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Hainsworth L, Vaughan A, Picardo N, Gough AT. Necrotising fasciitis of the upper limb: a review of the literature. Musculoskelet Surg 2024:10.1007/s12306-024-00843-z. [PMID: 38954324 DOI: 10.1007/s12306-024-00843-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Necrotising fasciitis is an uncommon life-threatening surgical emergency. While most commonly seen in the lower limb it can also affect the upper limb. This article reviews and summarises the current literature on necrotising fasciitis in the upper limb, covering common predisposing factors, clinical presentations, scoring systems, common organism types and the timing of surgical treatment. The key to managing this condition continues to be early clinical diagnosis and aggressive surgical debridement to attempt to reduce the morbidity and mortality of this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Hainsworth
- Musgrove Park Hospital, Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, Parkfield Drive, Taunton, TA1 5DA, UK.
| | | | | | - A T Gough
- Musgrove Park Hospital, Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, Parkfield Drive, Taunton, TA1 5DA, UK
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Hua C, Urbina T, Bosc R, Parks T, Sriskandan S, de Prost N, Chosidow O. Necrotising soft-tissue infections. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2023; 23:e81-e94. [PMID: 36252579 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(22)00583-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The incidence of necrotising soft-tissue infections has increased during recent decades such that most physicians might see at least one case of these potentially life-threatening infections in their career. Despite advances in care, necrotising soft-tissue infections are still associated with high morbidity and mortality, underlining a need for continued education of the medical community. In particular, failure to suspect necrotising soft-tissue infections, fuelled by poor awareness of the disease, promotes delays to first surgical debridement, amplifying disease severity and adverse outcomes. This Review will focus on practical approaches to management of necrotising soft-tissue infections including prompt recognition, initiation of specific management, exploratory surgery, and aftercare. Increased alertness and awareness for these infections should improve time to diagnosis and early referral to specialised centres, with improvement in the prognosis of necrotising soft-tissue infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Hua
- Service de Dermatologie, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Créteil, France; Hôpitaux Universitaires Henri Mondor, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Créteil, France; Epidemiology in Dermatology and Evaluation of Therapeutics, Université Paris Est Créteil, Créteil, France; Groupe Infectiologie Dermatologique-Infections Sexuellement Transmissibles, Société Française de Dermatologie, Paris, France
| | - Tomas Urbina
- Service de Médecine Intensive Réanimation, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Romain Bosc
- Service de Chirurgie Plastique, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Créteil, France
| | - Tom Parks
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Shiranee Sriskandan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Imperial College London, London, UK; MRC Centre for Molecular Bacteriology and Infection, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Nicolas de Prost
- Service de Médecine Intensive Réanimation, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Créteil, France; CARMAS Research Group, UPEC-Université Paris-Est Créteil Val de Marne, Faculté de médecine de Créteil, Créteil, France
| | - Olivier Chosidow
- Service de Dermatologie, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Créteil, France; Hôpitaux Universitaires Henri Mondor, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Créteil, France; Groupe Infectiologie Dermatologique-Infections Sexuellement Transmissibles, Société Française de Dermatologie, Paris, France; Research group Dynamyc, Faculté de Santé de Créteil, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, USC ANSES, Université Paris-Est Créteil, Créteil, France.
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Dhanasekara CS, Marschke B, Morris E, Kahathuduwa CN, Dissanaike S. Regional Variations in Microbiology and Outcomes of Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Surg Infect (Larchmt) 2022; 23:634-644. [PMID: 35904966 DOI: 10.1089/sur.2022.142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Frequency, microbiology, and outcomes of necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTIs) could vary across the United States because of differences in locoregional and environmental factors. We synthesized the literature from across the regions of the United States on NSTIs in a systematic review/meta-analysis. Methods: PubMed, ProQuest, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were systematically searched and screened. DerSimonian-Laird random-effects meta-analyses were performed using 'meta' package in R to determine pooled prevalences. Meta-regression analyses examined moderator effects of risk factors. Results: Twenty-seven studies (2,242 total patients) were included. Pooled prevalences of polymicrobial and monomicrobial infections were 52.2% and 39.9%, respectively. The prevalence of monomicrobial NSTIs increased over the last two decades (p = 0.018), whereas polymicrobial infections declined (p = 0.003). Meta-regression analysis showed that most polymicrobial NSTIs were Fournier gangrene (p < 0.001), whereas monomicrobial NSTIs mostly affected extremities (p < 0.001). Staphylococcus aureus was the most common organism isolated (predominantly in the South), followed by Bacteroides spp. (predominately in the East) and Streptococcus pyogenes. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) accounted for 11.9% of NSTIs, mainly in the South. The overall mortality rate was 17.8% and declined over last two decades (p < 0.001), with the lowest rate reported in the last decade at 13% without any regional differences. Conclusions: Advancement in the management of NSTIs may have contributed to the observed decline in NSTI-related mortality in the United States. However, the proportion of monomicrobial NSTIs seems to be increasing, possibly because of increased comorbidities affecting extremities. Causative organisms varied by region. Multi-center observational studies are warranted to confirm our observations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chathurika S Dhanasekara
