Role of SFGSI, microbial culture and qSOFA as predictive factors in determining the survival rate in Fournier Gangrene patient.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the simplified Fournier Gangrene Severe Index Score (SFGSI) and the number of species in culture findings for predicting death in Fournier Gangrene (FG) patients in terms of their predictive power. METHODS: From January 2017 to July 2022, the medical records of individuals undergoing emergency surgery for FG were obtained. A total of 80 patients were examined for clinical data such as age, gender, laboratory parameters, etiology, isolated bacteria, and mortality rate. RESULTS: We identified a statistically significant mean difference between SFGSI (p<0.0001) and quickSOFA (qSOFA) scores (p=0.002) in determining the survival rate of FG patients. The sensitivity and specificity of the SFGSI score in predicting mortality were 90.1% and 88.3% respectively, whereas the sensitivity and specificity of the qSOFA score were 88.2% and 86.2%. E. Coli comprised 56.2% of the bacteria, followed by S. Haemolyticus, S. Aureus, P. Aeruginosa, and K. Pneumoniae. On the basis of bacterial culture results, P. Aeruginosa had the highest fatality rate (100%) followed by S. Aureus (75%), S. Haemolyticus (30%), and E. Coli (20%), in that order. CONCLUSION: The survival rate of FG patients can be predicted using the sensitivity and specificity of the SFGSI and qSOFA scores together. P. Aeruginosa-infected patients have the greatest mortality rate (100%) compared to the other groups.

Fournier's gangrene of the penis complicating both COVID-19- and Mpox-related genital ulceration - A case report.

Fournier's gangrene is a rare, rapidly progressive, fulminant form of infective necrotising fasciitis of the genital, perianal and perineal regions. We present a case of Fournier's gangrene of the penis complicating acute genital ulceration and recurrent paraphimosis that was secondary to contemporaneous COVID-19 and Mpox infection in an otherwise healthy 41-year-old man. It is important for clinicians to be aware of Fournier's gangrene, as early detection remains the cornerstone of effective tissue and indeed life conserving management.

Fournier's gangrene and fecal diversion. When, in which patients, and what type should I perform?

INTRODUCTION: Fournier's gangrene (FG) is a necrotizing fasciitis affecting the perineum and urogenital tissue. The mortality rate is high although early detection and aggressive debridement can reduce mortality by up to 16%. The prevalence of sequelae is very high and a colostomy is often necessary to control the perineal wound. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study was carried out to recruit all patients operated on by the General Surgery and Urology Departments with a diagnosis of GF at the University Hospital over 22 years. Mortality, the Fournier gangrene severity index (FGSI), and fecal diversion (either surgical (colostomy) or straight (Flexi-seal)) are collected. RESULTS: A total of 149 patients met the inclusion criteria. FG's most frequent cause was a perianal abscess (107 patients-72%). Eighteen patients (12%) died of a specific cause of FG. Age (p = 0.014) and patients with an oncological history (p = 0.038) both were the only mortality risk factors for mortality according to logistic regression. Fifty patients required some form of fecal diversion in the postoperative period (32 colostomies and 18 Flexi-seal). Neither the use of postoperative fecal diversion (surgical or Flexi-seal) nor the timing of its use had any effect on postoperative mortality. CONCLUSIONS: One in eight patients died in the immediate postoperative period secondary to FG. Despite improved outcomes, 22% required a colostomy during admission. However, neither the performance of a colostomy nor the timing was associated with decreased FG-associated mortality. Non-invasive methods should be used first and surgical bowel diversion should be postponed as long as possible.

The role of C-reactive protein albumin ratio for predicting mortality in patients with Fournier's gangrene.

