Necrotising Fasciitis Flashcards
What is necrotising fasciitis.
It is a fulminant, rapidly progressive infection of the deep fascia causing necrosis of subcutaneous tissue.
What is needed in necrotising fasciitis. (2)
Prompt recognition (difficult in the early stages). Early treatment.
When should you get early surgical help.
In any atypical cellulitis.
What are the symptoms of necrotising fasciitis. (2)
Intense pain over affected skin and underlying muscle.
What is a major cause of necrotising fasciitis. (2)
Beta haemolytic streptococci.
Although infection is often polymicrobial.
What is Fournier’s gangrene.
It is necrotising fasciitis localized to the scrotum and perineum.
What does necrotising fasciitis do.
Widespread tissue destruction.
What are the two broad categories of necrotising fasciitis. (2)
Type 1.
Type 2.
What is type 1 necrotising fasciitis caused by.
Caused by a mixture of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria.
What is type 2 necrotising fasciitis caused by.
Group A streptococci.
Who is at risk of type 1 necrotising fasciitis. (2)
Following abdominal surgery.
Diabetics.
Who is at risk of type 2 necrotising fasciitis.
It tends to arise spontaneously in previously healthy people.
What are some associated features of necrotising fasciitis infection. (4)
Initial infection is rapidly followed by tissue necrosis.
It tracts rapidly along the tissue planes, causing spreading erythema, pain and sometimes crepitus.
What is seen on the blood results of a patient with necrotising fasciitis. (2)
High CRP.
Raised WCC.
What is a common complication of necrotising fasciitis.
Multiorgan failure.