- Department of Surgery, School of Health Professions, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas, USA
| | - Brianna Marschke
- Department of Surgery, School of Health Professions, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas, USA
| | - Erin Morris
- Department of Surgery, School of Health Professions, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas, USA
| | - Chanaka N Kahathuduwa
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, School of Health Professions, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas, USA.,Department of Laboratory Sciences and Primary Care, School of Health Professions, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas, USA
| | - Sharmila Dissanaike
- Department of Surgery, School of Health Professions, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas, USA
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Urbina T, Razazi K, Ourghanlian C, Woerther PL, Chosidow O, Lepeule R, de Prost N. Antibiotics in Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10091104. [PMID: 34572686 PMCID: PMC8466904 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10091104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTIs) are rare life-threatening bacterial infections characterized by an extensive necrosis of skin and subcutaneous tissues. Initial urgent management of NSTIs relies on broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy, rapid surgical debridement of all infected tissues and, when present, treatment of associated organ failures in the intensive care unit. Antibiotic therapy for NSTI patients faces several challenges and should (1) carry broad-spectrum activity against gram-positive and gram-negative pathogens because of frequent polymicrobial infections, considering extended coverage for multidrug resistance in selected cases. In practice, a broad-spectrum beta-lactam antibiotic (e.g., piperacillin-tazobactam) is the mainstay of empirical therapy; (2) decrease toxin production, typically using a clindamycin combination, mainly in proven or suspected group A streptococcus infections; and (3) achieve the best possible tissue diffusion with regards to impaired regional perfusion, tissue necrosis, and pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic alterations. The best duration of antibiotic treatment has not been well established and is generally comprised between 7 and 15 days. This article reviews the currently available knowledge regarding antibiotic use in NSTIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomas Urbina
- Médecine Intensive Réanimation, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), 75571 Paris, France;
- Sorbonne Université, Université Pierre-et-Marie Curie, 75001 Paris, France
| | - Keyvan Razazi
- Médecine Intensive Réanimation, Hôpitaux Universitaires Henri Mondor-Albert Chenevier, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), 94010 Créteil, France;
- Groupe de Recherche Clinique CARMAS, Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris Est Créteil, 94010 Créteil, France
| | - Clément Ourghanlian
- Service de Pharmacie, Hôpitaux Universitaires Henri Mondor-Albert Chenevier, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), 94010 Créteil, France;
- Unité Transversale de Traitement des Infections, Département de Prévention, Diagnostic et Traitement des Infections, Hôpitaux Universitaires Henri Mondor-Albert Chenevier, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), 94010 Créteil, France;
| | - Paul-Louis Woerther
- Département de Prévention, Diagnostic et Traitement des Infections, Hôpitaux Universitaires Henri Mondor-Albert Chenevier, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), 94010 Créteil, France;
- Research Group Dynamic, Faculté de Santé de Créteil, Université Paris-Est Créteil Val de Marne (UPEC), 94010 Créteil, France;
| | - Olivier Chosidow
- Research Group Dynamic, Faculté de Santé de Créteil, Université Paris-Est Créteil Val de Marne (UPEC), 94010 Créteil, France;
- Service de Dermatologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires Henri Mondor-Albert Chenevier, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), 94010 Créteil, France
| | - Raphaël Lepeule
- Unité Transversale de Traitement des Infections, Département de Prévention, Diagnostic et Traitement des Infections, Hôpitaux Universitaires Henri Mondor-Albert Chenevier, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), 94010 Créteil, France;
| | - Nicolas de Prost
- Médecine Intensive Réanimation, Hôpitaux Universitaires Henri Mondor-Albert Chenevier, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), 94010 Créteil, France;
- Groupe de Recherche Clinique CARMAS, Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris Est Créteil, 94010 Créteil, France
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-1-49-81-23-94
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Dhanasekara CS, Marschke B, Morris E, Kahathuduwa CN, Dissanaike S. Global patterns of necrotizing soft tissue infections: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Surgery 2021; 170:1718-1726. [PMID: 34362585 DOI: 10.1016/j.surg.2021.06.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Frequency, microbiology, and outcomes of necrotizing soft tissue infections vary based on locoregional and environmental factors; however, there has been no global survey of these patterns. We performed a systematic review/meta-analysis on published reports of necrotizing soft tissue infections from across the globe. METHODS Peer-reviewed empirical studies examining rates of polymicrobial and monomicrobial necrotizing soft tissue infections with microbial isolation and overall mortality rate were extracted along with geographic location using PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, and Web of Science. Random-effects meta-analyses and sensitivity analyses were performed, adjusting for publication bias. Meta-regression analyses examined moderator effects of risk factors. RESULTS One hundred and five studies (8,718 total patients) were included. Pooled prevalence of polymicrobial and monomicrobial infections were 53% and 37.9%, respectively. Truncal necrotizing soft tissue infections were commonly polymicrobial (P < .001), whereas monomicrobial infections prevailed in extremities (P = .008). Global prevalence of monomicrobial necrotizing soft tissue infections was observed to increase by 1.1% annually (P = .003). Staphylococcus aureus was the most common organism globally and in North America, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, followed by Streptococcus pyogenes and Escherichia coli. