Necrotizing fasciitis in children: prompt recognition and aggressive therapy improve survival

Association between timing of operative interventions and mortality in emergency general surgery

ABSTRACT

Background

Emergency general surgery (EGS) often demands timely interventions, yet data for triage and timing are limited. This study explores the relationship between hospital arrival-to-operation time and mortality in EGS patients.

Study design

We performed a retrospective cohort study using an EGS registry at four hospitals, enrolling adults who underwent operative intervention for a primary American Association for the Surgery of Trauma-defined EGS diagnosis between 2021 and 2023. We excluded patients undergoing surgery more than 72 hours after admission as non-urgent and defined our exposure of interest as the time from the initial vital sign capture to the skin incision timestamp. We assessed the association between operative timing quintiles and in-hospital mortality using a mixed-effect hierarchical multivariable model, adjusting for patient demographics, comorbidities, organ dysfunction, and clustering at the hospital level.

Results

A total of 1199 patients were included. The median time to operating room (OR) was 8.2 hours (IQR 4.9-20.5 hours). Prolonged time to OR increased the relative likelihood of in-hospital mortality. Patients undergoing an operation between 6.7 and 10.7 hours after first vitals had the highest odds of in-hospital mortality compared with operative times <4.2 hours (reference quintile) (adjusted OR (aOR) 68.994; 95% CI 4.608 to 1032.980, p=0.002). A similar trend was observed among patients with operative times between 24.4 and 70.9 hours (aOR 69.682; 95% CI 2.968 to 1636.038, p=0.008).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that prompt operative intervention is associated with lower in-hospital mortality rates among EGS patients. Further work to identify the most time-sensitive populations is warranted. These results may begin to inform benchmarking for triaging interventions in the EGS population to help reduce mortality rates.

Level of evidence

IV.

Resuscitation and Preparation of the Emergency General Surgery Patient

Traditionally, the workflow surrounding a general surgery patient allows for a period of evaluation and optimization of underlying medical issues to allow for risk modification; however, in the emergency, this optimization period is largely condensed because of its time-dependent nature. Because the lack of optimization can lead to complications, the ability to rapidly resuscitate the patient, proceed to procedural intervention to control the situation, and manage common medical comorbidities is paramount. This article provides an overview on these subjects.

Timing, triage, and mode of emergency general surgery interfacility transfers in the United States: A scoping review

ABSTRACT

Interfacility transfer of emergency general surgery (EGS) patients continues to rise, especially in the context of ongoing system consolidation. This scoping review aims to identify and summarize the literature on triage, timing, and mode of interfacility emergency general surgery transfer. While common, EGS transfer systems are not optimized to improve outcomes or ensure value-based care. We identified studies investigating emergency general surgery interfacility transfer using Ovid Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library between 1990 and 2022. English studies that evaluated EGS interfacility timing, triage or transfer mode were included. Studies were assessed by two independent reviewers. Studies were limited to English-language articles in the United States. Data were extracted and summarized with a narrative synthesis of the results and gaps in the literature. There were 423 articles identified, of which 66 underwent full-text review after meeting inclusion criteria. Most publications were descriptive studies or outcomes investigations of interfacility transfer. Only six articles described issues related to the logistics behind the interfacility transfer and were included. The articles were grouped into the predefined themes of transfer timing, triage, and mode of transfer. There were mixed results for the impact of transfer timing on outcomes with heterogeneous definitions of delay and populations. Triage guidelines for EGS transfer were consensus or expert opinion. No studies were identified addressing the mode of interfacility EGS transfer. Further research should focus on better understanding which populations of patients require expedited transfer and by what mode. The lack of high-level data supports the need for robust investigations into interfacility transfer processes to optimize triage using scarce resources and optimized value-based care.

Life-threatening complication: the development of necrotising fasciitis in a preterm neonate with omphalitis

Omphalitis is a mild medical condition that can turn severe in exceptional situations leading to necrotising fasciitis. The most common cause of omphalitis is umbilical vein catheterisation (UVC) where the cleanliness measures can be compromised. The treatment options for omphalitis include antibiotics, debridement and supportive care. Sadly, the fatality rate in such cases is high. This report is about a premature female baby who was admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit after her birth at 34 weeks of gestation. UVC was performed on her which led to abnormal changes in the skin around her umbilicus. Further tests revealed that she had omphalitis and was treated with antibiotics and supportive care. Unfortunately, her condition quickly worsened and she was diagnosed with necrotising fasciitis which ultimately resulted in her death. This report provides details about the patient's symptoms, course of illness and treatment for necrotising fasciitis.

MRSA Causing Necrotizing Fasciitis in 18-Month-Old Boy

Necrotizing fasciitis is a rare and fulminant infection of the superficial fascia and subcutaneous cellular tissue. It is commonly polymicrobial, with the combination of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, which contributes to the rapid progression and severity of the disease. The microbes commonly involved include group A streptococcus, Enterobacteriaceae, anaerobes, and Staphylococcus aureus. Over the past few years, skin and soft tissue infections, including necrotizing fasciitis, due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus are increasing.

Association Between Time to Source Control in Sepsis and 90-Day Mortality

Importance

Rapid source control is recommended to improve patient outcomes in sepsis. Yet there are few data to guide how rapidly source control is required.

Objective

To determine the association between time to source control and patient outcomes in community-acquired sepsis.

Design, Setting, and Particpants

Multihospital integrated health care system cohort study of hospitalized adults (January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2017) with community-acquired sepsis as defined by Sepsis-3 who underwent source control procedures. Follow-up continued through January 1, 2019, and data analyses were completed March 17, 2022.

Exposures

Early (<6 hours) compared with late (6-36 hours) source control as well as each hour of source control delay (1-36 hours) from sepsis onset.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Multivariable models were clustered at the level of hospital with adjustment for patient factors, sepsis severity, resource availability, and the physiologic stress of procedures generating adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% CI.

Results

Of 4962 patients with sepsis (mean [SD] age, 62 [16] years; 52% male; 85% White; mean [SD] Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score, 3.8 [2.5]), source control occurred at a median (IQR) of 15.4 hours (5.5-21.7) after sepsis onset, with 1315 patients (27%) undergoing source control within 6 hours. The crude 90-day mortality was similar for early and late source control (n = 177 [14%] vs n = 529 [15%]; P = .35). In multivariable models, early source control was associated with decreased risk-adjusted odds of 90-day mortality (aOR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.63-0.80). This association was greater among gastrointestinal and abdominal (aOR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.43-0.80) and soft tissue interventions (aOR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.55-0.95) compared with orthopedic and cranial interventions (aOR, 1.33; 95% CI, 0.96-1.83; P < .001 for interaction).

