Pandey A, Gangopadhyay AN, Sharma SP, Kumar V, Gopal SC, Gupta DK. Surgical considerations in pediatric necrotizing fasciitis.
J Indian Assoc Pediatr Surg 2011;
14:19-23. [PMID:
20177439 PMCID:
PMC2809457 DOI:
10.4103/0971-9261.54816]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a serious infection of soft tissues. This paper presents experience with pediatric NF and suitability of conservative surgery in its management.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
In this retrospective study, 70 patients of NF were managed during the study period of eight years. The study was divided into two time periods- first period (June 1998 to June 2001- group 1) and second period (June 2001 to June 2006- group 2). The parameters studied were age, sex, site of involvement and treatment. The treatment included intravenous antibiotics, supportive therapy and either aggressive (group 1) or conservative surgery (group 2).
RESULTS
Age of presentation ranged from 10 days to 11 years. Male to female ratio was 1.69:1. Back was the commonest site to be involved. Culture reports were polymicrobial in 70% with predominance of Staphylococcus species. Predisposing factors included malnourishment, boils, scratch injury, intravenous cannulation and injections. Conservative surgery had better outcome in terms of hospital stay, complications and cost of treatment.
CONCLUSION
NF is a serious and disease which requires immediate and all out attention. Early diagnosis, aggressive supportive treatment and conservative surgery improve survival.
Collapse