153: Necrotizing Fasciitis Flashcards
What characterizes necrotizing fasciitis?
Necrotizing fasciitis is characterized by rapid progression of infection, spreading along the fascial plane, leading to progressive necrosis and high mortality rates if not diagnosed and managed promptly.
What are the common predisposing comorbidities associated with necrotizing fasciitis?
Common predisposing comorbidities include diabetes, cardiovascular disease, IV drug abuse, peripheral vascular disease, venous stasis, obesity, smoking, alcohol abuse, cirrhosis, malignancy, corticosteroid use, and chronic kidney disease.
What is the typical source of bacterial introduction in necrotizing fasciitis cases?
The majority of necrotizing fasciitis cases are community acquired via bacterial introduction through a break in the skin. In some cases, the site of bacterial introduction is never identified.
What are the clinical scenarios where polymicrobial infections are particularly high in necrotizing fasciitis?
Polymicrobial infections are particularly high in bowel-associated infections, decubitus ulcers, IV drug users, and spread from genital sites.
What is the most likely source of infection for a patient with necrotizing fasciitis and a history of recent abdominal surgery?
The most likely source of infection is bowel-associated, such as a perianal abscess or penetrating abdominal trauma.
How does corticosteroid use predispose to necrotizing fasciitis?
Corticosteroid use suppresses the immune system, increasing susceptibility to infections like necrotizing fasciitis.
What is the most likely site of infection for a patient with necrotizing fasciitis and a history of recent episiotomy?
The most likely site of infection is along the uterus or at the episiotomy site.
How does alcohol abuse predispose to necrotizing fasciitis?
Alcohol abuse impairs immune function and liver function, increasing susceptibility to infections like necrotizing fasciitis.
How does venous stasis predispose to necrotizing fasciitis?
Venous stasis leads to poor circulation and tissue hypoxia, creating an environment conducive to infection.
How does smoking predispose to necrotizing fasciitis?
Smoking impairs vascular function and immune response, increasing susceptibility to infections like necrotizing fasciitis.
How does malignancy predispose to necrotizing fasciitis?
Malignancy can lead to immunosuppression and tissue breakdown, increasing susceptibility to infections like necrotizing fasciitis.
How does chronic kidney disease predispose to necrotizing fasciitis?
Chronic kidney disease impairs immune function and wound healing, increasing susceptibility to infections like necrotizing fasciitis.
How does cirrhosis predispose to necrotizing fasciitis?
Cirrhosis impairs immune function and liver detoxification, increasing susceptibility to infections like necrotizing fasciitis.
How does obesity predispose to necrotizing fasciitis?
Obesity is associated with poor circulation and immune dysfunction, increasing susceptibility to infections like necrotizing fasciitis.
How does peripheral vascular disease predispose to necrotizing fasciitis?
Peripheral vascular disease leads to poor circulation and tissue hypoxia, creating an environment conducive to infection.
How does diabetes predispose to necrotizing fasciitis?
Diabetes impairs immune function and wound healing, increasing susceptibility to infections like necrotizing fasciitis.
How does cardiovascular disease predispose to necrotizing fasciitis?
Cardiovascular disease impairs circulation and tissue oxygenation, increasing susceptibility to infections like necrotizing fasciitis.
How does IV drug use predispose to necrotizing fasciitis?
IV drug use introduces pathogens directly into the bloodstream or tissues, increasing the risk of infections like necrotizing fasciitis.
What was the average number of admissions for necrotizing soft-tissue infections in the United States from 1998 to 2010?
The average was between 3800 to 5800 admissions annually.
What was the prevalence of pediatric necrotizing fasciitis between 2010 and 2015?
It was 0.8 per 1 million patient-years.
What role do bacterial enzymes play in necrotizing fasciitis?
Bacterial enzymes assist in tissue breakdown and rapid progression of the disease.
What is the significance of polymicrobial infections in necrotizing fasciitis?
They are often polymicrobial with up to 5 pathogens identified in many cases.
What are the early cutaneous features of necrotizing fasciitis?
Early features include erythema, pain, and surrounding edema that mimic classic cellulitis.
What systemic symptoms may arise as necrotizing fasciitis progresses?
