Necrotising Fasciitis Flashcards
What is necrotising fasciitis?
Life-threatening infection of the subcutaneous soft tissue
How does necrotising fasciitis spread?
It spreads along the fascial planes but not the underlying muscle.
How can necrotising fasciitis be classified?
Type 1 and Type 2
What is type 1 necrotising fasciitis caused by?
Mixed anaerobes and aerobes (often occurs post-surgery in diabetics)
Most common type
What is type 2 necrotising fasciitis caused by?
Streptococcus pyogenes
What are the main RF for necrotising fasciitis?
skin factors: recent trauma, burns or soft tissue infections
diabetes mellitus
intravenous drug use
immunosuppression
What is the most common medcial condition cause associated with necrotising fasciitis?
Diabetes mellitus
Especially if managed with SGLT-2
What is the most common site on the body affected by necrotising fasciitis?
Perineum-Fournier’s gangrene
What is used in the management of necrotising fasciitis?
Urgent surgical referral
Debridement
Intravenous antibiotics
What can be used to confirm the diagnosis of necrotising fasciitis?
MRI/CT
What are the main presenting features of necrotising fasciitis?
pain, swelling, erythema at the affected site
Rapidly worsening cellulitis with pain out of keeping with physical features
What are the late signs of necrotising fasciitis?
skin necrosis
Crepitus
Gas gangrene
What can occur over the area of necrotising fasciitis?
extremely tender over infected tissue with hypoaesthesia to light touch
What is the prognosis of necrotising fasciitis?
Average mortality of 20%
How will the area appear in teh early stages of necrotising fasciitis?
Oedema can be the only sign initially
Then blistering and erythematous
