Necrotising Fasciitis

Question 1

what is necrotising fasciitis

Answer 1

Necrotising fasciitis is a life-threatening infection of the subcutaneous soft tissue, with spread along the fascial planes but not the underlying muscle

Question 2

presenting symptoms

Answer 2

Patients present with rapidly spreading cellulitis and are systemically very unwell. There is often a history of risk factors i.e. a cutaneous portal of entry for the bacteria (trauma/surgery).

On physical examination the affected region will be blistering and erythematous. In early stages mild oedema may be the only sign. There will either be severe pain or anaesthesia over the site of cellulitis. In advanced cases, the skin may be grey, with overlying crepitus. The patient is typically pyrexial, tachycardic, tachypnoeic, and hypotensive.

Question 3

what is the management of necrotising fasciitis

Answer 3

haemodynamic support, urgent debridement surgery, and broad-spectrum antibiotics

Question 4

what bacteria causes necrotising fasciitis

Answer 4

streptococcus