Health-Related Quality of Life Is Decreased After Necrotizing Soft-Tissue Infections

IDENTIFICATION OF POTENTIALLY MODIFIABLE FACTORS TO IMPROVE RECOGNITION AND OUTCOME OF NECROTIZING SOFT-TISSUE INFECTIONS

ABSTRACT

Background : Necrotizing soft-tissue infections (NSTIs) present a surgical emergency of increasing incidence, which is often misdiagnosed and associated with substantial mortality and morbidity. A retrospective multicenter (11 hospitals) cohort study was initiated to identify the early predictors of misdiagnosis, mortality, and morbidity (skin defect size and amputation). Methods : Patients of all ages who presented with symptoms and were admitted for acute treatment of NSTIs between January 2013 and December 2017 were included. Generalized estimating equation analysis was used to identify early predictors (available before or during the first debridement surgery), with a significance level of P < 0.05. Results : The median age of the cohort (N = 216) was 59.5 (interquartile range = 23.6) years, of which 138 patients (63.9%) were male. Necrotizing soft-tissue infections most frequently originated in the legs (31.0%) and anogenital area (30.5%). More than half of the patients (n = 114, 54.3%) were initially misdiagnosed. Thirty-day mortality was 22.9%. Amputation of an extremity was performed in 26 patients (12.5%). Misdiagnosis was more likely in patients with a higher Charlson Comorbidity Index (β = 0.20, P = 0.001), and less likely when symptoms started in the anogenital area (β = -1.20, P = 0.003). Besides the established risk factors for mortality (septic shock and age), misdiagnosis was identified as an independent predictor of 30-day mortality (β = 1.03, P = 0.01). The strongest predictors of the final skin defect size were septic shock (β = 2.88, P < 0.001) and a skin-sparing approach to debridement (β = -1.79, P = 0.002). Conclusion : Recognition of the disease is essential for the survival of patients affected by NSTI, as is adequate treatment of septic shock. The application of a skin-sparing approach to surgical debridement may decrease morbidity.

Quality of Life After Intensive Care Unit Admittance for Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections Is Deemed Acceptable for Patients

Background: Because mortality and amputation rates are declining for necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTIs), this study aimed to assesses the self-reported one-year quality of life (QoL) of severely ill patients with NSTI who survived beyond the intensive care unit (ICU). Patients and Methods: A retrospective cohort study of patients with NSTI admitted to the ICU between 2010 and 2019 was conducted. A year after ICU discharge, QoL was assessed using the three-level EuroQol five-dimensions (EQ-5D-3L) questionnaire, Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) questionnaires, and pain scales. Furthermore, willingness to undergo ICU admission again if needed was reviewed. Results: Twenty-nine (of 38) patients with NSTI survived their hospitalization (76%). During the one-year follow-up, three patients died (8%; one-year survival 68%). Nineteen patients filled out the questionnaires (73%). The median EQ-5D-3L index score was 0.775 (interquartile range [IQR], 0.687-0.843). The domains reported most to cause impairment were "usual activity" and "pain/discomfort." Patients had a median pain score of five (of 10; IQR, 1-6) and two patients (15%; of 13) scored "clinical concern for PTSD.". Eighty-five percent of the patients would undergo the ICU treatment again if needed. Conclusions: The one-year QoL of ICU-admitted patients with NSTI varies widely, however, the overall QoL and one-year survival was similar to other ICU patients who underwent acute surgery and the QoL was slightly lower than the general ICU population. Most patients experience problems with daily activity and pain, but this does not mean that patients with NSTI automatically had poor self-reported quality of life or unwillingness to undergo ICU treatment again if needed.

The Role of Burn Centers in the Treatment of Necrotizing Soft-Tissue Infections: A Nationwide Dutch Study