BACKGROUND: Fournier's gangrene (FG) is a rapidly progressing and life-threatening necrotizing fasciitis of the genital and perineal regions. To estimate the mortality rate associated with FG, Laor et al. developed the FG severity index (FGSI), an index with proven prognostic significance. On the other hand, the C-reactive protein (CRP)/albumin (CAR) ratio is a proven objective marker of inflam-matory response. In light of the foregoing, the objective of this study is to assess the prognostic value of the CAR ratio in predicting mortality in patients with FG in comparison with FGSI. METHODS: This retrospective study consisted of 58 patients who were operated on for FG between 2019 and 2022. Research data were obtained from electronic and paper patient files, surgery notes, clinical follow-up forms, anamnesis, intensive care forms, and laboratory test results obtained from the hospital automation system. The clinical course of each patient was reviewed based on these records. The relationships between patients' CAR ratios and their demographic and clinical characteristics, including age, gender, and comorbidities, whether ostomy was performed, length of hospital stay, growth in wound culture, isolated bacterial species, FGSI scores, and laboratory test results (hemoglobin, sodium, potassium, bicarbonate, glucose, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, albumin, and CRP levels, white blood cell counts, hematocrit values, glucose-to-potassium, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte, platelet-to-lymphocyte, and lymphocyte-to-CRP ratios) and the prognostic power of CAR ratio in predicting the mortality associated with FG were investigated. RESULTS: The mean age of the study group, 45 male and 13 female, was 57 (min. 17, max. 85) years. The most common predisposing factor was diabetes mellitus (DM), which was present in 32 (55.1%) patients. The most common symptoms at admission were erythema (89.6%), swelling/hardening (82.7%), pain (41.3%), fever (31%), and purulent discharge (37.9%). Of the 58 patients included in the study, six had died. The most common comorbidity, second to DM (55.1%), was cardiovascular disease (39.6%). The median ages of patients who had died and survived were 60 (min. 56, max. 85) and 56 (min. 18, max. 80) years, respectively. CAR ratio effectively differentiated FG patients who had survived from those who had died (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.907 [0.824-0.984]). The CAR ratio cutoff value of 2.8 effectively differentiated FG patients and FSGI scores who had survived from those who had died (AUC: 0.904 [0.823-0.992]). CONCLUSION: The study findings demonstrated that the CAR ratio might serve as an effective biomarker in predicting the mortal-ity associated with FG.

Comparison of different scoring systems for predicting in-hospital mortality for patients with Fournier gangrene.

PURPOSE: To compare different scoring systems for predicting in-hospital mortality in patients with Fournier gangrene (FG). METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was performed to find all scoring systems that have been proposed previously as a predictor for in-hospital mortality in patients with FG. Data of all patients with FG who were hospitalized in one of Indonesia's largest tertiary referral hospitals between 2012 and 2022 were used. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the scoring systems. RESULTS: Ten scoring systems were found, i.e., Fournier's Gangrene Severity Index (FGSI), Uludag FGSI, simplified FGSI, NUMUNE Fournier score (NFS), Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis, age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity index, sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA), quick SOFA, acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II, and surgery APGAR score (SAS). Of 164 FG patients included in the analyses, 26.4% died during hospitalization. All scoring systems except SAS could predict in-hospital mortality of patients with FG. Three scoring systems had areas under the ROC curve (AUROC) higher than 0.8, i.e., FGSI (AUROC 0.905, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.860-0.950), SOFA (AUROC 0.830, 95% CI 0.815-0.921), and NFS (AUROC 0.823, 95% CI 0.739-0.906). Both FGSI and SOFA had sensitivity and NPV of 1.0, whereas NFS had a sensitivity of 0.74 and an NPV of 0.91. CONCLUSION: This study shows that FGSI and SOFA are the most reliable scoring systems to predict in-hospital mortality in FG, as indicated by the high AUROC and perfect sensitivity and NPV.

