Necrotizing soft tissue infections in the intensive care unit

Surgical Science and the Evolution of Critical Care Medicine

Surgical science has driven innovation and inquiry across adult and pediatric disciplines that provide critical care regardless of location. Surgically originated but broadly applicable knowledge has been globally shared within the pages Critical Care Medicine over the last 50 years.

Annual prevalence, characteristics, and outcomes of intensive care patients with skin or soft tissue infections in Australia and New Zealand: A retrospective cohort study between 2006-2017

BACKGROUND

There are limited published data on the epidemiology of skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) requiring intensive care unit (ICU) admission. This study intended to describe the annual prevalence, characteristics, and outcomes of critically ill adult patients admitted to the ICU for an SSTI.

METHODS

This was a registry-based retrospective cohort study, using data submitted to the Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Society Adult Patient Database for all admissions with SSTI between 2006 and 2017. The inclusion criteria were as follows: primary diagnosis of SSTI and age ≥16 years. The exclusion criteria were as follows: ICU readmissions (during the same hospital admission) and transfers from ICUs from other hospitals. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality, and the secondary outcomes were ICU mortality and length of stay (LOS) in the ICU and hospital with independent predictors of outcomes.

RESULTS

Admissions due to SSTI accounted for 10 962 (0.7%) of 1 470 197 ICU admissions between 2006 and 2017. Comorbidities were present in 25.2% of the study sample. The in-hospital mortality was 9% (991/10 962), and SSTI necessitating ICU admission accounted for 0.07% of in-hospital mortality of all ICU admissions between 2006 and 2017. Annual prevalence of ICU admissions for SSTI increased from 0.4% to 0.9% during the study period, but in-hospital mortality decreased from 16.1% to 6.8%. The median ICU LOS was 2.1 days (interquartile range = 3.4), and the median hospital LOS was 12.1 days (interquartile range = 20.6). ICU LOS remained stable between 2006 and 2017 (2.0-2.1 days), whereas hospital LOS decreased from 15.7 to 11.2 days. Predictors for in-hospital mortality included Australian and New Zealand Risk of Death scores [odds ratio (OR): 1.07; confidence interval (CI) (1.05, 1.09); p < 0.001], any comorbidity except diabetes [OR: 2.00; CI (1.05, 3.79); p = 0.035], and admission through an emergency response call [OR: 2.07; CI (1.03, 4.16); p = 0.041].

CONCLUSIONS

SSTIs are uncommon as primary ICU admission diagnosis. Although the annual prevalence of ICU admissions for SSTI has increased, in-hospital mortality and hospital LOS have decreased over the last decade.

[Necrotizing fasciitis-a surgical emergency]

Necrotizing fasciitis is a fulminant and potentially life-threatening infection of the skin and soft tissue. It is usually caused by a combination of different bacteria and is often due to assumed minor trauma. Clinically, only relatively insignificant skin changes are initially present, such as blistering or erythema. They are often accompanied by excessive pain. In the further course, the massive systemic reaction becomes predominant. The diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis is primarily clinical, which can be supported by laboratory parameters (LRINEC score) and computed tomography imaging. Decisive for the prognosis is the immediate initiation of surgical treatment by radical debridement. Additionally, the calculated administration of a combination of different antibiotics should be initiated. As part of the further complex intensive care treatment, a regular reevaluation of the wounds is carried out. Multiple débridements are always necessary until plastic surgery for defect coverage can be carried out.

[Necrotizing fasciitis-a surgical emergency]

Necrotizing fasciitis is a fulminant and potentially life-threatening infection of the skin and soft tissue. It is usually caused by a combination of different bacteria and is often due to assumed minor trauma. Clinically, only relatively insignificant skin changes are initially present, such as blistering or erythema. They are often accompanied by excessive pain. In the further course, the massive systemic reaction becomes predominant. The diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis is primarily clinical, which can be supported by laboratory parameters (LRINEC score) and computed tomography imaging. Decisive for the prognosis is the immediate initiation of surgical treatment by radical debridement. Additionally, the calculated administration of a combination of different antibiotics should be initiated. As part of the further complex intensive care treatment, a regular reevaluation of the wounds is carried out. Multiple débridements are always necessary until plastic surgery for defect coverage can be carried out.

[Defect coverage after severe soft tissue infections: when and how?]