Patients with extensive and complex wounds due to Necrotizing Soft-Tissue Infections (NSTI) may be referred to a burn center. This study describes the characteristics, outcomes, as well as diagnostic challenges of these patients. Patients admitted to three hospitals with a burn center for the treatment of NSTI in a 5-year period were included. Eighty patients (median age 54 years, 60% male) were identified, of whom 30 (38%) were referred by other centers, usually after survival of the initial septic phase. Those referred from other centers, compared to those primarily admitted to the study hospitals, were more likely to have group A streptococcal involvement (62% vs 35%, p = .02), larger wounds (median 7% vs 2% total body surface area, p < .001), and a longer length of stay (median 49 vs 22 days, p < .001). Despite a high incidence of septic shock (50%), the mortality rate was low (12%) for those primarily admitted. Approximately half (53%) of the patients were initially misdiagnosed upon presentation, which was associated with delay to first surgery (16 hours vs 4 hours, p < .001). Those initially misdiagnosed had more (severe) comorbidities, and less frequently reported pain or blue livid discoloration of the skin. This study underlines the burn centers' function as referral centers for extensively affected patients with NSTI. Besides the unique wound and reconstructive expertise, the low mortality rate indicates these centers provide adequate acute care as well. A major remaining challenge remains recognition of the disease upon presentation. Future studies in which factors associated with misdiagnosis are explored are needed.

The Use of Intact Fish Skin Grafts in the Treatment of Necrotizing Fasciitis of the Leg: Early Clinical Experience and Literature Review on Indications for Intact Fish Skin Grafts

BACKGROUND

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a serious infectious disease that can initially place the patient's life in danger and, after successful surgical and antibiotic treatment, leaves extensive wounds with sometimes even exposed bones and tendons. Autologous skin grafts are not always possible or require adequate wound bed preparation. Novel intact fish skin grafts (iFSGs; Kerecis® Omega3 Wound, Kerecis hf, Isafjördur, Iceland) have already shown their potential to promote granulation in many other wound situations. Faster wound healing rates and better functional and cosmetic outcomes were observed due to their additionally postulated anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Therefore, iFSGs may also be essential in treating NF. We present our initial experience with iFSGs in treating leg wounds after NF and review the literature for the current spectrum of clinical use of iFSGs.

CASE PRESENTATIONS

We present two male patients (aged 60 and 69 years) with chronic or acute postsurgical extensive leg ulcers six weeks and six days after necrotizing fasciitis, respectively. Both suffered from diabetes mellitus without vascular pathologies of the lower limbs. A single application of one pre-meshed (Kerecis® Graftguide) and one self-meshed 300 cm2 iFSG (Kerecis® Surgiclose) was performed in our operation room after extensive surgical debridement and single circles of negative wound pressure therapy. Application and handling were easy. An excellent wound granulation was observed, even in uncovered tibia bone and tendons, accompanied by pain relief in both patients. Neither complications nor allergic reactions occurred. The patients received autologous skin grafting with excellent functional and cosmetic outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

iFSGs have the potential to play a significant role in the future treatment of NF due to the fast promotion of wound granulation and pain relief. Our experience may encourage surgeons to use iFSGs in NF patients, although high-quality, large-sized studies are still required to confirm these results. The observed effects of iFSGs on wounds associated with NF may be transferred to other wound etiologies as well.

The impact of necrotizing soft tissue infections on the lives of survivors: a qualitative study

PURPOSE

Necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTI) are potentially lethal infections marked by local tissue destruction and systemic sepsis, which require aggressive treatment. Survivors often face a long recovery trajectory. This study was initiated to increase understanding of the long-term impact of NSTI on health related quality of life (HRQoL), and how care may be improved.

METHODS

Thematic analysis was applied to qualitative data from 25 NSTI-survivors obtained through two focus groups (n = 14) and semi-structured interviews (n = 11).

RESULTS

The median age of the participants was 49 years, 14 were female. The median time since diagnosis was 5 years. Initial misdiagnosis was common, causing delay to treatment. Survivors experienced long-term physical consequences (scarring, cognitive impairment, fatigue, sleeping problems, recurrent infections), psychological consequences (traumatic stress symptoms, fear of relapse, adjusting to an altered appearance, sexual issues) and social and relational consequences (changes in social contacts, a lack of understanding). The disease also had a major psychological impact on family members, as well as major financial impact in some. There was a strong desire to reflect on 'mistakes' in case of initial misdiagnosis. To improve care, patient and family centered care, smooth transitions after discharge, and the availability of understandable information were deemed important.

CONCLUSION

This study reveals that NSTI have a large impact on physical and psychosocial wellbeing of survivors and their relatives. Except for a few differences (misdiagnosis, fear for re-infection and actual re-infection), the patient experience of patients with NSTI is largely similar to those of burn survivors. Thus, questionnaires to assess HRQoL in burn survivors may be used in future NSTI studies.

