outcomes. Patients were divided into pre- and post-COVID-19 groups for comparison. Results: Of 16 patients, 68.7% were in the post-COVID-19 group, with a notable increase in 2022. The most common risk factors were diabetes mellitus (43.8%) and history of odontogenic infection or extraction (31.3%). Only one patient (6.3%) presented with concomitant COVID-19 infection and NF. All patients underwent treatment with serial surgical debridement and intravenous antibiotics with mortality rates rising to 12.5% after the pandemic. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates an increased incidence of NF cases in our institution after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fournier's Gangrene Associated With Untreated Crohn's Disease in a Male Patient: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Crohn's disease is a chronic idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract. Perianal symptoms are seen in one-third of Crohn's disease cases, with perianal abscesses leading to Fournier's gangrene being extremely rare. Herein, we discuss an interesting case of a male patient with Fournier's gangrene as a result of untreated Crohn's disease. A 51-year-old male presented to the emergency department with a perianal abscess and cellulitis of the perineum. Examination under general anesthesia (EUA) of the rectum and incision and drainage (I&D) of the abscess were performed urgently, leading to the diagnosis of Fournier's gangrene. Subsequent investigations revealed that the causative factor was a previously diagnosed but untreated Crohn's disease. The comprehensive treatment plan included fecal diversion, regular surgical debridement, negative pressure wound therapy, antibiotics administration, and perineal reconstruction. After a 37-day hospital stay, the patient was discharged in good clinical condition and referred to a specialized gastroenterologist for further treatment. A year later, he underwent an ileocecal resection with ileocolic anastomosis. In rare circumstances, Crohn's disease may manifest solely through perianal symptoms and, even more rarely, as Fournier's gangrene. It is crucial for clinicians to be aware of this manifestation for early diagnosis and prompt treatment. Maintaining a high level of suspicion, achieving early diagnosis, implementing prompt resuscitation, and adopting a multidisciplinary approach within specialized medical centers are crucial factors for effective management in these cases.

Case report: is necrotizing fasciitis in a rectal cancer patient after targeted systemic therapy related to the tumor site? - evidence from a hepatocellular carcinoma patient.

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a rare and life-threatening serious infectious disease, characterized by acute onset and rapid progress, leading to extensive necrosis of skin, soft tissue as well as fascia by a variety of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, localized on external genitalia, scrotum, groin and perianal areas in males. There exist numerous common etiologies for NF, yet NF induced by malignant neoplasms is exceedingly rare. Several studies have reported that NF may be associated with tumor site (rectal/sigmoid colon cancer) and blood supply dysfunction caused by targeted therapy drugs (bevacizumab, aflibercept, ramucirumab). The perforation of colorectal cancer poses a unique risk factor for NF. However, in our two cases, the patient with rectal cancer received CapeOX (oxaliplatin + capecitabine) + bevacizumab + tislelizumab for 3 cycles without perforation but did develop NF. One month after debridement, the patient continued immunotherapy with tislelizumab alone for the fourth cycle and maintained for an additional 3 cycles without any recurrence of NF. Therefore, does the occurrence of NF correlate with the tumor site (rectum) and targeted immunotherapy? Another patient with hepatocellular carcinoma also developed NF after receiving 2 cycles of lenvatinib + sintilimab treatment. The third cycle of sintilimab immunotherapy was administered on the 13th day after operation, which was subsequently maintained for an additional 2 cycles without recurrence of NF. The absence of a direct correlation between hepatocellular carcinoma and rectal tumor location as well as immunotherapy, suggests that NF may be closely linked to targeted therapy.

Necrotizing Fasciitis of the Lower Extremity Treated With Continuous Local Antibiotic Perfusion.

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a severe soft tissue infection that can spread rapidly throughout the body, often resulting in fatal outcomes. Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) enhances wound healing by applying local negative pressure, and its effectiveness in managing NF has been documented. However, NPWT creates a semi-closed environment at the wound site, posing a risk of infection. Continuous local antibiotic perfusion (CLAP) is an innovative approach that uses localized infusion to deliver high concentrations of antibiotics continuously to the affected area via NPWT. CLAP includes intramedullary antibiotic perfusion (iMAP), which involves the intrathecal administration of antimicrobials, and intra-soft tissue antibiotic perfusion (iSAP), which targets the soft tissue. Previous studies have highlighted the efficacy of CLAP in controlling infections in both bone and soft tissue. Here, we present two cases of lower extremity NF treated with iSAP. In both cases, effective infection control and accelerated wound healing were achieved, leading to wound closure. These outcomes suggest that iSAP is a useful treatment modality for NF that offers a reduced treatment period and minimizes the procedural burden on patients.