Conclusions and Relevance

Source control within 6 hours of community-acquired sepsis onset was associated with a reduced risk-adjusted odds of 90-day mortality. Prioritizing the rapid identification of septic foci and initiation of source control interventions can reduce the number of avoidable deaths among patients with sepsis.

Paediatric Deep Neck Infection—The Risk of Needing Intensive Care

Deep neck infections are potentially dangerous complications of upper respiratory tract or odontogenic infections. The pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and potential spreading depend on the complex anatomy of the neck fascia. These infections can lead to severe pathological conditions, such as mediastinitis, sepsis, and especially airway impairment with difficult management. Because of the risk of life-threatening emergency situations and the possible impacts on the overall health status of affected children, their early recognition is of utmost importance. Torticollis, drooling, and stridor are the most common signs of advancing disease. Children presenting with these symptoms should be admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit for vital function monitoring, where the airway could be readily secured if function is compromised.

Necrotizing fasciitis in a 5-week-old infant: An unusual presentation

Necrotizing fasciitis is a rare and life-threatening soft-tissue infection characterized by rapidly spreading inflammation and subsequent necrosis of the fascial planes and surrounding tissue. These children should be managed promptly with broad-spectrum antibiotics and possible surgical debridement. Here, we present a 5-week-old female infant who presented with fever and ulcer on right lower jaw. She had a sudden onset of darkening of the right lower jaw, which progressed to reddish discoloration, and then an ulcer developed in the middle of this area of discoloration. She had a tender swelling extending from the right pre-auricular area to the right upper neck, crossing the right jaw and extending toward the right cheek and maxillary area. Swelling had areas of hyperpigmentation with an ulcer measuring 2 by 3 cm at the center of the lesion, oozing purulent fluid, and Staphylococcus aureus was cultured. The surgeons conducted incision and debridement in theater after suspecting necrotizing fasciitis of the jaw and the baby was kept on intravenous antibiotics, antiretroviral therapy and was dressed daily. The child fared well thereafter.

Cultured Epidermal Autograft for Total Scalp Reconstruction in a Neonate Following Necrotizing Fasciitis

Necrotizing fasciitis in the pediatric population is a particularly difficult diagnostic and management challenge. Options for soft tissue reconstruction of wounds following surgical debridement have been historically limited, yet recent advancements in bioengineered tissue and matrices have introduced alternative methods of treatment for these patients. We present a case of neonatal necrotizing fasciitis of the scalp requiring full-thickness surgical debridement, which was successfully reconstructed using Epicel cultured epidermal autograft (CEA). A 4-day-old female neonate (gestational age 40 weeks) presented with scalp erythema, blistering, and sepsis following peripartum fetal scalp electrode monitoring. She underwent surgical excision of the scalp to healthy bleeding tissue resulting in a defect of approximately 97% of the scalp, measuring 18 × 19 cm including 4 × 3.5 cm of exposed bone at the occiput. Initial provisional coverage of the defect was obtained with Integra collagen matrix bilayer dressing to stimulate granulation over exposed bone. Concurrently, a 2 × 4-cm excisional biopsy of the left groin skin was obtained for CEA in vitro expansion over 21 days. Then, autograft sheets were applied to achieve total scalp coverage. Clinical assessments at 1 week, 1 month, and 2 months postoperatively exhibited, approximately, 60% take, 80% take, and 90% take, respectively. Scalp involvement in neonatal necrotizing infections is a notably rare presentation as surmised by our review of the literature, and to our knowledge, this is the first report on the use of Integra and CEA for near-total neonatal scalp coverage.

Maternal sepsis

Maternal sepsis is "a life-threatening condition defined as an organ dysfunction caused by an infection during pregnancy, delivery, puerperium, or after an abortion," with the potential to save millions of lives if a proper approximation is made. Undetected or poorly managed maternal infections can lead to sepsis, death, or disability for the mother, and an increased likelihood of early neonatal infection and other adverse outcomes. Physiological, immunologic, and mechanical changes that occur in pregnancy make pregnant women more susceptible to infections than nonpregnant women and may obscure signs and symptoms of infection and sepsis, resulting in a delay in the recognition and treatment of sepsis. Prioritization of the creation and validation of tools that allow the development of clear and standardized diagnostic criteria of maternal sepsis and septic shock, according to the changes inherent to pregnancy, correspond to highly effective strategies to reduce the impact of these conditions on maternal health worldwide. After an adequate diagnostic approach, the next goal is achieving stabilization, trying to stop the progression from sepsis to septic shock, and improving tissue perfusion to limit cell dysfunction. Management protocol implementation during the first hour of treatment will be the most important determinant for the reduction of maternal mortality associated with sepsis and septic shock.

Sepsis and Septic Shock in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Background: The greatest burden of sepsis- and septic shock-related morbidity and mortality is in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Accurate tracking of incidence and outcomes of patients in LMICs with sepsis has been limited by changing definitions, lack of diagnosis coding and health records, and deficits in personnel. Improving sepsis care in LMICs requires studying outcomes prospectively so that setting appropriate definitions, scoring systems, and treatment guidelines can be created. Our goal is to review the burden of sepsis and septic shock in LMICs, the evolution and applicability of definitions to LMICs, and management. Methods: The literature was searched through PubMed using a Boolean approach and the following terms: sepsis, septic shock, low- and middle-income countries. Articles were read by the authors and relevant information was abstracted and included with citations to create a narrative review. Results: The estimated worldwide incidence of sepsis admissions is 31.5 million cases per year leading to 5.3 million deaths. The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged LMICs to establish sepsis prevalence and outcomes. Most authors and societies involved in creating sepsis and septic shock definitions have been from high-income countries (HICs). Applicability of sepsis definitions in LMICs is uncertain. Quick-Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA) and universal vital assessment (UVA) are useful screening and triage tools in LMICs because they can be done at the bedside. The key tenets of management of sepsis and septic shock in LMICs include early fluid resuscitation and antibiotic therapy coupled with source control when there is a surgical process. Surgical causes of sepsis should be identified rapidly. Scaling up surgical capacity in LMICs is an important step to improve source control of sepsis. Conclusion: Management guidelines specific to LMICs for sepsis and septic shock need to be refined further and studied prospectively. Improving access to surgery will improve outcomes of surgical cases of sepsis.

Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections: A Focused Review of Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, Operative Management, Antimicrobial Therapy, and Pediatrics

Background: Necrotizing fasciitis is a major health problem throughout the world. The purpose of this review is to assist providers with the care of these patients through a better understanding of the pathophysiology and management options. Methods: This is a collaborative review of the literature between members of the Surgical Infection Society of North America and World Society of Emergency Surgery. Results: Necrotizing fasciitis continues to be difficult to manage with the mainstay being early diagnosis and surgical intervention. Recognition of at-risk populations assists with the initiation of treatment, thereby impacting outcomes. Conclusions: Although there are some additional treatment strategies available, surgical debridement and antimicrobial therapy are central to the successful eradication of the disease process.

Otherwise Healthy 15-Month-Old With Rapid-Onset Soft Tissue Swelling

Necrotizing soft tissue infections are a serious medical emergency that involve necrosis within the soft tissue space including the dermis, subcutaneous tissue, superficial fascia, deep fascia, and muscle. Inciting factors include recent varicella infection, omphalitis, trauma, intramuscular injections, perianal trauma, and surgery. Unlike adult cases, children presenting with necrotizing soft tissue infections are more likely to be immunocompetent and without underlying chronic illnesses. Although rare in children, familiarity with the clinical manifestations of necrotizing soft tissue infections is essential for early diagnosis and surgical debridement, as significant mortality is associated with advanced disease.

Rules of anti-infection therapy for sepsis and septic shock

Objective:

Sepsis is a deadly infection that causes injury to tissues and organs. Infection and anti-infective treatment are the eternal themes of sepsis. The successful control of infection is a key factor of resuscitation for sepsis and septic shock. This review examines evidence for the treatment of sepsis. This evidence is combined with clinical experiments to reveal the rules and a standard flowchart of anti-infection therapy for sepsis.

Data Sources:

We retrieved information from the PubMed database up to October 2018 using various search terms and their combinations, including sepsis, septic shock, infection, antibiotics, and anti-infection.

Study Selection:

We included data from peer-reviewed journals printed in English on the relationships between infections and antibiotics.

Results:

By combining the literature review and clinical experience, we propose a 6Rs rule for sepsis and septic shock management: right patients, right time, right target, right antibiotics, right dose, and right source control. This rule encompasses rational decisions regarding the timing of treatment, the identification of the correct pathogen, the selection of appropriate antibiotics, the formulation of a scientifically based antibiotic dosage regimen, and the adequate control of infectious foci.

Conclusions:

This review highlights how to recognize and treat sepsis and septic shock and provides rules and a standard flowchart for anti-infection therapy for sepsis and septic shock for use in the clinical setting.

A systematic review of necrotising fasciitis in children from its first description in 1930 to 2018

BACKGROUND

Necrotising fasciitis is a rapidly progressing soft-tissue infection with a low incidence that carries a relevant risk of morbidity and mortality. Although necrotising fasciitis is often fatal in adults, its case fatality rate seems to be lower in children. A highly variable clinical presentation makes the diagnosis challenging, which often results in misdiagnosis and time-delay to therapy.

METHODS

We conducted a protocol-based systematic review to identify specific features of necrotising fasciitis in children aged one month to 17 years. We searched 'PubMed', 'Web of Science' and 'SCOPUS' for relevant literature. Primary outcomes were incidence and case fatality rates in population-based studies, and skin symptoms on presentation. We also assessed signs of systemic illness, causative organisms, predisposing factors, and reconstructive procedures as secondary outcomes.

RESULTS

We included five studies reporting incidence and case fatality rates, two case-control studies, and 298 cases from 195 reports. Incidence rates varied between 0.022 and 0.843 per 100,000 children per year with a case-fatality rate ranging from 0% to 14.3%. The most frequent skin symptoms were erythema (58.7%; 175/298) and swelling (48%; 143/298), whereas all other symptoms occurred in less than 50% of cases. The majority of cases had fever (76.7%; 188/245), but other signs of systemic illness were present in less than half of the cohort. Group-A streptococci accounted for 44.8% (132/298) followed by Gram-negative rods in 29.8% (88/295), while polymicrobial infections occurred in 17.3% (51/295). Extremities were affected in 45.6% (136/298), of which 73.5% (100/136) occurred in the lower extremities. Skin grafts were necessary in 51.6% (84/162) of the pooled cases, while flaps were seldom used (10.5%; 17/162). The vast majority of included reports originate from developed countries.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical suspicion remains the key to diagnose necrotising fasciitis. A combination of swelling, pain, erythema, and a systemic inflammatory response syndrome might indicate necrotising fasciitis. Incidence and case-fatality rates in children are much smaller than in adults, although there seems to be a relevant risk of morbidity indicated by the high percentage of skin grafts. Systematic multi-institutional research efforts are necessary to improve early diagnosis on necrotising fasciits.

Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections in the Vasculopathic Patient: Review of Literature

Background:

Necrotizing soft tissue infection is a surgical emergency associated with high mortality. Its presence in patients with risk factors for peripheral arterial disease such as diabetes mellitus is consistently associated with significantly poorer outcomes. Though it has been over a century since it was initially described in the literature, mortality rates remain high and treatment regimens are not standardized.

Materials and methods:

PubMed and Cochrane databases were searched for articles pertaining to necrotizing soft tissue infections. Articles were screened for relevance with the intent to compare outcomes in prospective studies of patients with diabetes mellitus or peripheral arterial disease. Patient demographics, clinical findings, mortality, rates of amputation, and morbidity were intended to be compared.

Results:

857 articles were identified, 165 duplicates were removed, and 6 prospective trials were identified for inclusion. Due to significant paucity of data, patient heterogeneity, and lack of standardization for surgical management, a descriptive review of the literature in relation to necrotizing soft tissue infections was pursued, with a focus on high-risk patients with peripheral arterial disease or diabetes mellitus.

Conclusions:

Early aggressive surgical intervention or major amputation may reduce mortality at the cost of increased disability and poorer quality of life in the long term, and may be appropriate in vasculopaths with poorly controlled diabetes and rapidly progressive fulminant infection. However, there is a deficiency in high-level evidence supporting surgical decision-making in this setting, with no standardized protocols for amputation. Future research will be needed to clarify the patient population who would benefit from radical amputation versus intention for limb salvage.