Vacuum-assisted closure versus conventional dressing in necrotizing fasciitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Necrotizing fasciitis is a rapid and severe soft tissue infection that targets subcutaneous fat tissue, muscle, and fascia. This study compares the clinical outcomes of vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) versus conventional dressing on necrotizing fasciitis.

METHODS

We systematically searched Embase, Cochrane, and PubMed for clinical trials (published between January 1, 1995 and September 30, 2021), which compared VAC with conventional dressing for necrotizing fasciitis. The mortality rate of necrotizing fasciitis was the primary outcome of this study. The number of debridements, the total length of hospital stay, and the complication rate were secondary outcomes. A random effects model assessed all pooled data.

RESULTS

A total of 230 identified studies and seven controlled clinical trials met the inclusion criteria and were included in this analysis (n = 249 participants). Compared to the conventional dressing, patients treated with VAC had a significantly lower mortality rate [OR = 0.27, 95% CI (0.09, 0.87)] (P = 0.03). Total length of hospital stays [MD = 8.46, 95% CI (- 0.53, 17.45)] (P = 0.07), number of debridements [MD = 0.86, 95% CI (- 0.58, 2.30)] (P = 0.24), and complication rate [OR = 0.64, 95% CI (0.07, 5.94)] (P = 0.69) were not significant. These results did not show significant differences between both groups treated with VAC or conventional treatment.

CONCLUSION

VAC could significantly decrease the death rate compared to conventional dressing. No significant impacts were found on the number of debridements, the total length of hospital stay, and the complication rate in this study. Level of evidence Level-III. Registration Research Registry (reviewregistry1246).

Practice Patterns in Fournier's Gangrene in Europe and Implications for a Prospective Registry Study

BACKGROUND

Fournier's gangrene (FG) is a life-threatening, necrotizing infection. Due to the rareness of the disease, it is challenging to plan robust prospective studies. This study aims to describe current practice patterns of FG in Europe and identify implications for planning a prospective FG registry.

METHODS

Online non-validated 17-items survey among urologists treating FG in in European hospitals. Questionnaires were analyzed with LimeSurvey (LimeSurvey GmbH Hamburg, Germany).

RESULTS

229 responses from ten different European countries were submitted, and 117 (51.1%) urologists completed the questionnaire. The departments treat a mean of 4.2 (SD 3.11) patients per year. The urology department mostly takes the lead in treating FG patients (n = 113; 96.6%). The practice in FG is very heterogenic and mostly case-based all over Europe, e.g., vacuum-assisted wound closure (VAC) is mostly used (n = 50; 42.7%) as adjunct wound. The biggest challenges in FG are the short time to diagnosis and treatment, standardization and establishment of guidelines, and disease awareness. Additionally, participants stated that an international registry is an outstanding initiative, and predictive models are needed.

CONCLUSIONS

There is no standard of care in the diagnosis, treatment, and long-term care of FG all over Europe. Further research could be conducted with a prospective registry.

Impact of Comorbidities on the Cause of Death by Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections

Background: The aim of this study was to identify the cause of death in patients with necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTIs) stratified by patient's pre-existing comorbidities (American Society of Anesthesiologists [ASA] classification 3/4 vs. ASA 1/2). Differences in clinical presentation, mortality rate, and factors associated with mortality between those two comorbidity groups were investigated. Patients and Methods: A retrospective multicenter study of patients with NSTIs between 2010 and 2020 was conducted. The primary outcome was the cause of death within the first 30 days. Furthermore, factors associated with mortality were identified. All analysis were stratified by severity of comorbidities (ASA 1/2 or ASA 3/4). Results: Of the 187 patients, 39 patients (21%) died within 30 days. American Society of Anesthesiologists 1/2 patients (overall mortality rate, 11%) died more often as direct result of the infection compared with ASA 3/4 patients (overall mortality rate, 33%) (ASA 1/2 group: 92% vs. ASA 3/4 group: 48%; p = 0.013). American Society of Anesthesiologists 3/4 patients died more often due to withdrawal of life-sustaining therapies based on assumed poor outcome after severe critical illness (ASA 1/2 group: 52% vs. ASA 3/4 group: 8%; p = 0.013). Conclusions: Mortality rates of patients with NSTIs varied from 11% in previously healthy patients to 33% in patients with multiple or severe comorbidities. The predominant cause of mortality was overwhelming infection and associated sepsis in healthy patients whereas in patients with multiple or severe pre-existing medical disease, death most often occurred after treatment limitations based on patient's wishes and prognosis.

