Necrotizing fasciitis: analysis of 48 cases in South Auckland, New Zealand

Abstract

Background: To assess the presentation, management and risk factors for mortality in necrotizing fasciitis at Middlemore Hospital in South Auckland, New Zealand.

Methods: A retrospective review of the medical records of patients presenting to Middlemore Hospital over a 6-year period (1997-2002) with a diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis.

Results: Forty eight patients were identified. There were 27 men and 21 women whose age ranged from 19 to 80 years (median 51 years) at presentation. Maori and Pacific Islanders accounted for 64% of total admissions despite making up only 31% of the referral population. Streptococcus Pyogenes was the most common bacterial isolate (54%). 31% of patients had polymicrobial infections. Sixty-two per cent of cases involved extremities. The median number of operations and length of stay were 4 and 31 days, respectively. Overall mortality was 29%. In multivariate analysis, delay in surgical intervention (P = 0.015) and diabetes mellitus (P = 0.023) were found to be associated with increased mortality. Ethnicity, sex, type of pathogen, site of infection and increasing age did not affect mortality.

Conclusion: Necrotizing fasciitis remains a significant problem in our community especially in the Maori and Pacific population. Early surgical debridement decreases mortality rates.