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus accounted for 16% of necrotizing soft tissue infections globally. Overall mortality was 23.1%, observed to decline globally over the last decade (P = .020). No regional differences were noted for mortality. CONCLUSION Although polymicrobial infections remain predominant worldwide, the incidence of monomicrobial infections is increasing. The observed decline in necrotizing soft tissue infection-related mortality is encouraging and may reflect advances in management, despite major variations in available healthcare resources globally.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brianna Marschke
- Department of Surgery, Texas Tech University Health Science Center, Lubbock, TX
| | - Erin Morris
- Department of Surgery, Texas Tech University Health Science Center, Lubbock, TX
| | - Chanaka N Kahathuduwa
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX; Department of Laboratory Sciences and Primary Care, School of Health Professions, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX
| | - Sharmila Dissanaike
- Department of Surgery, Texas Tech University Health Science Center, Lubbock, TX.
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Zhao-Fleming H, Almekdash MH, Cook E, Northcut A, Mitchell D, Rumbaugh K, Dissanaike S. Obesity Is Not an Independent Predictor of Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infection Outcomes. Surg Infect (Larchmt) 2020; 22:187-192. [PMID: 32320347 DOI: 10.1089/sur.2019.283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTIs) are a group of rapidly progressive infections of the skin and its underlying tissue. These infections result in substantial morbidity and mortality. The focus of this study was to determine if obesity is associated with a worsened clinical outcome or prolonged hospital course for patients with NSTIs. Patients and Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients with NSTI presenting to a single tertiary hospital. Fat content, measured with body mass index (BMI) and abdominal fat thicknesses, including subcutaneous and visceral fat, were compared against primary and secondary outcomes of NSTIs. Results: We found that women had a higher mortality rate compared with men (27% vs. 15% mortality). Women also had an increased subcutaneous abdominal fat thickness (55.7 vs. 36.9 mm, p = 0.028). However, no measurements of fat, BMI, subcutaneous fat, or visceral fat differed between survivors and mortalities of NSTIs. In fact, with the exception of a higher BMI in those who developed acute kidney injury (AKI, p = 0.034), we found no correlation between increases in fat measurement and secondary outcome, including propensity to develop sepsis during hospitalization, length of hospital stay, length of intensive care stay, or antibiotic usage. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted, and we found no statistically significant differences in primary or secondary outcomes. Conclusion: Women appear to have a higher mortality in NSTI, although the reasons for this are unclear. Obesity, as measured by BMI, subcutaneous, and visceral fat thicknesses, does not appear to be an independent risk factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Zhao-Fleming
- School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas, USA
| | - Mhd Hasan Almekdash
- Clinical Research Institute, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas, USA
| | - Elizabeth Cook
- School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas, USA
| | - Armand Northcut
- School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas, USA
| | - Diana Mitchell
- School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas, USA
| | - Kendra Rumbaugh
- Department of Surgery, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas, USA.,Burn Center of Research Excellence, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas, USA
| | - Sharmila Dissanaike
- Department of Surgery, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas, USA.,Burn Center of Research Excellence, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas, USA
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8
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The roles of early surgery and comorbid conditions on outcomes of severe necrotizing soft-tissue infections. Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg 2018; 45:919-926. [PMID: 29789865 DOI: 10.1007/s00068-018-0958-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Severe necrotizing soft-tissue infections (NSTIs) require immediate early surgical treatment to avoid adverse outcomes. This study aims to determine the impact of early surgery and comorbid conditions on the outcomes of NSTIs. METHODS A retrospective cohort study was performed on all subjects presenting with NSTI at an academic medical center between 2005 and 2016. Patients were identified based on ICD codes. Those under the age of 18 or with intraoperative findings not consistent with NSTI diagnosis were excluded. RESULTS There were 115 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of NSTI with a mean age of 55 ± 18 years; 41% were females and 55% were diabetics. Thirty percent of patients underwent early surgery (< 6 h). There were no significant differences between groups in baseline characteristics. The late group (≥ 6 h) had prolonged hospital stay (38 vs. 23 days, p < 0.008) in comparison to the early group (< 6 h). With every 1 h delay in time to surgery, there is a 0.268 day increase in length of stay, adjusted for these other variables: alcohol abuse, number of debridements, peripheral vascular disease, previous infection and clinical necrosis. Mortality was 16.5%. Multivariable analysis revealed that alcohol abuse, peripheral vascular disease, diabetes, obesity, hypothyroidism, and presence of COPD were associated with an increase in mortality. CONCLUSIONS Early surgical intervention in patients with severe necrotizing soft-tissue infections reduces length of hospital stay. Presence of comorbid conditions such as alcohol abuse, peripheral vascular disease, diabetes, obesity and hypothyroidism were associated with increased mortality.