Impact of severe necrotizing fasciitis on quality of life in the Netherlands

PURPOSE

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a severe soft-tissue infection which can leave survivors with big and multiple disfiguring alterations to their bodies, which can negatively affect the lives of patients by causing functional limitations and altered self-perception. In this study we aim to find if NF affect (self-reported) quality of life (QoL) in patients surviving NF.

METHODS

All patients with (histopathological or surgical confirmed) NF who were admitted to the intensive care unit for 24 h or more between January 2003 and December 2017 in five hospitals from the Nijmegen teaching region were included. Quality of life was measured with the SF-36 and WHOQol-BREF. These results were compared to reference populations from the Netherlands and a Australian reference population.

RESULTS

44 out of 60 patients (73.3%) who were contacted returned the surveys and were eligible for analysis. These patients showed lowered levels of quality of life on multiple domains of the SF-36: physical functioning, role limitations due to physical health, vitality and general health. The physical domain of the WHOQol-BREF showed also significant lowered levels of quality of life.

CONCLUSION

NF is a severe illness with a high morbidity and mortality rate. This study shows that patients who do survive NF have decreased (self-reported) quality of life in multiple domains with a focus on decreased physical functioning. During and after admission realistic expectations should be discussed and there should be more attention to signs of permanent disability. That way extra support by a physiotherapist or social worker can be provided.

Characterization of Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections in Obese and Non-Obese Patients

Background: The impact of obesity on the pathogenesis and prognosis of necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTIs) is unclear. The goal of this study was to characterize differences in NSTI presentation and outcomes by obesity status. Patients and Methods: A retrospective analysis of institutional data for patients diagnosed with NSTIs were identified (n = 619; 2011-2020). Patients were divided based on obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 30 kg/m²) and non-obese (BMI <30 kg/m²). Primary outcomes included NSTI location, micro-organisms, and index hospitalization data. Multiple logistic regression was used to model predictors of in-hospital and 90-day mortality. Results: The obese cohort (n = 390; 63%) had higher rates of congestive heart failure and type 2 diabetes mellitus. There were no differences in length of stay, mortality, or discharge disposition between groups. A higher rate of respiratory failure was observed in the obese versus non-obese group (36.7% vs. 20.9%; p < 0.0005). The obese cohort was associated with perineal (40.8% vs. 27.0%) and torso NSTIs (20.9% vs. 15.8%; p < 0.005) but reduced staphylococcal (19.2% vs. 27.4%; p = 0.02) and group A streptococcal (2.6% vs. 6.5%; p = 0.03) infections, and increased polymicrobial infections. Class 2 obesity was a negative predictor for in-hospital mortality (odds ratio [OR], 0.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.03-0.5) and 90-day mortality (OR, 0.3; 95% CI, 0.1-0.8), when adjusting for demographic data, type of infection, and baseline comorbidities. Conclusions: Necrotizing soft tissue infections in obesity may present with unique distributions and microbial characteristics. Class 2 obesity may exhibit a survival benefit compared with non-obese patients, suggestive of an obesity paradox.

Approaches to Surgical Debridement in Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections: Outcomes of an Animated, Interactive Survey

Background

Necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTI) affect long-term quality of life in survivors. Different approaches to debridement may influence quality of life. The aim of this study was to assess the current practice of the debridement of NSTI in the Netherlands.

Methods

An animated, interactive online survey was distributed among general surgeons and plastic surgeons in the Netherlands. Two NSTI-cases were presented, followed by questions regarding the preferred surgical approach. Case one described a woman with a swollen, red leg, with signs of sepsis and without visible necrosis. Case two described an immunocompromised man with septic shock syndrome and extensive necrosis.