Early complaints include malaise, fever, nausea, and vomiting. As the condition worsens, patients may experience tachycardia, disorientation, and lethargy.
What are the four major subtypes of necrotizing fasciitis based on microbial pathogens?
Type I: Polymicrobial infections; Type II: Monomicrobial infections; Type III: Infections caused by Vibrio spp.; Synergistic Necrotizing Cellulitis: Type I with necrosis extending to muscle.
What is Fournier Gangrene?
Fournier Gangrene is localized to the genitalia, perineum, anus, and occasionally the skin of the lower abdomen.
What is the common age range for patients presenting with Fournier Gangrene?
Generally between 50 to 60 years old.
What are the stages of cervical and craniofacial necrotizing fasciitis?
Stage 1: Tenderness, erythema, swelling, and heat; Stage 2: Blistering and bullae; Stage 3: Crepitus, anesthesia, and skin necrosis.
What is the significance of the progression from severe pain to anesthesia in necrotizing fasciitis?
The progression indicates nerve damage due to tissue necrosis, a hallmark of advanced necrotizing fasciitis.
What is the most common isolate in community-acquired necrotizing soft-tissue infections?
Streptococcus pyogenes.
What are the early cutaneous features of necrotizing fasciitis?
Early cutaneous features include erythema, pain, and surrounding edema that mimic classic cellulitis.
How do the cutaneous features of necrotizing fasciitis progress as the disease advances?
As the disease progresses, more dramatic changes in color occur, development of bullae, and eventually gangrenous or necrotic changes of the skin and subcutaneous tissues.
What systemic symptoms arise as necrotizing fasciitis progresses?
Systemic symptoms include malaise, fever, nausea, and vomiting, eventually leading to tachycardia, disorientation, and lethargy.
What is the classification of necrotizing fasciitis based on microbial pathogens?
Necrotizing fasciitis is classified into Type I (polymicrobial infections) and Type II (monomicrobial infections).
What are the clinical features and staging of cervical and craniofacial necrotizing fasciitis?
Stage 1: tenderness, erythema, swelling, and heat; Stage 2: blistering and bullae; Stage 3: crepitus, anesthesia, and skin necrosis.
What is Fournier gangrene and its typical clinical features?
Fournier gangrene is localized to the genitalia, perineum, anus, and occasionally the lower abdomen, typically presenting in patients aged 50 to 60 years.
What is the gold standard for diagnosing necrotizing fasciitis?
The gold standard for diagnosis is surgical consultation and exploration of the concerning site.
What are the key clinical features that suggest necrotizing fasciitis?
Key clinical features include erythema, edema, and pain involving the genitalia and surrounding skin, along with systemic symptoms.
What is the role of the LRINEC scoring system in necrotizing fasciitis?
The LRINEC scoring system helps detect early cases of necrotizing fasciitis, with a score of 6 points or more indicating high suspicion.
What are the mortality rates associated with necrotizing fasciitis?
Adult mortality rates range from 20% to 30%, while pediatric mortality rates are approximately 10% to 15%.
What surgical intervention is often considered for patients with extensive rectal involvement in necrotizing fasciitis?
For patients with extensive rectal involvement, diverting colostomy can be considered.
What is the most likely diagnosis for a patient with erythema, edema, and severe pain in the lower extremity?
The most likely diagnosis is necrotizing fasciitis, with the next step being immediate surgical consultation.
What is the diagnosis for a patient with erythema, edema, and pain in the genital area who is febrile and hypotensive?
The diagnosis is Fournier gangrene, and a CT scan can help delineate the extent of involvement.
What does a LRINEC score of 7 indicate?
A LRINEC score of 7 indicates a high likelihood of necrotizing fasciitis, with the next step being immediate surgical intervention.
What additional surgical procedure might be considered for a patient with necrotizing fasciitis involving the perineum?
A diverting colostomy might be considered to minimize fecal contamination.
What does a gray, dusky, edematous fascial plane on surgical exploration confirm?
This finding confirms the diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis.
What does a LRINEC score of 4 indicate?
A LRINEC score of 4 indicates a low likelihood of necrotizing fasciitis.
What is the mainstay of therapy for necrotizing fasciitis?
The mainstay of therapy is rapid surgical intervention.