Prognostic determinants and treatment outcomes of Fournier's Gangrene treatment in a resource-limited setting: A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Fournier's gangrene (FG) is a destructive necrotizing infection with a generally poor prognosis. This study aims to share our experience in handling FG patients in a resource-limited setting and identify prognostic factors for FG mortality. METHODS: A retrospective study of thirty-six patients diagnosed with FG and treated at our teaching hospital between Jun 2010 to Oct 2022 was conducted. Laboratory and nonlaboratory data and patients' outcomes were gathered. A univariate analysis was computed for identifying prognostic factors for FG mortality. RESULT: The main age was 68.30 ± 5.61years and most (69.4%) were older than 65 years. The overall survival was 63.9% and the mortality rate was 36.1%. Univariate analysis showed that advanced age (p = 0.02), delayed in hospital presentation (p = 0.024), involvement of larger area (p = 0.001), a history of diabetes mellitus (p < 0.006), end-stage renal disease (p = 0.018), heart failure (p = 0.005), cerebrovascular accident (p = 0.003), liver cirrhosis (p = 0.001), presence of multiple comorbidities (p = 0.001), septic conditions at admission (p = 0.048), need for mechanical ventilation (p = 0.001), hypoalbuminemia (p < 0.001), and elevated blood urea nitrogen (p = 0.002) were found to be risk factors for mortality in patients with FG. CONCLUSIONS: Fournier's gangrene is a fulminant condition with a high mortality rate, especially in resource-limited settings. In this study, the mortality rate was 36.1%. Advanced age, delayed in hospital presentation, involvement of larger area, a history of diabetes mellitus, end-stage renal disease, heart failure, cerebrovascular accident, liver cirrhosis, presence of multiple comorbidities, septic conditions at admission, need for mechanical ventilation, hypoalbuminemia, and elevated blood urea nitrogen were associated with FG mortality.

Treatment outcome of Fournier's gangrene and its associated factors: A retrospective study.

INTRODUCTION: Fournier's gangrene (FG) is a rapidly progressive necrotizing infection that affects the perineal and abdominal regions and is known for its high mortality rate. This study aims to present the practical experience of managing FG patients and identify factors that may affect their clinical outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted from April 2009 to December 2020 at General Military Hospital in Sana'a, Yemen including 26 patients who were diagnosed with FG and treated on. Data on demographic characteristics, time to admission, surgical intervention, and treatment outcomes were collected. Univariate analysis was performed to determine factors that affect patient outcomes. RESULT: The mean age of the patients was 65.77 ± 5.04 years, and 65.4% of them were over the age of 65. Most patients (57.7%) presented after five days of experiencing symptoms, and 65.4% were in septic conditions. Of the patients, 17 (65.4%) survived, and the total mortality rate was 34.6%. Univariate analysis showed that delayed presentation (p = 0.001), a history of diabetes mellitus (p < 0.001), end-stage renal disease (p < 0.001), heart failure (p < 0.001), cerebrovascular accident (p = 0.032), liver cirrhosis (p < 001), presence of multiple comorbidities (p < 001), involvement of lager area (p < 001), septic conditions (p = 0.009), advanced age (p = 0.018), and intensive care unit admission (p = 0.002) were found to be risk factors for mortality in patients with FG. CONCLUSIONS: FG is a potentially life-threatening medical condition, even with aggressive and specialized treatment. Our study revealed a mortality rate of 34.6%. Factors such as older age, the presence of multiple comorbidities, septic conditions, the abdominal spread of the disease, intensive care unit admission, and delayed presentation contribute to higher mortality rates.

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.

[Outcome, quality of life and functional assessment after perineal and external genitalia gangrene]. / Prise en charge de la gangrène des organes génitaux externes et du périnée : résultats, qualité de vie et évaluation fonctionnelle.

INTRODUCTION: External genitalia gangrene is a well-known uncommon disease; however, mortality remains important. Recent literature focuses on early management. The object of this study was to assess quality of life and disease-specific function, in the medium- and long-term. METHOD: We evaluated retrospectively adult inpatients with external genitalia gangrene who had a surgical debridement between 2010 and 2020 at CHU de Poitiers. Preoperatory FGSI Score was calculated for patients included. In a second phase, surviving patients at 2020 who had agreed to take part in the follow-up were assessed by clinical examination, and asked to complete Short-Form 36 test and two additional disease-specific questionnaire (USP, IIEF5). RESULTS: The patients consisted of 33 men. Mean age was 61.18. Eleven patients (33%) died primarily from external genitalia gangrene. Median FGSI score was 6 (1-13). We were able to reach 11 patients (33%) for secondary clinical revaluation. Time before revaluation was 3months to 8years. All parts of SF-36 were significantly low. Mean USP score was 1.27±2.68/4.54±4.43/0.72±1.84. Nine patients (81%) suffered erectile dysfunction without any sexual intercourse possible. CONCLUSION: Patients with external genitalia gangrene experience severe deterioration of their quality of life. Multidisciplinary healthcare process should systematically be carried out, as so as early screening of vulnerability risks factors, to improve functional outcomes and quality of life.