Results

In total 232 responses were included (143 general surgeons, 89 plastic surgeons). In case one, 32% chose to preserve all skin, while 17% chose to resect all skin above the affected fascia, including normal-looking skin. In case two, all participants resected necrotic skin, and most (88%) also blue discolored skin. While 32% did not resect more than blue discolored and necrotic skin, 35% also resected red-colored skin, and 21% all skin overlying the affected fascia, including normal colored skin. Respondents working in a hospital with a burn center tended to preserve more skin, whereas plastic surgeons chose more often for skin resection compared to general surgeons.

Conclusions

By using a novel approach to a survey, the authors demonstrate the existence of extensive practice variety regarding the approach to debridement of NSTI among Dutch general and plastic surgeons. Consensus is needed, followed by targeted education of surgeons.

Incidence and mortality of necrotizing fasciitis in The Netherlands: the impact of group A Streptococcus

BACKGROUND

Little is known about the exact incidence of necrotizing soft tissue infections. The few incidences reported in international literature are not directly relatable to the Netherlands, or other European countries, due to geographic heterogeneity in causative micro-organisms involved. This resulted in the aim of this study to map the incidence, mortality rate and hospital course of necrotizing fasciitis infections in the Netherlands to gain insight in the incidence of necrotizing fasciitis in the Netherlands and the associated mortality and health care burden.

METHODS

This nationwide retrospective database study used three distinct data sources to map the incidence of necrotizing fasciitis in the Netherlands between 2014 and 2019, being data from the Dutch Hospital Data (DHD) foundation, data from Osiris-AIZ, which is a database of notifiable diseases managed by regional Public Health Services (GGD) and the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), and previously published studies on necrotizing fasciitis conducted in the Netherlands.

RESULTS

The incidence of necrotizing fasciitis in the Netherlands is estimated to be approximately 1.1 to 1.4 cases per 100,000 person years, which corresponds to 193-238 patients per year. Of all necrotizing fasciitis infections, 34 to 42% are caused by the group A Streptococcus. Annually, 56 patients die as a result of a necrotizing fasciitis infection (mortality of 23-29%) and 26 patients undergo an amputation for source control (11-14%). Patients stay a mean of 6 to 7 days at the intensive care unit and have a mean hospital length of stay of 24 to 30 days.

CONCLUSION

The combination of nationwide databases provides reliable insight in the epidemiology of low-incidence and heterogenic diseases. In the Netherlands, necrotizing fasciitis is a rare disease with group A Streptococcus being the most common causative micro-organism of necrotizing fasciitis. The prior Dutch cohort studies on necrotizing fasciitis report slightly higher sample mortality rates, compared to the population mortality. However, necrotizing fasciitis remain associated with substantial morbidity and mortality, risk at amputation and health care burden characterized by prolonged ICU and hospital stay.

Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infection in the Elderly: Effect of Pre-Operative Factors on Mortality and Discharge Disposition

Background: Necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTIs) are rapidly progressing, life-threatening diseases associated with substantial morbidity and mortality, especially in patients 65 years or older. We aimed to evaluate clinical factors associated with mortality and discharge disposition after NSTIs in elderly patients. Patients and Methods: Retrospective data were obtained from the 2007-2017 American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality (ACS-NSQIP) database. Patients aged 65 years or older with a post-operative diagnosis of an NSTI (defined as gas gangrene, necrotizing fasciitis, or Fournier gangrene) were included. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to identify independent clinical and demographic factors associated with mortality and with discharge disposition. Results: A total of 1,460 patients were included. Median age was 71 years, 43% were females. Overall, 30-day mortality was 18.5% and 30-day morbidity was 63.6%. The most important predictors of mortality included pre-operative septic shock (odds ratio [OR], 6.36; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.61-11.18), pre-operative dialysis dependence (OR, 2.99; 95% CI, 1.77-5.05), coagulopathy (international normalized ratio [INR], >1.5, OR, 2.25; 95% CI, 1.51-3.37), hepatobiliary disease (bilirubin >1.0 mg/dL; OR, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.38-3.04) and aged 80 years or older (OR, 3.36; 95% CI, 2.08-5.44). Patients without any of these risk factors had a mortality of 7.3%. Predictors of discharge to inpatient rehabilitation or skilled care included age 80 years or older (OR, 2.49; 95% CI, 1.44-4.30), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) ≥3 (OR, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.03-4.05)] and amputation as opposed to debridement (OR, 2.53; 95% CI,1.48-4.32). Conclusions: We identified several pre-operative clinical factors that were associated with increased post-operative mortality and discharge to post-acute care. The next steps should focus on determining if optimization of modifiable predictors would improve mortality.

