Necrotizing soft tissue infections

Abstract

Purpose of review: The purpose of this review is to consider recent advances in the definition, pathogenesis, diagnostic criteria, and treatment of necrotizing soft tissue infections.

Recent findings: The efficacy of early surgical debridement combined with antimicrobial therapy, close monitoring and physiologic support is strongly demonstrated. Novel therapeutic strategies including vacuum-assisted wound-closure therapy and intravenous immunoglobulin have been described.

Summary: Necrotizing soft-tissue infection is a rare infection of the subcutaneous tissue and fascia that is often associated with sepsis and can progress rapidly with a possible fatal outcome. Although the cause is not yet understood fully, patients often have a prior history of a small, trivial trauma, wound, or scratch. Establishing the diagnosis can be the main challenge in treating patients, and knowledge of all available tools is key for early and accurate diagnosis.