Severe infections frequently cause large soft tissue defects which require early defect coverage by plastic surgeons. A number of reconstructive treatment options are available, ranging from local flaps to microvascular free flap reconstructions. In this respect it is important that the selection of the optimal reconstructive technique is made based on individual patient characteristics and in a timely manner. Weeks of inpatient treatment with vacuum dressings often delay defect coverage and should be avoided as they burden both the patient and the healthcare system. Therefore, it is in the best interest of patients to receive early treatment by plastic surgeons. This manuscript presents the essential reconstructive treatment approaches based on highly informative case reports of patients from the plastic surgical practice at a university hospital.

Scarce evidence of efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in necrotizing soft tissue infection: a systematic review

Background: Necrotizing soft tissue infection (NSTI) is a rare and potentially life-threatening disease. Rapid surgical intervention, antibiotics and intensive care are the mainstay of treatment. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is used as adjuvant therapy in some centres but there is a lack of research-based evidence of efficacy. Methods: Following the PRISMA guideline we conducted a systematic review on the efficacy of HBOT on NSTI with mortality as primary outcome. Through January 2019 major databases were searched and relevant literature assessed. The criteria for study inclusion were research of any design and any period of time comparing HBOT vs. non-HBOT in a population of NSTI-patients. Studies were analysed using the modified Delphi method and risk of bias in non-randomized studies - of interventions tool. Relative risk (RR) on mortality was calculated for each study individually. Results: A number of 1733 studies were identified through database search. Ultimately, 21 studies were included of which 19 were case series with a control group. The majority of the studies performed poor in quality assessment and all featured a high to critical risk of bias. The association of HBOT on mortality was generally reported as positive, however, the results should be considered with great scepticism. Conclusions: The evidence of HBOT in NSTI is poor and biased. There is a strong need for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to shed light on a potential life-saving treatment.

Interventions for necrotizing soft tissue infections in adults

BACKGROUND

Necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTIs) are severe and rapidly spreading soft tissue infections of the subcutaneous tissue, fascia, or muscle, which are mostly caused by bacteria. Associated rates of mortality and morbidity are high, with the former estimated at around 23%, and disability, sequelae, and limb loss occurring in 15% of patients. Standard management includes intravenous empiric antimicrobial therapy, early surgical debridement of necrotic tissues, intensive care support, and adjuvant therapies such as intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG).

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of medical and surgical treatments for necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTIs) in adults in hospital settings.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the following databases up to April 2018: the Cochrane Skin Group Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, and LILACS. We also searched five trials registers, pharmaceutical company trial results databases, and the US Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency websites. We checked the reference lists of included studies and reviews for further references to relevant randomised controlled trials (RCTs).

SELECTION CRITERIA

RCTs conducted in hospital settings, that evaluated any medical or surgical treatment for adults with NSTI were eligible for inclusion. Eligible medical treatments included 1) comparisons between different antimicrobials or with placebo; 2) adjuvant therapies such as intravenous immunoglobulin (IGIV) therapy compared with placebo; no treatment; or other adjuvant therapies. Eligible surgical treatments included surgical debridement compared with amputation, immediate versus delayed intervention, or comparisons of number of interventions.RCTs of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy for NSTI were ineligible because HBO is the focus of another Cochrane Review.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. The primary outcome measures were 1) mortality within 30 days, and 2) proportion of participants who experience a serious adverse event. Secondary outcomes were 1) survival time, and 2) assessment of long-term morbidity. We used GRADE to assess the quality of the evidence for each outcome.