Long-term quality of life in necrotizing soft-tissue infection survivors: a monocentric prospective cohort study

Background

Compared to other life-threatening infection survivors, long-term health-related quality of life (QOL) of patients surviving necrotizing soft-tissue infections (NSTI) and its determinants are little known.

In this monocentric prospective cohort including NSTI survivors admitted between 2014 and 2017, QOL was assessed during a phone interview using the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD), the activity of daily living (ADL), instrumental ADL (IADL) scales and the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R). The primary outcome measure was the SF-36 physical component summary (PCS). NSTI patients were compared according to intensive care unit (ICU) admission status. ICU survivors were matched on SAPS II with non-NSTI related septic shock survivors.

Results

Forty-nine NSTI survivors were phone-interviewed and included in the study. Median PCS was decreased compared to the reference population [− 0.97 (− 2.27; − 0.08) SD]. Previous cardiac disease was the only variable associated with PCS alteration [multivariate regression coefficient: − 8.86 (− 17.64; − 0.07), p  =  0.048]. Of NSTI survivors, 15.2% had a HAD-D score  ≥  5 and 61.2% an IES-R score  ≥  33. ICU admission was not associated with lower PCS [35.21 (25.49–46.54) versus (vs) 41.82 (24.12–51.01), p  =  0.516], but with higher IES-R score [14 (7.5–34) vs 7 (3–18), p  =  0.035] and a higher proportion of HAD-D score  ≥  5 (28.6 vs 4.0%, p  =  0.036). Compared to non-NSTI septic shock-matched controls, NSTI patients had similar PCS [33.81 (24.58; − 44.39) vs 44.87 (26.71; − 56.01), p  =  0.706] but higher HAD-D [3.5 (1–7) vs 3 (1.5–6), p  =  0.048] and IES-R scores [18 (8–35) vs 8 (3–19), p  =  0.049].

Conclusions

Long-term QOL in NSTI survivors is severely impaired, similarly to that of non-NSTI septic shock patients for physical compartments, but with more frequent depressive and/or post-traumatic stress disorders. Only ICU admission and previous cardiac disease were predictive of QOL impairment.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13613-021-00891-9.

The Skin-Sparing Debridement Technique in Necrotizing Soft-Tissue Infections: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Skin-sparing debridement (SSd) was introduced as an alternative to en bloc debridement (EBd) to decrease morbidity caused by scars in patients surviving Necrotizing soft-tissue infections (NSTI). An overview of potential advantages and disadvantages is needed. The aim of this review was to assess (1) whether SSd is noninferior to EBd regarding general outcomes, that is, mortality, length of stay (LOS), complications, and (2) if SSd does indeed result in decreased skin defects.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines. All human studies describing patients treated with SSd were included, when at least of evidence level consecutive case series. Studies describing up to 20 patients were pooled to improve readability and prevent overemphasis of findings from single small studies.

RESULTS

Ten studies, one cohort study and nine case series, all classified as poor based on Chambers criteria for case series, were included. Compared to patients treated with EBd, patients treated with SSd had no increased mortality rate, LOS or complication rate. SSd-treated patients had a high rate (75%) of total delayed primary closure (DPC) in the pooled case series.

CONCLUSION

The current available evidence is of insufficient quality to conclude whether SSd is noninferior to EBd for all assessed outcomes. There are suggestions that SSd may result in a decreased need for skin transplants, which could potentially improve the (health related) quality of life in survivors. Experienced surgical teams could cautiously implement SSd under close monitoring, ideally with uniform outcome registry.

Health-related quality of life in necrotising soft tissue infection survivors: perspective from an Australian tertiary referral centre

BACKGROUND

Necrotising soft tissue infection (NSTI) is a life-threatening disease with widespread tissue destruction. Immediate and aggressive surgical debridement remains the main focus of treatment. This results in disfiguring scars, functional limitation and psychological sequelae for survivors. As mortality rate declines with improvements in care, a greater focus should be placed upon the psychological and functional outcomes of survivors. This study aims to assess the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients following NSTI using the Short Form-36 (SF-36) and Derriford Appearance Scale-24 (DAS-24).