An Uncommon Consequence of Perforated Acute Appendicitis in Elderly Patients: Fournier's Gangrene.

Acute appendicitis that is not diagnosed and treated promptly typically results in serious complications that raise the risk of necrotizing fasciitis, particularly in elderly patients. We present a case of a 77-year-old male, who presented to the emergency department with a clinical manifestation of Fournier's gangrene caused by acute perforated appendicitis. The patient had no symptoms or signs of an acute abdomen, and within three days he developed significant unilateral scrotal swelling and skin changes. Our case demonstrates the need to treat Fournier's gangrene as a consequence of an intra-abdominal infectious disease, particularly in elderly comorbid patients with atypical symptoms of acute appendicitis, and highlights the importance of early surgical intervention.

Atypical presentation of polymicrobial cervicofacial necrotizing fasciitis: An extraordinary odontogenic infection in a healthy female patient.

Cervicofacial necrotizing fasciitis (CNF) can occur as a dental complication in young, healthy individuals. Early diagnosis, treatment, and awareness of severe acute cervicofacial pain, rapid swelling, and radiological gas formation are crucial. Broad molecular profiling is recommended for understanding the organisms involved in such infections in future research.

Is overweight a predictor for a more severe course of disease in cases of necrotizing fasciitis?

PURPOSE: Necrotizing fasciitis is a rare but severe soft tissue infection, and its diagnosis is difficult and often delayed. Immediate treatment comprising extensive debridement, highly dosed broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy and intensive care is necessary to prevent fatal outcomes. Considering the global rise in overweight patients and the known negative effects of obesity on the immune system, the aim of this study was to analyze whether overweight results in a more severe course of necrotizing fasciitis, worse outcomes and an increased mortality rate among overweight patients compared than in normal weight patients. METHODS: The present study involved a retrospective analysis of 29 patients who were treated for necrotizing fasciitis in our level one trauma center during the eight-year period between 2013 and 2020. Based on their BMIs, the patients were assigned to either the overweight group (BMI > 25) or the normal weight group. RESULTS: In the study population, being overweight appeared to be a predictor for a more severe course of necrotizing fasciitis. Overweight patients suffered from sepsis significantly more often than normal weight patients (13 vs. 5; p = 0.027). Furthermore, they were dependent on invasive ventilation (26.6 ± 33.8 vs. 5.9 ± 11.9 days; p = 0.046) as well as catecholamine support (18.4 ± 23.7 vs. 3.6 ± 5.7 days; p = 0.039) for significantly longer. CONCLUSION: Necrotizing fasciitis remains a challenging and potentially fatal disease. Within the patient collective, the severity of the disease and treatment effort were increased among overweight patients.

Investigating group A Streptococcus antibiotic tolerance in necrotizing fasciitis.

Group A Streptococcus (GAS) necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a difficult-to-treat bacterial infection associated with high morbidity and mortality despite extensive surgery and targeted antibiotic treatment. Difficult-to-treat infections are often characterized by the presence of bacteria surviving prolonged antibiotic exposure without displaying genetic resistance, referred to as persisters. In the present study, we investigated the presence of GAS persisters in tissue freshly debrided from patients as well as in an in vivo mouse model of NF and examined the phenomenon of antibiotic tolerance. Time-lapse imaging of GAS plated directly upon isolation from NF debrided tissue and an antibiotic challenge-based persisters assay were used to assess the presence of persisters. We show for the first time that GAS recovered directly from freshly debrided NF tissue is characterized by heterogeneous and overall delayed colony appearance time, suggesting the presence of persisters. Acidic pH or nutrient stress exposure, mimicking the NF-like environment in vitro, led to a similar phenotypic heterogeneity and resulted in enhanced survival upon antibiotic challenge, confirming the presence of GAS persisters. GAS persisters might contribute to NF treatment failure, despite extensive surgery and adequate antibiotic treatment.IMPORTANCEDifficult-to-treat and recurrent infections are a global problem burdening society and the health care system alike. Unraveling the mechanisms by which bacteria can survive antibiotic treatment without developing genetic resistance is of utmost importance to lay the foundation for new, effective therapeutic approaches. For the first time, we describe the phenomenon of antibiotic tolerance in group A Streptococcus (GAS) isolated from necrotizing fasciitis (NF) patients. Dormant, non-replicating cells (persisters) are tolerant to antibiotics and their occurrence in vivo is reported in an increasing number of bacterial species. Tailored treatment options, including the use of persisters-targeting drugs, need to be developed to specifically target dormant bacteria causing difficult-to-treat and recurrent infections.