Presenting features of extremity necrotizing fasciitis in the pediatric patient: a case-control analysis

This analysis sought to develop a tool for early differentiation between pediatric necrotizing fasciitis (NF) of the extremity and more benign infection. All diagnoses of extremity NF, cellulitis, and abscess from a single institution from 2009 to 2015 were included. Vitals and laboratory values were compared between cohorts using analysis of variance and decision tree analysis. NF was associated with thrombocytopenia, hyperthermia, tachycardia, and tachypnea. Decision tree analysis identified C-reactive protein more than 7.0 to be 100% sensitive and 95.7% specific for differentiating NF from cellulitis or abscess. The results offer quantitative support for clinical suspicion of NF in the evaluation of pediatric extremity infection.

Necrotising fasciitis as a complication of primary varicella infection in an immunocompetent child

Necrotising fasciitis (NF) is an infrequent yet significant complication of primary varicella infection in immunocompetent children. We report a case of a 4-year-old girl who presented three days into her chicken pox illness, with a rapidly progressing, severely tender erythematous rash surrounding one chicken pox lesion on her thigh. She required intravenous antibiotics, two surgical debridements, a skin graft and a prolonged stay in the paediatric intensive care unit, but ultimately we were able to save her life and limb. NF is a rare complication of chicken pox that has high morbidity and mortality that requires prompt and specific treatment.

Secondary peritonitis: principles of diagnosis and intervention

Secondary peritonitis accounts for 1% of urgent or emergent hospital admissions and is the second leading cause of sepsis in patients in intensive care units globally. Overall mortality is 6%, but mortality rises to 35% in patients who develop severe sepsis. Despite the dramatic growth in the availability and use of imaging and laboratory tests, the rapid diagnosis and early management of peritonitis remains a challenge for physicians in emergency medicine, surgery, and critical care. In this article, we review the pathophysiology of peritonitis and its potential progression to sepsis, discuss the utility and limitations of the physical examination and laboratory and radiographic tests, and present a paradigm for the management of secondary peritonitis.

A 10-Year Review of Necrotizing Fasciitis in the Pediatric Population: Delays to Diagnosis and Management

OBJECTIVE

To assess the promptness and appropriateness of management in pediatric cases of necrotizing fasciitis (NF).

METHODS

A retrospective chart review examined cases of pediatric NF treated at a pediatric tertiary care center over a 10-year period.

RESULTS

Twelve patients were identified over the 10-year period. The median (25th to 75th centile) times to appropriate antibiotic administration, infectious disease consults, surgical consults and debridement surgeries were 2.6 (2.1-3.2), 7.7 (3.4-24.4), 4.6 (1.7-21.0), and 22.1 (10.3-28.4) hours following assessment at triage. The initial antibiotic(s) administered covered the causative organism in 9 of 12 cases. The median (25th to 75th centile) length of hospital stay was 21 (14.0-35.5) days.

CONCLUSIONS

The large variability in the care of these patients speaks to the range of their presenting symptomatology. The lack of a standardized approach to the pediatric patient with suspected NF results in delays in management and suboptimal antibiotic choice.

Surviving Sepsis Campaign: International Guidelines for Management of Sepsis and Septic Shock: 2016

OBJECTIVE

To provide an update to "Surviving Sepsis Campaign Guidelines for Management of Sepsis and Septic Shock: 2012."

DESIGN

A consensus committee of 55 international experts representing 25 international organizations was convened. Nominal groups were assembled at key international meetings (for those committee members attending the conference). A formal conflict-of-interest (COI) policy was developed at the onset of the process and enforced throughout. A stand-alone meeting was held for all panel members in December 2015. Teleconferences and electronic-based discussion among subgroups and among the entire committee served as an integral part of the development.

METHODS

The panel consisted of five sections: hemodynamics, infection, adjunctive therapies, metabolic, and ventilation. Population, intervention, comparison, and outcomes (PICO) questions were reviewed and updated as needed, and evidence profiles were generated. Each subgroup generated a list of questions, searched for best available evidence, and then followed the principles of the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system to assess the quality of evidence from high to very low, and to formulate recommendations as strong or weak, or best practice statement when applicable.

RESULTS

The Surviving Sepsis Guideline panel provided 93 statements on early management and resuscitation of patients with sepsis or septic shock. Overall, 32 were strong recommendations, 39 were weak recommendations, and 18 were best-practice statements. No recommendation was provided for four questions.

CONCLUSIONS

Substantial agreement exists among a large cohort of international experts regarding many strong recommendations for the best care of patients with sepsis. Although a significant number of aspects of care have relatively weak support, evidence-based recommendations regarding the acute management of sepsis and septic shock are the foundation of improved outcomes for these critically ill patients with high mortality.

The New Usual Care

Recent literature continues to refine which components of the early goal-directed therapy (EGDT) algorithm are necessary. Given it utilizes central venous pressure, continuous central venous oxygen saturation, routine blood transfusions, and inotropic medications, this algorithm can be timely, invasive, costly, and potentially harmful. New trials highlight early recognition, early fluid resuscitation, appropriate antibiotic treatment, source control, and the application of a multidisciplinary evidence-based approach as essential components of current sepsis management. This article discusses the landmark sepsis trials that have been published over the past several decades and offers recommendations on what should currently be considered 'usual care'.

Surviving Sepsis Campaign: International Guidelines for Management of Sepsis and Septic Shock: 2016

OBJECTIVE

To provide an update to "Surviving Sepsis Campaign Guidelines for Management of Sepsis and Septic Shock: 2012".

DESIGN

A consensus committee of 55 international experts representing 25 international organizations was convened. Nominal groups were assembled at key international meetings (for those committee members attending the conference). A formal conflict-of-interest (COI) policy was developed at the onset of the process and enforced throughout. A stand-alone meeting was held for all panel members in December 2015. Teleconferences and electronic-based discussion among subgroups and among the entire committee served as an integral part of the development.

METHODS

The panel consisted of five sections: hemodynamics, infection, adjunctive therapies, metabolic, and ventilation. Population, intervention, comparison, and outcomes (PICO) questions were reviewed and updated as needed, and evidence profiles were generated. Each subgroup generated a list of questions, searched for best available evidence, and then followed the principles of the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system to assess the quality of evidence from high to very low, and to formulate recommendations as strong or weak, or best practice statement when applicable.

RESULTS

The Surviving Sepsis Guideline panel provided 93 statements on early management and resuscitation of patients with sepsis or septic shock. Overall, 32 were strong recommendations, 39 were weak recommendations, and 18 were best-practice statements. No recommendation was provided for four questions.

CONCLUSIONS

Substantial agreement exists among a large cohort of international experts regarding many strong recommendations for the best care of patients with sepsis. Although a significant number of aspects of care have relatively weak support, evidence-based recommendations regarding the acute management of sepsis and septic shock are the foundation of improved outcomes for these critically ill patients with high mortality.