A contemporaneous narrative review of Fournier's gangrene.

INTRODUCTION: Fournier's gangrene is a necrotizing infection of the external genitalia, perineal or perianal regions and is mainly seen in males. Its main risk factors include diabetes, chronic alcoholism, HIV and other immune-compromised states. Fournier's gangrene has an aggressive course associated with a mortality rate of 20%-30%, making early diagnosis and management very important. The Fournier Gangrene Severity Index (FGSI) has been traditionally used to predict the severity and prognosis. More recently, simplified FGSI (sFGSI) has been proposed and is helpful. However, timely diagnosis, supportive medical management and complete surgical debridement are still the cornerstones of treatment. These must be complemented with early and timely re-look debridements and appropriate reconstruction to cover soft tissue defects. This literature review aims to look at recent relevant research regards risk factors and prognostic features of Fournier's gangrene. METHODS: A search was conducted on Google Scholar and PubMed databases for all articles related to Fournier's Gangrene. These included clinical reviews, case reports, case series and retrospective studies. Reports or studies which were not published in English were not reviewed. Various reconstructive techniques to cover the defects have also been revisited. RESULTS: Broad-spectrum antibiotics and urgent surgical debridement are the core management principles of Fournier's gangrene. Repeat debridement after 24 h is also recommended. Adjunctive therapies such as hyperbaric oxygen and vacuum-assisted closure are supported in most aspects of recent literature. Expectedly, there is a lack of randomised controlled studies in such emergency surgical conditions, which limits the widespread use of newer therapies to patients unresponsive to conventional management. CONCLUSION: Fournier's gangrene is a urological emergency with a high mortality rate. The aggressive nature of the infection necessitates early recognition and immediate surgical intervention. Negative pressure dressing and occasional hyperbaric oxygen as adjuncts should be used more routinely, especially if there is a delayed response to conventional treatment or in severe infections.

Fournier's Gangrene: Evaluation of Patient Outcomes Using Clinical Data and Prognostic Biomarkers.

OBJECTIVE: To find out the outcomes of Fournier's gangrene (FG) patients using clinical data and prognostic biomarkers based on the current literature. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive study. Place and Duration of the Study: Department of General Surgery, University of Health Sciences, Gulhane Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey, from January 2018, to January 2022. METHODOLOGY: Patients who were diagnosed with and treated for FG were included in the study. Patients younger than 18 years of age, those with missing hospital records and postoperative follow-up data, those with benign diseases related to the perianal or anal region, and those with other malignant diseases were excluded from the study. Patients' demographic, clinical, and laboratory data, including the calculated systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) and pan-immune-inflammation values (PIV) were obtained retrospectively from the medical records. Variables were analysed using SPSS statistics software, version 25.0. The value of p <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of twenty-four patients, 14 (58.3%) males and 10 (41.7%) females, were included in this study. No statistically significant correlations were found between the calculated indices and patients' clinical outcomes. The length of intensive care unit stay was strongly and positively correlated with age (r = 0.672 and p <0.001), and the length of hospital stay was moderately and inversely correlated with preoperative albumin levels (r = -0.584 and p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: SII and PIV had no statistically significant interactions with FG. KEY WORDS: Fournier's gangrene, Systemic immune-inflammation index, Pan-immune-inflammation value, Colostomy, Albumin.

Fournier's gangrene with retroperitoneal extension in an immunocompetent patient.

A male patient in his 80s presented with the classic signs of Fournier's gangrene. At his initial debridement, an unusual florid involvement of the right cord was noted requiring a right inguinal orchidectomy in addition to extensive debridement. Although he subsequently stabilised in the intensive care unit, his inflammatory markers were noted to uptrend again requiring a relook procedure which revealed evidence of progressive necrosis in the right inguinal region. After further debridement, a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis revealed intra-abdominal extension of the disease process with a retroperitoneal collection adjacent to the caecum-a rare complication of Fournier's gangrene. This required open surgical drainage for adequate disease control. He subsequently underwent split skin grafting prior to discharge to a rehabilitation facility.