MAIN RESULTS

We included three trials randomising 197 participants (62% men) who had a mean age of 55 years. One trial compared two antibiotic treatments, and two trials compared adjuvant therapies with placebo. In all trials, participants concomitantly received standard interventions, such as intravenous empiric antimicrobial therapy, surgical debridement of necrotic tissues, intensive care support, and adjuvant therapies. All trials were at risk of attrition bias and one trial was not blinded.Moxifloxacin versus amoxicillin-clavulanate One trial included 54 participants who had a NSTI; it compared a third-generation quinolone, moxifloxacin, at a dose of 400 mg given once daily, against a penicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanate, at a dose of 3 g given three times daily for at least three days, followed by 1.5 g three times daily. Duration of treatment varied from 7 to 21 days. We are uncertain of the effects of these treatments on mortality within 30 days (risk ratio (RR) 3.00, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.39 to 23.07) and serious adverse events at 28 days (RR 0.63, 95% CI 0.30 to 1.31) because the quality of the evidence is very low.AB103 versus placebo One trial of 43 randomised participants compared two doses, 0.5 mg/kg and 0.25 mg/kg, of an adjuvant drug, a CD28 antagonist receptor (AB103), with placebo. Treatment was given via infusion pump for 10 minutes before, after, or during surgery within six hours after the diagnosis of NSTI. We are uncertain of the effects of AB103 on mortality rate within 30 days (RR of 0.34, 95% CI 0.05 to 2.16) and serious adverse events measured at 28 days (RR 1.49, 95% CI 0.52 to 4.27) because the quality of the evidence is very low.Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) versus placebo One trial of 100 randomised participants assessed IVIG as an adjuvant drug, given at a dose of 25 g/day, compared with placebo, given for three consecutive days. There may be no clear difference between IVIG and placebo in terms of mortality within 30 days (RR 1.17, 95% CI 0.42 to 3.23) (low-certainty evidence), nor serious adverse events experienced in the intensive care unit (ICU) (RR 0.73 CI 95% 0.32 to 1.65) (low-certainty evidence).Serious adverse events were only described in one RCT (the IVIG versus placebo trial) and included acute kidney injury, allergic reactions, aseptic meningitis syndrome, haemolytic anaemia, thrombi, and transmissible agents.Only one trial reported assessment of long-term morbidity, but the outcome was not defined in the way we prespecified in our protocol. The trial used the Short Form Health Survey (SF36). Data on survival time were provided upon request for the trials comparing amoxicillin-clavulanate versus moxifloxacin and IVIG versus placebo. However, even with data provided, it was not possible to perform survival analysis.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

We found very little evidence on the effects of medical and surgical treatments for NSTI. We cannot draw conclusions regarding the relative effects of any of the interventions on 30-day mortality or serious adverse events due to the very low quality of the evidence.The quality of the evidence is limited by the very small number of trials, the small sample sizes, and the risks of bias in the included trials. It is important for future trials to clearly define their inclusion criteria, which will help with the applicability of future trial results to a real-life population.Management of NSTI participants (critically-ill participants) is complex, involving multiple interventions; thus, observational studies and prospective registries might be a better foundation for future research, which should assess empiric antimicrobial therapy, as well as surgical debridement, along with the placebo-controlled comparison of adjuvant therapy. Key outcomes to assess include mortality (in the acute phase of the condition) and long-term functional outcomes, e.g. quality of life (in the chronic phase).

Investigation of multiple mortality events in eastern box turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina)

Wildlife mortality investigations are important for conservation, food safety, and public health; but they are infrequently reported for cryptic chelonian species. Eastern box turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina) are declining due to anthropogenic factors and disease, and while mortality investigations have been reported for captive and translocated individuals, few descriptions exist for free-living populations. We report the results of four natural mortality event investigations conducted during routine health surveillance of three Illinois box turtle populations in 2011, 2013, 2014, and 2015. In April 2011, over 50 box turtles were found dead and a polymicrobial necrotizing bacterial infection was diagnosed in five survivors using histopathology and aerobic/anaerobic culture. This represents the first reported occurrence of necrotizing bacterial infection in box turtles. In August 2013, paired histopathology and qPCR ranavirus detection in nine turtles was significantly associated with occupation of moist microhabitats, identification of oral plaques and nasal discharge on physical exam, and increases in the heterophil count and heterophil to lymphocyte ratio (p < 0.05). In July 2014 and 2015, ranavirus outbreaks reoccurred within a 0.2km radius of highly-disturbed habitat containing ephemeral ponds used by amphibians for breeding. qPCR ranavirus detection in five individuals each year was significantly associated with use of moist microhabitats (p < 0.05). Detection of single and co-pathogens (Terrapene herpesvirus 1, adenovirus, and Mycoplasma sp.) was common before, during, and after mortality events, but improved sample size would be necessary to determine the impacts of these pathogens on the occurrence and outcome of mortality events. This study provides novel information about the causes and predictors of natural box turtle mortality events. Continued investigation of health, disease, and death in free-living box turtles will improve baseline knowledge of morbidity and mortality, identify threats to survival, and promote the formation of effective conservation strategies.

Skin and soft tissue infections in the intensive care unit: a retrospective study in a tertiary care center

OBJECTIVE

To identify factors that may influence outcomes in patients with severe skin and soft tissue infections in the intensive care unit.

METHODS

A retrospective observational study was conducted in a cohort of 1,123 critically ill patients admitted to an intensive care unit with a primary or secondary diagnosis of severe skin and soft tissues infection between January 2006 and December 2014.

