Conservative management of necrotizing fasciitis of the eyelids

Abstract

Objective: To describe the management of patients with necrotizing fasciitis of the eyelids.

Design: Retrospective, noncomparative interventional case series.

Participants: Seven patients with necrotizing fasciitis limited to the eyelids.

Methods: Retrospective review of the charts and photographs of seven patients with necrotizing fasciitis limited to the eyelids.

Main outcome measures: Eyelid function and appearance, mortality, and morbidity.

Results: Seven of seven patients had good eyelid function and adequate appearance without reconstruction after healing. No deaths occurred.

Conclusions: Eyelid necrosis due to necrotizing fasciitis can be a devastating condition. The morbidity and mortality of selected cases are reduced with prompt and appropriate antimicrobial therapy and nonaggressive debridement of necrotic tissue after autodemarcation of the necrotic zone.