Necrotizing Fasciitis of the Abdominal Wall in a Premature Infant: A Case Study

We present a first report of necrotizing fasciitis of the abdominal wall in a 23-day-of-age, former 32-week-gestation premature infant. She was successfully treated with antibiotics without the need for initial debridement. After reviewing the etiology of necrotizing fasciitis, we discuss the unique aspects of this case, including the noninvasive approach to initial treatment, which we consider significantly contributed to her survival.

Laboratory evaluation for pediatric patients with suspected necrotizing soft tissue infections: A case-control study

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Optimal outcomes for necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTI) depend on rapid diagnosis and management. The Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis (LRINEC) score is a validated diagnostic tool for adult NSTI, but its value for children remains unknown. We hypothesized that modification of the LRINEC score may increase its diagnostic accuracy for pediatric NSTI.

METHODS

We performed a case-control study of pediatric patients (age <18) with NSTI (cases) and patients with severe soft tissue infections prompting surgical consultation (controls). The LRINEC score was calculated for cases and controls and compared to a modified, pediatric LRINEC (P-LRINEC) score. Diagnostic accuracy was analyzed through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

RESULTS

From 2010 to 2014, 20 cases and 20 controls were identified at two children's hospitals. Median LRINEC score was 3.5 (1-8) for cases and 2 (1-7) for controls (p=0.03). The P-LRINEC was comprised of serum CRP >20 (sensitivity=95% (95%CI 79-100%)) and serum sodium <135 (specificity=95% (95%CI 82-100%)). Area under ROC curves was 0.70 (95%CI 0.54-0.87) for the LRINEC score and 0.84 (95%CI 0.72-0.96) for the P-LRINEC score (p=0.06).

CONCLUSION

The P-LRINEC is a simplified version of the LRINEC score utilizing only CRP and sodium and may provide superior accuracy in predicting pediatric NSTI.

Invasive Group A Streptococcal Infections in Children: A Nationwide Survey in Finland

BACKGROUND

The incidence of invasive group A streptococcus (iGAS) infections varies in time and geographically for unknown reasons. We performed a nationwide survey to assess the population-based incidence rates and outcomes of children with iGAS infections.

METHODS

We collected data on patients from hospital discharge registries and the electronic databases of microbiological laboratories in Finland for the period 1996-2010. We then recorded the emm types or serotypes of the strains. The study physician visited all university clinics and collected the clinical data using the same data entry sheet.

RESULTS

We identified 151 children with iGAS infection. Varicella preceded iGAS infection in 20% of cases and fasciitis infection in 83% of cases. The annual incidence rate of iGAS infection was 0.93 per 100,000 in 1996-2000, 1.80 in 2001-2005 and 2.50 in 2006-2010. The proportion of emm 1.0 or T1M1 strains peaked in 1996-2000 and again in 2006-2010, to 44% and 37% of all typed isolates. The main clinical diagnoses of the patients were severe soft-tissue infection (46%), sepsis (28%), empyema (10%), osteoarticular infection (9%) and primary peritonitis (5%). Severe pain was the most typical symptom for soft-tissue infections. More than half of the patients underwent surgery and received clindamycin. The readmission rate was 7%, and the case fatality rate was 2%.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence rate of pediatric iGAS infections tripled during our study. The increase was not, however, the result of a change in the strain types causing iGAS. Varicella immunization would likely have prevented a significant number of the cases.

The impact of early surgical intervention in free intestinal perforation: a time-to-intervention pilot study

PURPOSES

An abdominal inflammatory focus is the second most often source of sepsis with a high risk of death in surgical intensive care units. By establishing evidence-based bundled strategies the surviving sepsis campaign provided an optimized rapid and continuous treatment of these emergency patients. Hereby the hospital mortality decreased from 35 to 30 %. Sepsis treatment is based on three major therapeutic elements: surgical treatment (source control), antiinfective treatment, and supportive care. The international guidelines of the surviving sepsis campaign were updated recently and recommend rapid diagnosis of the infection and source control within the first 12 h after the diagnosis (grade 1c). Interestingly this recommendation is mainly based on studies on soft tissue infections.

METHODS

In this retrospective analysis 76 septic patients with an intraabdominal inflammatory focus were included. All patients underwent surgery at different time-points after diagnosis.

RESULTS

With 80 % patients of the early intervention group had an improved overall survival (vs. 73 % in the late intervention group).

CONCLUSIONS

Literature on the time dependency of early source control is rare and in part contradicting. Results of this pilot study reveal that immediate surgical intervention might be of advantage for septic emergency patients. Further multi-center approaches will be necessary to evaluate, whether the TTI has any impact on the outcome of septic patients with intestinal perforation.

Going Out on a Limb: Do Not Delay Diagnosis of Necrotizing Fasciitis in Varicella Infection

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a rare complication of varicella zoster (chicken pox) infection. Its diagnosis can be delayed or missed, which increases mortality and morbidity, because it initially presents similarly to cellulitis. We present the case of a 5-year-old boy who presented with a swollen leg, the difficulties in the diagnosis of NF, and a review of the literature. Necrotizing fasciitis complicating varicella zoster in children is associated with 3.4% mortality, although this rises to 13.6% in streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. Seventy-one percent of cases are confirmed as being caused by group A β-hemolytic Streptococcus. The association of NF with chicken pox is discussed along with the difficulties in diagnosis and treatment options. Necrotizing fasciitis is a surgical emergency and should be considered by all emergency department acute care practitioners in cases of varicella in which fever is enduring and swelling or pain is disproportionate. Because of the difficulty in diagnosis, senior opinion should be sought early.

Neonatal necrotizing fasciitis of the scrotum caused by Streptococcus agalactiae

We herein describe the case of a 27-day-old male infant who was brought to the emergency room for intermittent crying, and swelling of the left scrotum. Based on the clinical findings, necrotizing fasciitis was suspected, and surgical intervention was successfully completed within a few hours of admission. Streptococcus agalactiae type Ia was cultured from the drained abscess, and was considered the causative pathogen. To our knowledge, this is the first report of neonatal necrotizing fasciitis caused by S. agalactiae. Prompt diagnosis and immediate surgical debridement are crucial in the initial management of this disease.

