[Necrotizing fasciitis: diagnosis and treatments]

Abstract

The necrotizing fasciitis is a medico-surgical emergency, characterized by the rapid speard of the infection in the subcutaneous tissue, involving fascia superficialis. Peaucity of cutaneous findings early in the course of the disease makes diagnosis a challenge for physician. Pain out of proportion to clinical findings, fever and signs of systemic toxicity are the keys in identification of necrotizing fasciitis. Delayed diagnosis lead to sepsis syndrom and/or multiple organ failure and correlate with poor oucome. Radiolographs, CT-scan or MRI are main radiologic studies, but such procedures should never delay surgical intervention. Intravenous antibiotics, fluid and electrolyte management and analgesia are needed in addition to radical debridment. Clindamycin, hyperbaric oxygen therapy and intravenous immunoglobulins are discussed treatments. Only prompt recognition and immediat care warrant a lower mortality and morbidity for this life-threatening infection.