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Horn CB, Wesp BM, Fiore NB, Rasane RK, Torres M, Turnbull IR, Ilahi ON, Punch LJ, Bochicchio GV. Fungal Infections Increase the Mortality Rate Three-Fold in Necrotizing Soft-Tissue Infections. Surg Infect (Larchmt) 2017; 18:793-798. [PMID: 28850295 DOI: 10.1089/sur.2017.164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Necrotizing soft-tissue infections (NSTIs) result in significant morbidity and mortality rates, with as many as 76% of patients dying during their index admission. Published data suggest NSTIs rarely involve fungal infections in immunocompetent patients. However, because of the recent recognition of fungal infections in our population, we hypothesized that such infections frequently complicate NSTIs and are associated with higher morbidity and mortality rates. METHODS A prospectively maintained Acute and Critical Care Surgery (ACCS) database spanning 2008-2015 and including more than 7,000 patients was queried for patients with NSTIs. Microbiologic data, demographics, and clinical outcomes were abstracted. Risk factors and outcomes associated with NSTI with positive intra-operative fungal cultures were determined. Frequencies were compared by χ2 and continuous variables by the Student t-test using SPSS. Because the study included only archived data, no patient permission was needed. RESULTS A total of 230 patients were found to have NSTIs; 197 had intra-operative cultures, and 21 (10.7%) of these were positive for fungi. Fungal infection was more common in women, patients with higher body mass index (BMI), and patients who had had prior abdominal procedures. There were no significant differences in demographics, co-morbidities, or site of infection. The majority of patients (85.7%) had mixed bacterial and fungal infections; in the remaining patients, fungi were the only species isolated. Most fungal cultures were collected within 48 h of hospital admission, suggesting that the infections were not hospital acquired. Patients with positive fungal cultures required two more surgical interventions and had a three-fold greater mortality rate than patients without fungal infections. CONCLUSIONS This is the largest series to date describing the impact of fungal infection in NSTIs. Our data demonstrate a three-fold increase in the mortality rate and the need for two additional operations. Consideration should be given to starting patients on empiric anti-fungal therapy in certain circumstances.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brendan M Wesp
- Department of Surgery, Washington University , St Louis, Missouri
| | - Nicholas B Fiore
- Department of Surgery, Washington University , St Louis, Missouri
| | - Rohit K Rasane
- Department of Surgery, Washington University , St Louis, Missouri
| | - Marlon Torres
- Department of Surgery, Washington University , St Louis, Missouri
| | | | - Obeid N Ilahi
- Department of Surgery, Washington University , St Louis, Missouri
| | - Laurie J Punch
- Department of Surgery, Washington University , St Louis, Missouri
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Freiberg JA. The mythos of laudable pus along with an explanation for its origin. J Community Hosp Intern Med Perspect 2017; 7:196-198. [PMID: 28808517 PMCID: PMC5538214 DOI: 10.1080/20009666.2017.1343077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2017] [Accepted: 06/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The presence of pus is one of the most easily recognizable signs of an infection. However, for several centuries suppuration, known as ‘laudable pus,’ was believed to be a sign of a healthy, healing wound. This historical misconception can be explained by the difference in the presentation of a necrotizing soft tissue infection versus other more common skin and soft tissue infections. Chronic wound infections, due to pyogenic bacteria, typically produce large amounts of thick, whitish-yellow pus. On the other hand, necrotizing soft tissue infections, despite their severe mortality and morbidity, are devoid of pus in the traditional sense. What the ancient medical observers recognized was the fact that pus is not characteristic of this subset of incredibly severe infections. This is an important distinction to remember when evaluating an infection, even today.
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