Necrotizing fasciitis: The importance of early diagnosis, prompt surgical debridement and adjuvant therapy

Background: Necrotizing Fasciitis (NF) is a necrotizing soft tissue infection involving the fascia and subcutaneous tissue that can cause rapid local tissue necrosis and life-threatening severe sepsis. Aim: This article aims to review the aetiopathogenesis, investigations and management based on a literature review. Methods and Materials: The Medline literature search of relevant articles restricted to English language on necrotizing fasciitis was conducted and reviewed. Results: Necrotizing fasciitis is rare with an incidence ranging from 0.15 to 0.55 cases per 100,000 of the population. Accurate assessment and timely intervention are critical in the treatment of patients affected with NF. Understanding the history and unique characteristics of this disease is crucial to achieve early recognition, effective treatment and a favorable outcome. Classic symptoms include severe pain out of proportion to local findings, erythema, mottling, crepitus, skin anesthesia, warmth, tenderness, hemorrhagic bullous formation, edema in the affected area and fever. Predisposing conditions of NF are classified into 2 main categories (type I and II) based on causative microorganisms. Radical surgical debridement, broad spectrum antibiotics, negative pressure wound dressings, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy are considered to be the cornerstone of treatment. The mortality rate ranges widely from 10% to 75% and is related to delay in initial debridement, patient age of more than 60 years, associated hypotension, acidosis, bacteremia, renal failure, hyponatremia, peripheral vascular disease, myonecrosis and myositis. Conclusion: Necrotizing fasciitis is a devastating infection of the fascia and subcutaneous tissue. The presentation of the disease is nonspecific and variable. Delay in recognition and effective treatment increases the mortality. Prompt radical surgical debridement, appropriate antibiotics and adjuvant therapy contribute to an improved outcome.