Necrotising Fasciitis Flashcards
1
Q
Define:
A
Life-threatening infection of the deep fascia causing necrosis of the subcutaneous tissue
2
Q
Aetiology:
A
usually polymicrobial involving streptococci, staphylococci, bacteriodes and coliforms
3
Q
Risk factors;
A
Diabetes
peripheral vascular disease
surgical or puncture wounds
immunocompromised
steroid use
trauma
leg ulcers
malignancy
4
Q
Epidemiology:
A
Rare
5
Q
Symptoms:
A
PAIN - usually severe and out of proportion of the physical signs
may have a predisposing event such as:
- trauma
- ulcer
- surgery
6
Q
Signs:
A
erythema and oedema
may have haemorrhagic blisters
signs of systemic inflammation and sepsis (hypotension, high/low temp and tachypnea)
7
Q
investigations:
A
Bloods:
- FBC
- Glucose
- culture
- U+E’s
- CRP
wound swab/fluid aspirate
X-ray of the affected area