Socioeconomic status affects amputation and mortality rates in necrotizing fasciitis patients.

PURPOSE: Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a rare, but rapidly progressing bacterial infection of the subcutaneous tissues and muscular fascia with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Our study aims to determine if socioeconomic status (SES) is a predictor of outcomes in NF. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of patients diagnosed with NF at our institution. Demographic information, insurance status, medical and surgical history, vitals, ASA score, blood laboratory values, surgical procedure information, and outcomes prior to patient discharge were collected. Patient zip codes were utilized to obtain median household incomes at the time of the patient's surgical procedure to determine SES. Patients without complete data in their medical record were excluded. Initial descriptive statistics and logistic regression models were performed. RESULTS: We identified 196 patients (mean age 50.13 ± 13.03 years, 31.6% female) for inclusion. Mortality rate was 15.3% (n = 30) and 33.7% (n = 66) underwent amputation. Mortality rate was not significantly different across income brackets. Lower income brackets had higher rates of amputation than higher income brackets (p < 0.05). A logistic regression models showed the rate of amputation decreases by 29% for every $10,000 increment in median household income and ASA score decreased by 0.15 units for every $10,000 increase in median household income. CONCLUSIONS: Amputation rates in cases of NF are significantly higher in lower SES groups than higher SES groups. Patients with perivascular disease in lower SES groups were more likely to experience serious complications of NF than their counterparts in higher SES groups.

Reliability of superficial swab culture results compared with deep wound culture results in Fournier's gangrene: A retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES: To compare isolates from deep wound and superficial swab cultures to evaluate the detectability of pathogens by each culture in Fournier's gangrene; and evaluate the association between microorganisms isolated from deep wounds and those isolated from blood or urine. METHODS: Patients with Fournier's gangrene who underwent debridement between October 2006 and January 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. In addition to comparing the isolates from deep wound cultures at initial debridement with those from superficial swab, blood, and urine cultures, the relationship between the traits of the organisms from deep wounds and patient disease severity and prognosis was examined. RESULTS: Among 25 patients, deep wound and superficial swab cultures were obtained from 25 to 18 patients, respectively. The frequency of anaerobic isolates was significantly lower in the superficial cultures than in the deep wound cultures (31/76 versus 13/56, p = 0.034). Bacteria not isolated from deep wounds were isolated from superficial cultures in 55.6 % of the patients; the concordance rate between deep and superficial cultures was 27.8 % (5/18). The positive rates of blood and urine cultures were 20.8 % and 35.7 %, respectively; all isolates from the urine and blood cultures reflected the results of the deep wound culture. No significant association was observed between the severity or mortality and the type of causative bacteria. CONCLUSIONS: Superficial swab cultures cannot be substituted for deep wound cultures in Fournier's gangrene. Although the positivity rates for blood and urine cultures were not high, they were helpful in determining antibiotic de-escalation.

Fournier's Gangrene in an Elderly Male: A Case Report.

Fournier's gangrene (FG) is a rapidly progressing necrotizing soft tissue infection of the perineum with potential multiorgan involvement, posing significant mortality risks. This case report highlights the clinical presentation, potential risk factors, and emphasizes the critical necessity of immediate antibiotic therapy and surgical debridement, regardless of the causative agents involved. We also aim to provide new images to better visualize a diagnosis of Fournier's gangrene. We present the case of a 65-year-old male with a history of self-care neglect, hypertension, and extensive tobacco use. The patient presented to the emergency department exhibiting classical symptoms of systemic illness, necessitating a collaborative diagnostic and therapeutic approach involving various medical specialties including family medicine, urology, general surgery, interventional radiology, infectious disease, pharmacy, intensive care, social service, and palliative care teams. Despite aggressive interventions during his 24-day hospitalization, the patient's clinical condition progressively deteriorated. This case underscores the significance of early detection, timely intervention, and interdisciplinary cooperation in optimizing outcomes for patients with Fournier's gangrene.