RESULTS

Thirty patients were included, 20 (66.7%) of whom were diagnosed with necrotizing fasciitis; in these patients, perineal area involvement was most commonly identified. Abscess was diagnosed in 8 (26.7%) patients, most commonly involving the cervical area. Risk factors such as immunosuppression and previous surgical trauma were commonly observed in this population. The most commonly isolated microorganism was Escherichia coli. Multidrug resistant microorganisms were commonly detected, even in the absence of traditional risk factors; among these patients, previous use of antibiotics was the most common risk factor for drug resistance. The rate of mortality was significantly higher in patients with necrotizing fasciitis (55%, p = 0.035) and associated with disease severity, presence of septic shock, cardiac arrest and leucocytosis.

CONCLUSION

Different risk factors and etiologies of severe skin and soft tissue infections were identified. Necrotizing fasciitis and drug-resistant bacteria were significant predictors of mortality, even in the absence of traditional risk factors. Obtaining a better understanding of trends in the risk factors and microorganisms associated with severe skin infections may help in the determination of prompt treatment and antibiotic choices.

The Need to Feed: Balancing Protein Need in a Critically Ill Patient With Fournier's Gangrene

Necrotizing soft tissue injury (NSTI) is rare with an impressively difficult and dangerous clinical course. While the importance of nutrition as part of the treatment plan for NSTI is recognized as essential to recovery, specific recommendations have not been elucidated. A review of the evidence-based guidelines and published research to accomplish wound healing is presented. The nutrition considerations in the setting of organ failure are also discussed. This article outlines a complicated case of a septic, malnourished man with Fournier's gangrene and acute kidney injury. Protein loss from exudate extracted from a negative-pressure vacuum helped estimate the amount of protein needed to accomplish wound healing and guide clinical care. Development of acute kidney injury resulted in protein restriction at the request of the consulting renal service. This restriction led to insufficient protein intake to meet needs required for wound healing as evidenced by a nitrogen balance study and analysis of wound exudate. The estimated daily protein losses through the wound were within 11-26 g protein (2-4 g nitrogen) per day. Inclusion of wound exudate nitrogen loss in nitrogen balance analyses helped resolve conflicting treatment approaches. Estimating protein loss from wound exudate allows for individualization of protein requirements.

The obesity paradox in patients with severe soft tissue infections

BACKGROUND

The "obesity paradox" has been demonstrated in chronic diseases but not in acute surgery. We sought to determine whether obesity is associated with improved outcomes in patients with severe soft tissue infections (SSTIs).

METHODS

The 2006 to 2010 Nationwide Inpatient Sample was used to identify adult patients with SSTIs. Patients were categorized into nonobese and obese (nonmorbid [body mass index 30 to 39.9] and morbid [body mass index ≥ 40]). Logistic regression provided risk-adjusted association between obesity categories and inhospital mortality.

RESULTS

There were 2,868 records with SSTI weighted to represent 14,080 patients. Obese patients were less likely to die in hospital than nonobese patients (odds ratio [OR] = .42; 95% confidence interval [CI], .25 to .70; P = .001). Subanalysis revealed a similar trend, with lower odds of mortality in nonmorbid obesity (OR = .46; 95% CI, .23 to .91; P = .025) and morbid obesity (OR = .39; 95% CI, .19 to .80; P = .011) groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Obesity is independently associated with reduced inhospital mortality in patients with SSTI regardless of the obesity classification. This suggests that the obesity paradox exists in this acute surgical population.

Fournier's gangrene (necrotising fasciitis) complicated by renal and respiratory insufficiency: a case report

A case report of a 68-year-old male obese diabetic patient with an abscess of left femoral region, and diffuse inflammation of abdominal wall and genital region developing sepsis, respiratory and renal failure. At admission in the regional hospital a diagnosis of polymicrobial necrotising fasciitis with suspected sepsis was declared. The patient was transferred to the special intensive care unit (SICU) of Burns and reconstructive surgery at the Kosice-Saca. The patient was treated surgically, with hyperbaric oxygen and pharmacologically to control his diabetes. The main aetiological agent of the condition was identified as Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. In addition to respiratory and metabolic acidosis and gastric bleeding occurred. Due to acute renal failure (day 38) the patient was transferred to clinic of anaesthesiology and the intensive care medicine at the University Hospital in Kosice. The patient was treated by continuous veno-venous haemodialysis, mechanical ventilation and nasogastric nutritional support. On day 48 the conscious sub-febrile patient with healed wounds was transferred back to the regional hospital with ventilation support and continuous renal replacement therapy. His diabetes was uncontrolled, and only kidney parameters remained pathological. The survival of this patient with an extremely poor prognosis was achieved through prompt transfer to a specialised centre, early identification of the aetiological agent and immediate appropriate antibiotic treatment as a result of good cooperation between surgeons and laboratory specialists.