Shortening the course of antibiotic treatment in the intensive care unit

Effective antimicrobial stewardship is an increasingly important concern for healthcare providers globally. Antibiotics are frequently prescribed for patients who develop sepsis in the intensive care unit and traditionally courses are prolonged, with uncertain benefit and probable harm. There is little evidence to support many guidelines recommending between 10 and 14 days, and a number of studies suggest substantially shorter courses of less than 7 days may suffice. Safely reducing course length is likely to depend on a number of preconditions, including thorough eradication of any septic foci; optimization of serum antibiotic concentrations, particularly when there is physiological derangement; and use of novel biomarkers such as procalcitonin. The critical care environment is well suited to this aim as patients are closely monitored. With these measures in place, it is reasonable to believe short antibiotic courses can safely be used for the majority of intensive care infections.

Impact of compliance with infection management guidelines on outcome in patients with severe sepsis: a prospective observational multi-center study

Introduction

Current sepsis guidelines recommend antimicrobial treatment (AT) within one hour after onset of sepsis-related organ dysfunction (OD) and surgical source control within 12 hours. The objective of this study was to explore the association between initial infection management according to sepsis treatment recommendations and patient outcome.

Methods

In a prospective observational multi-center cohort study in 44 German ICUs, we studied 1,011 patients with severe sepsis or septic shock regarding times to AT, source control, and adequacy of AT. Primary outcome was 28-day mortality.

Results

Median time to AT was 2.1 (IQR 0.8 – 6.0) hours and 3 hours (-0.1 – 13.7) to surgical source control. Only 370 (36.6%) patients received AT within one hour after OD in compliance with recommendation. Among 422 patients receiving surgical or interventional source control, those who received source control later than 6 hours after onset of OD had a significantly higher 28-day mortality than patients with earlier source control (42.9% versus 26.7%, P <0.001). Time to AT was significantly longer in ICU and hospital non-survivors; no linear relationship was found between time to AT and 28-day mortality. Regardless of timing, 28-day mortality rate was lower in patients with adequate than non-adequate AT (30.3% versus 40.9%, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

A delay in source control beyond 6 hours may have a major impact on patient mortality. Adequate AT is associated with improved patient outcome but compliance with guideline recommendation requires improvement. There was only indirect evidence about the impact of timing of AT on sepsis mortality.

Necrotising fasciitis: experience with 32 children

BACKGROUND

Necrotising fasciitis (NF) in children is rare, rapidly progressive and potentially fatal. A satisfactory outcome depends on early diagnosis and aggressive surgical debridement, along with appropriate antibiotic therapy.

AIM

The aim was to describe the various presentations of NF and evaluate outcome of treatment.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was a 4-year prospective, descriptive study of all consecutive cases of NF aged 15 years and under treated at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria from January 2001 to December 2004.

RESULTS

Thirty-two children were treated during the study period. The male:female ratio was 1.7:1. Ages ranged from 6 days to 12 years (mean 2 yrs). The commonest predisposing factors were malnutrition (40.6%), boils (37.5%) and intravenous canulation (9.4%). Duration of symptoms ranged from 3 to 19 days (mean 6.4) and the total body surface areas involved ranged from 2% to 16% (mean 5.9%). Half of the patients presented with involvement of the trunk, followed by head/neck (28.1%), upper limbs (21.9%), lower limbs (6.3%) and perineum (6.3%). Most patients had polymicrobial infection, but the organism most commonly isolated was Staphylococcus aureus (71.9%). All patients were resuscitated and had surgical wound debridement, antibiotics and wound care. Final wound resurfacing was by secondary intention (46.9%), direct suturing (6.3%), split thickness skin grafting (21.9%) and local flap reconstruction (12.5%). Septicaemia was the commonest complication (71.9%). The mortality rate was 9.4%. Duration of hospital stay ranged from 14 to 96 days (mean 27.6). Follow-up ranged from 3 weeks to 6 months (mean 52.4 days).

CONCLUSION

NF in children is not uncommon in Nigeria. It is associated with significant morbidity, but mortality can be reduced remarkably by early diagnosis and aggressive treatment.

Diagnostics, therapy and outcome prediction in abdominal sepsis: current standards and future perspectives

PURPOSE

In the perioperative phase, sepsis and sepsis-associated death are the most important problems for both the surgeon and the intensivist. Critically ill patients profit from an early identification and implementation of an interdisciplinary therapy. The purpose of this review on septic peritonitis is to give an update on the diagnosis and its evidence-based treatment.

RESULTS

Rapid diagnosis of sepsis is essential for patient´s survival. A bundle of studies was performed on early recognition and on new diagnostic tools for abdominal sepsis. Although surgical intervention is considered as an essential therapeutic step in sepsis therapy the time-point of source control is still controversially discussed in the literature. Furthermore, the Surviving Sepsis Campaign (SSC) guidelines were updated in 2012 to facilitate evidence-based medicine for septic patients.

CONCLUSION

Despite many efforts, the mortality of surgical septic patients remains unacceptably high. Permanent clinical education and further surgical trials are necessary to improve the outcome of critically ill patients.

Necrotizing fasciitis in a pediatric orthopedic population

Few studies have analyzed necrotizing fasciitis in children, and all have relied on cases of necrotizing fasciitis in the abdomen, head, and neck region. The authors sought to correlate the preoperative values of several laboratory tests previously validated in the adult literature, such as the Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis, with surgically confirmed necrotizing fasciitis in children to provide clinical guidance for the preoperative laboratory workup of necrotizing fasciitis. A retrospective chart review was performed on consecutive patients younger than 18 years with a diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis. A total of 13 patients with an average age of 7.9 years (range, 9 months-16 years) were included. Ten (76.9%) infections were found in the lower extremity and 3 (23.1%) in the upper extremity. Seven (53.8%) patients had ecchymosis on examination. All patients presented with an elevated white blood cell count. No amputations were performed, and no mortality occurred. All patients underwent surgery within 24 hours of presentation. Elevated temperature, white blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein values are typically seen in pediatric patients with necrotizing fasciitis; however, no correlation existed between other the preoperative laboratory values with the previously described scoring systems, such as the Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis. Aggressive monitoring of signs and symptoms is suggested, even if a patient does not meet all conventional diagnostic criteria. The authors recommend prompt surgical debridement and early administration of antibiotics, which should include clindamycin.

Fatal Necrotizing Fasciitis in a Child following a Blunt Chest Trauma

Necrotizing fasciitis is a serious soft tissue infection rarely occurring in children after blunt trauma. Due to its high morbidity and mortality rates, a high index of suspicion is necessary for prompt diagnosis and treatment. We describe a 6-year-old Costa Rican girl who died secondary to multiple complications following a posttraumatic necrotizing fasciitis.

Surviving sepsis campaign: international guidelines for management of severe sepsis and septic shock: 2012

OBJECTIVE

To provide an update to the "Surviving Sepsis Campaign Guidelines for Management of Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock," last published in 2008.