Conservative management of scrotal pyoceles - A case series and literature review.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: We describe the common presenting signs and symptoms, treatment modalities, and outcomes of acutely presenting scrotal pyoceles. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective chart review of all adult patients treated for ultrasound-confirmed scrotal pyoceles between 2010 and 2020 at two sites within the [redacted]. Vitals at presentation, microbiology, and inpatient courses including antibiotic treatment and surgical procedures were collected. RESULTS: A total of 360 scrotal ultrasounds were reviewed identifying 15 patients with pyoceles, 11 patients presenting to the emergency department and 4 hospitalized patients. The most common chief complaint was testicular pain (67%). Only seven patients (47%) met SIRS criteria upon presentation. All patients were initially treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics and observation; 11 (73%) responded to this management alone, while four patients (27%) required surgical drainage due to persistent infection. No patients contracted Fournier's gangrene. CONCLUSION: This study reports the largest published database of scrotal pyoceles to date and describes our clinical approach to management. While pyoceles have traditionally been treated aggressively with surgical drainage, this case series suggests that most patients improve with broad-spectrum antibiotic treatment and observation alone, requiring surgical drainage if infection persists. Future investigations including multi-institutional data will be necessary to validate our institution's approach.

Abdominal Extension of Fournier Gangrene From Undiagnosed Crohn's Disease: A Case Report.

Cellulitis and abscess are common skin infections in military populations. Although complications of necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTIs) such as Fournier Gangrene (FG) are rare, they are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Laboratory and radiological studies may aid in the evaluation of NSTI; however, focus should remain on physical examination and prompt surgical consultation, as these infections can spread rapidly with significant increases in mortality with delayed management. We present the case of a 37-year-old male soldier with reported history of two distant left inguinal hernia repairs, complaining of increasing buttock pain despite outpatient antibiotic therapy for perineal cellulitis from his primary clinician. Despite normal vital signs and low risk from established NSTI calculator scores, examination revealed crepitus and severe tenderness extending from the buttock through the perineum and scrotum characteristic of FG. Preoperative computed tomography found additional spread of subcutaneous air from these areas into the lower abdomen, likely facilitated by the previously repaired left inguinal hernia. Surgical management necessitated debridement, multiple washouts, and ileostomy. Follow-up evaluations revealed previously undiagnosed Crohn's disease with fistula-in-ano as the inciting factor.

Procalcitonin as prognostic factor in patients with Fournier's gangrene.

INTRODUCTION: Fournier's Gangrene (FG) has still a mortality rate up to 45%. Several studies identified prognostic factors but there is a knowledge gap concerning procalcitonin (PCT) levels and mortality risk in FG. This study is aimed to assess the role of PCT as prognostic factor in FG. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The medical records of 20 male FG patients admitted at the Department of Urology of "Cattinara" Hospital, University of Trieste between January 2019 and November 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical, demographic, microbiological data were collected. The Fournier's Gangrene Severity Index (FGSI) was calculated for each patient. RESULTS: Thirteen (65%) of 20 patients survived. Median age was 58 years (IQR 51-88), 15 patients (75%) had a Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) score ⩾2, 1 (5%) equal to 0, 4 to 1 (20%). Median FGSI score was 6 (IQR 2-12) and median PCT 0.8 ng/ml (IQR 0.04-2.12). At multivariate analysis PCT levels >0.05 ng/ml were associated with an increased overall mortality risk (OR 2.14, CI 1.25-4.27, p = 0.002). CCI score ⩾2 (OR 1.51, CI 1.01-2.59, p = 0.04), Streptococcical etiology (OR 3.41, CI 2.49-4.61, p = 0.002) and FGSI score >9 (OR 1.41, CI 1.19-2.21, p = 0.004) were associated with unfavorable outcome. CONCLUSION: PCT might be a prognostic factor in FG. CCI and FGSI are useful tools in mortality risk stratification. Streptococcical etiology is associated with unfavorable outcome. Further larger clinical trials are pending.