METHODS

All NSTI patients admitted at our tertiary referral centre between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2019 were invited to complete the DAS-24 and SF-36 surveys. A retrospective chart review was also performed.

RESULTS

A total of 30 participants responded to the surveys. On comparison against the general Australian population, the NSTI cohort demonstrated significantly reduced physical and mental HRQoL as measured by the SF-36 (P < 0.001). Increased age was significantly associated with a reduced physical HRQoL (P = 0.002), while dysfunction with appearance as measured by the DAS-24 form correlated with both reduced physical and mental HRQoL (P = 0.020). A total of 79.3% of patients expressed concern regarding their appearance with a significantly higher level of distress at their appearance compared to a non-clinical population (P = 0.120).

CONCLUSION

Despite the rarity of NSTI, this study demonstrates that this disease has a large and persistent burden for survivors, who report significantly reduced HRQoL and distress with appearance. Further research into comprehensive physical and psychosocial services for NSTI survivors is required.

Estimating the Impact of Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections in the United States: Incidence and Re-Admissions

Background: Previous estimates of the incidence of necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTI) in the United States have substantial limitations and underestimate its occurrence. Improvements in hospital mortality after NSTI have increased the number of survivors at risk for long-term sequelae. This study estimates the incidence of NSTI and the burden of re-admission and associated healthcare spending in patients who survived admission for NSTI. Methods: Index admissions for NSTI were identified using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) codes combined with either Current Procedural Technology (CPT) or diagnosis-related group codes to increase specificity. Two separate datasets were used to provide primary and secondary estimates of the annual incidence of NSTIs in the United States: the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) for the years 2012-2016 and the Watson Health dataset for 2009-2013, respectively, and extrapolated to estimate the incidence for 2018. The Nationwide Readmissions Database (NRD) from 2013-2015 was used to estimate of the risk for re-admission, cost of re-admissions, and to compare 90-day re-admission rates for NSTI to common medical conditions. Results: National Inpatient Sample and Watson Health datasets demonstrated an increasing annual incidence and estimated 33,600 and 28,500 cases in 2018, respectively. The estimated annual incidences in the United States in 2018 were 10.3 and 8.7 per 100,000 persons, respectively. Risk of 90-day re-admission ranged from 24%-29% over the 3 years, 89% of which were unplanned. Of those re-admitted, 90% had one or more comorbidities, the most common diagnoses associated with re-admission were infection in 65%, acute kidney injury in 22%, and shock in 10%. The median re-admission length of stay was seven days (interquartile range [IQR]: 4-13 days) with a median cost of re-admission of $13,590 (IQR: $7186-$27440). Conclusion: The incidence of NSTI is more common than generally reported. Re-admission within 90 days is common, occurring in more than one in four survivors resulting in high healthcare costs.

Survival and Health-Related Quality of Life after Hospitalization for Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections of the Upper Extremity: A Long-Term Outcome Study

Introduction The main aim of the study was to investigate the survival and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) after hospitalization for necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTIs) of the upper extremity.

Materials and Methods A retrospective study with long-term follow-up of patients surviving NSTIs of the upper extremity was performed. Survival and HRQoL after hospital discharge were the primary outcomes. The HRQoL was measured using the 36-item Short Form (SF-36), EuroQoL-5D-5L (EQ-5D), Quick Disability of Shoulder, Arm and Hand (QuickDASH), and numeric rating scales (NRS) for satisfaction with appearance and pain.

Results A median of 6.5 years after hospitalization, 81% of the 108 patients survived. The response rate was 45% (n = 38). The SF-36 score was 80 (interquartile range [IQR]: 58–91), the EQ-5D score 1.4 (IQR: 1.2–2.2), the EuroQoL-Visual Analog Scale score 77 (IQR: 67-90), the QuickDASH score 13.6 (IQR: 2.3-30.7), the NRS for satisfaction with appearance 8 (IQR: 7–9), and NRS for pain 1 (IQR: 0-5).

Conclusion Six-and-a-half years after the NSTI, 81% of the patients were still alive. General health prior to the NSTI mainly influenced the risk at secondary mortality. In surviving patients, the HRQoL varied widely, but was adversely affected by female sex, intravenous drug use, NSTI type I or III, and longer length of hospital stay.