DESIGN

A consensus committee of 68 international experts representing 30 international organizations was convened. Nominal groups were assembled at key international meetings (for those committee members attending the conference). A formal conflict of interest policy was developed at the onset of the process and enforced throughout. The entire guidelines process was conducted independent of any industry funding. A stand-alone meeting was held for all subgroup heads, co- and vice-chairs, and selected individuals. Teleconferences and electronic-based discussion among subgroups and among the entire committee served as an integral part of the development.

METHODS

The authors were advised to follow the principles of the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system to guide assessment of quality of evidence from high (A) to very low (D) and to determine the strength of recommendations as strong (1) or weak (2). The potential drawbacks of making strong recommendations in the presence of low-quality evidence were emphasized. Some recommendations were ungraded (UG). Recommendations were classified into three groups: 1) those directly targeting severe sepsis; 2) those targeting general care of the critically ill patient and considered high priority in severe sepsis; and 3) pediatric considerations.

RESULTS

Key recommendations and suggestions, listed by category, include: early quantitative resuscitation of the septic patient during the first 6 hrs after recognition (1C); blood cultures before antibiotic therapy (1C); imaging studies performed promptly to confirm a potential source of infection (UG); administration of broad-spectrum antimicrobials therapy within 1 hr of recognition of septic shock (1B) and severe sepsis without septic shock (1C) as the goal of therapy; reassessment of antimicrobial therapy daily for de-escalation, when appropriate (1B); infection source control with attention to the balance of risks and benefits of the chosen method within 12 hrs of diagnosis (1C); initial fluid resuscitation with crystalloid (1B) and consideration of the addition of albumin in patients who continue to require substantial amounts of crystalloid to maintain adequate mean arterial pressure (2C) and the avoidance of hetastarch formulations (1C); initial fluid challenge in patients with sepsis-induced tissue hypoperfusion and suspicion of hypovolemia to achieve a minimum of 30 mL/kg of crystalloids (more rapid administration and greater amounts of fluid may be needed in some patients) (1C); fluid challenge technique continued as long as hemodynamic improvement, as based on either dynamic or static variables (UG); norepinephrine as the first-choice vasopressor to maintain mean arterial pressure ≥ 65 mm Hg (1B); epinephrine when an additional agent is needed to maintain adequate blood pressure (2B); vasopressin (0.03 U/min) can be added to norepinephrine to either raise mean arterial pressure to target or to decrease norepinephrine dose but should not be used as the initial vasopressor (UG); dopamine is not recommended except in highly selected circumstances (2C); dobutamine infusion administered or added to vasopressor in the presence of a) myocardial dysfunction as suggested by elevated cardiac filling pressures and low cardiac output, or b) ongoing signs of hypoperfusion despite achieving adequate intravascular volume and adequate mean arterial pressure (1C); avoiding use of intravenous hydrocortisone in adult septic shock patients if adequate fluid resuscitation and vasopressor therapy are able to restore hemodynamic stability (2C); hemoglobin target of 7-9 g/dL in the absence of tissue hypoperfusion, ischemic coronary artery disease, or acute hemorrhage (1B); low tidal volume (1A) and limitation of inspiratory plateau pressure (1B) for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS); application of at least a minimal amount of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) in ARDS (1B); higher rather than lower level of PEEP for patients with sepsis-induced moderate or severe ARDS (2C); recruitment maneuvers in sepsis patients with severe refractory hypoxemia due to ARDS (2C); prone positioning in sepsis-induced ARDS patients with a PaO2/FIO2 ratio of ≤ 100 mm Hg in facilities that have experience with such practices (2C); head-of-bed elevation in mechanically ventilated patients unless contraindicated (1B); a conservative fluid strategy for patients with established ARDS who do not have evidence of tissue hypoperfusion (1C); protocols for weaning and sedation (1A); minimizing use of either intermittent bolus sedation or continuous infusion sedation targeting specific titration endpoints (1B); avoidance of neuromuscular blockers if possible in the septic patient without ARDS (1C); a short course of neuromuscular blocker (no longer than 48 hrs) for patients with early ARDS and a Pao2/Fio2 < 150 mm Hg (2C); a protocolized approach to blood glucose management commencing insulin dosing when two consecutive blood glucose levels are > 180 mg/dL, targeting an upper blood glucose ≤ 180 mg/dL (1A); equivalency of continuous veno-venous hemofiltration or intermittent hemodialysis (2B); prophylaxis for deep vein thrombosis (1B); use of stress ulcer prophylaxis to prevent upper gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with bleeding risk factors (1B); oral or enteral (if necessary) feedings, as tolerated, rather than either complete fasting or provision of only intravenous glucose within the first 48 hrs after a diagnosis of severe sepsis/septic shock (2C); and addressing goals of care, including treatment plans and end-of-life planning (as appropriate) (1B), as early as feasible, but within 72 hrs of intensive care unit admission (2C). Recommendations specific to pediatric severe sepsis include: therapy with face mask oxygen, high flow nasal cannula oxygen, or nasopharyngeal continuous PEEP in the presence of respiratory distress and hypoxemia (2C), use of physical examination therapeutic endpoints such as capillary refill (2C); for septic shock associated with hypovolemia, the use of crystalloids or albumin to deliver a bolus of 20 mL/kg of crystalloids (or albumin equivalent) over 5 to 10 mins (2C); more common use of inotropes and vasodilators for low cardiac output septic shock associated with elevated systemic vascular resistance (2C); and use of hydrocortisone only in children with suspected or proven "absolute"' adrenal insufficiency (2C).

CONCLUSIONS

Strong agreement existed among a large cohort of international experts regarding many level 1 recommendations for the best care of patients with severe sepsis. Although a significant number of aspects of care have relatively weak support, evidence-based recommendations regarding the acute management of sepsis and septic shock are the foundation of improved outcomes for this important group of critically ill patients.

Surviving Sepsis Campaign: international guidelines for management of severe sepsis and septic shock, 2012

OBJECTIVE

To provide an update to the "Surviving Sepsis Campaign Guidelines for Management of Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock," last published in 2008.

DESIGN

A consensus committee of 68 international experts representing 30 international organizations was convened. Nominal groups were assembled at key international meetings (for those committee members attending the conference). A formal conflict of interest policy was developed at the onset of the process and enforced throughout. The entire guidelines process was conducted independent of any industry funding. A stand-alone meeting was held for all subgroup heads, co- and vice-chairs, and selected individuals. Teleconferences and electronic-based discussion among subgroups and among the entire committee served as an integral part of the development.

METHODS

The authors were advised to follow the principles of the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system to guide assessment of quality of evidence from high (A) to very low (D) and to determine the strength of recommendations as strong (1) or weak (2). The potential drawbacks of making strong recommendations in the presence of low-quality evidence were emphasized. Recommendations were classified into three groups: (1) those directly targeting severe sepsis; (2) those targeting general care of the critically ill patient and considered high priority in severe sepsis; and (3) pediatric considerations.

RESULTS

Key recommendations and suggestions, listed by category, include: early quantitative resuscitation of the septic patient during the first 6 h after recognition (1C); blood cultures before antibiotic therapy (1C); imaging studies performed promptly to confirm a potential source of infection (UG); administration of broad-spectrum antimicrobials therapy within 1 h of the recognition of septic shock (1B) and severe sepsis without septic shock (1C) as the goal of therapy; reassessment of antimicrobial therapy daily for de-escalation, when appropriate (1B); infection source control with attention to the balance of risks and benefits of the chosen method within 12 h of diagnosis (1C); initial fluid resuscitation with crystalloid (1B) and consideration of the addition of albumin in patients who continue to require substantial amounts of crystalloid to maintain adequate mean arterial pressure (2C) and the avoidance of hetastarch formulations (1B); initial fluid challenge in patients with sepsis-induced tissue hypoperfusion and suspicion of hypovolemia to achieve a minimum of 30 mL/kg of crystalloids (more rapid administration and greater amounts of fluid may be needed in some patients (1C); fluid challenge technique continued as long as hemodynamic improvement is based on either dynamic or static variables (UG); norepinephrine as the first-choice vasopressor to maintain mean arterial pressure ≥65 mmHg (1B); epinephrine when an additional agent is needed to maintain adequate blood pressure (2B); vasopressin (0.03 U/min) can be added to norepinephrine to either raise mean arterial pressure to target or to decrease norepinephrine dose but should not be used as the initial vasopressor (UG); dopamine is not recommended except in highly selected circumstances (2C); dobutamine infusion administered or added to vasopressor in the presence of (a) myocardial dysfunction as suggested by elevated cardiac filling pressures and low cardiac output, or (b) ongoing signs of hypoperfusion despite achieving adequate intravascular volume and adequate mean arterial pressure (1C); avoiding use of intravenous hydrocortisone in adult septic shock patients if adequate fluid resuscitation and vasopressor therapy are able to restore hemodynamic stability (2C); hemoglobin target of 7-9 g/dL in the absence of tissue hypoperfusion, ischemic coronary artery disease, or acute hemorrhage (1B); low tidal volume (1A) and limitation of inspiratory plateau pressure (1B) for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS); application of at least a minimal amount of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) in ARDS (1B); higher rather than lower level of PEEP for patients with sepsis-induced moderate or severe ARDS (2C); recruitment maneuvers in sepsis patients with severe refractory hypoxemia due to ARDS (2C); prone positioning in sepsis-induced ARDS patients with a PaO (2)/FiO (2) ratio of ≤100 mm Hg in facilities that have experience with such practices (2C); head-of-bed elevation in mechanically ventilated patients unless contraindicated (1B); a conservative fluid strategy for patients with established ARDS who do not have evidence of tissue hypoperfusion (1C); protocols for weaning and sedation (1A); minimizing use of either intermittent bolus sedation or continuous infusion sedation targeting specific titration endpoints (1B); avoidance of neuromuscular blockers if possible in the septic patient without ARDS (1C); a short course of neuromuscular blocker (no longer than 48 h) for patients with early ARDS and a PaO (2)/FI O (2) <150 mm Hg (2C); a protocolized approach to blood glucose management commencing insulin dosing when two consecutive blood glucose levels are >180 mg/dL, targeting an upper blood glucose ≤180 mg/dL (1A); equivalency of continuous veno-venous hemofiltration or intermittent hemodialysis (2B); prophylaxis for deep vein thrombosis (1B); use of stress ulcer prophylaxis to prevent upper gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with bleeding risk factors (1B); oral or enteral (if necessary) feedings, as tolerated, rather than either complete fasting or provision of only intravenous glucose within the first 48 h after a diagnosis of severe sepsis/septic shock (2C); and addressing goals of care, including treatment plans and end-of-life planning (as appropriate) (1B), as early as feasible, but within 72 h of intensive care unit admission (2C). Recommendations specific to pediatric severe sepsis include: therapy with face mask oxygen, high flow nasal cannula oxygen, or nasopharyngeal continuous PEEP in the presence of respiratory distress and hypoxemia (2C), use of physical examination therapeutic endpoints such as capillary refill (2C); for septic shock associated with hypovolemia, the use of crystalloids or albumin to deliver a bolus of 20 mL/kg of crystalloids (or albumin equivalent) over 5-10 min (2C); more common use of inotropes and vasodilators for low cardiac output septic shock associated with elevated systemic vascular resistance (2C); and use of hydrocortisone only in children with suspected or proven "absolute"' adrenal insufficiency (2C).

CONCLUSIONS

Strong agreement existed among a large cohort of international experts regarding many level 1 recommendations for the best care of patients with severe sepsis. Although a significant number of aspects of care have relatively weak support, evidence-based recommendations regarding the acute management of sepsis and septic shock are the foundation of improved outcomes for this important group of critically ill patients.

Cervical necrotizing fasciitis in children under two years of age

We present two cases of life-threatening, necrotizing infections of the head and neck region, a rare infectious process in young children, that progressed to bacteremia and sepsis in two toddlers. To date there have been no reports of cervical necrotizing fasciitis in toddlers under two years of age. Immunocompromised children may be at higher risk for developing fulminent infections. Optimal management requires a combination of medical and surgical interventions. An aggressive surgical approach may be required to adequately clear the infection.

Vacuum-assisted closure as a surgical assistant in life-threatening necrotizing fasciitis in children

Necrotizing fasciitis is a severe soft tissue infection that can involve skin, subcutaneous fat, fascia and muscle. It can result in devastating sequelae including tissue necrosis, sepsis, toxic shock syndrome, cardiopulmonary collapse and death. To control rapidly spreading necrosis, early diagnosis and aggressive surgical treatment with extensive radical debridement of the affected areas is necessary, as well as systemic administration of broad-spectrum antimicrobials and, very often, intensive care support.The subatmospheric negative pressure dressing has been previously used in acute and complex wounds management. The concept of using vacuum-assisted closure dressing as another management component is presented in the current article.