Management of Necrotizing Fasciitis and Its Surgical Aspects

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a severe and rapidly progressive infectious disease that attacks superficial an as well as deep fascia, subcutaneous fat tissue, and muscle. Although the incidence is of relatively low frequency, the median mortality is high. NF is a great burden to patients and hospitals. The most common cause of NF is trauma injuries, followed by other conditions with comorbidity. A classification for NF was presented concerning microbial cause, depth of infection, and anatomy. But the value of classification is not convincing. Early diagnosis of NF is essential and still to be realized by far. Information from clinic or laboratory might contribute to the purpose. Surgery is used in exploration debridement and tissue reconstruction as the main method with NF. Negative pressure wound therapy has proved to be useful in improving wound bed preparation and healing.

World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES) guidelines for management of skin and soft tissue infections

Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) encompass a variety of pathological conditions ranging from simple superficial infections to severe necrotizing soft tissue infections. Necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTIs) are potentially life-threatening infections of any layer of the soft tissue compartment associated with widespread necrosis and systemic toxicity. Successful management of NSTIs involves prompt recognition, timely surgical debridement or drainage, resuscitation and appropriate antibiotic therapy. A worldwide international panel of experts developed evidence-based guidelines for management of soft tissue infections. The multifaceted nature of these infections has led to a collaboration among surgeons, intensive care and infectious diseases specialists, who have shared these guidelines, implementing clinical practice recommendations.

A series of severe necrotising soft-tissue infections in a regional centre in Sweden

BACKGROUND

Necrotising soft-tissue infections (NSTIs) are rare conditions with high morbidity and mortality. Patients with NSTIs are often transferred to tertiary hospitals, but the question of whether the potential benefits of highly specialised care outweigh the risks associated with inter-hospital transfers has been raised.

METHODS

Prospective study including all patients with NSTIs treated at the intensive care unit at Sahlgrenska University Hospital/East between January 2008 and December 2011.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine patients with NSTIs were identified. Their median age was 54 years and 69% were men. Major co-morbidities were present in 45%. Seventeen patients (59%) were referred from other hospitals. Only 33% of the patients were correctly diagnosed or suspected of having NSTIs in the emergency department. Group A Streptococcus was the most common microbiological finding (41%), followed by Enterobacteriaceae (17%). The median time from hospitalisation to the first dose of antibiotics was 6 h and the median time to primary surgery was 16 h. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy was given to 86%, and intravenous immunoglobulin was given in 52% of the cases. The 30-day mortality was 14% (4/29). The times to the first dose of antibiotics, intensive care unit admission and primary surgery did not differ between transferred and directly admitted patients, and there was no difference in outcome between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with NSTIs develop severe local and systemic symptoms and require extremely resource-demanding hospitalisation. Inter-hospital transfer was not associated with a delay in key interventions and could not be identified as a risk factor for adverse outcome.

Septic shock due to community-acquired Pseudomonas aeruginosa necrotizing fasciitis: A case report and literature review

Necrotizing fasciitis is a rare but fatal infection, characterized by the rapid progression of necrosis of the fascia, skin, soft tissue and muscle. The most common bacteria associated with necrotizing fasciitis is group A streptococcus, although other pathogens have also been implicated. In the present study, a case of community-acquired necrotizing fasciitis, complicated with septic shock and multiple organ dysfunction syndromes due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa, is presented. Despite intensive medical treatment, the condition of the patient deteriorated rapidly and the patient subsequently succumbed to multiple organ failure. In view of the rapid progression and high mortality rate of this disease, early surgery, as well as novel therapeutic approaches for septic shock are required to improve the outcome for patients.

Fatal skin and soft tissue infection of multidrug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii: A case report

INTRODUCTION

Acinetobacter baumannii is usually associated with respiratory tract, urinary tract and bloodstream infections. Recent reports suggest that it is increasingly causing skin and soft tissue infections. It is also evolving as a multidrug resistant organism that can be difficult to treat. We present a fatal case of multidrug resistant A. baumannii soft tissue infection and review of relevant literature.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

A 41 year old morbidly obese man, with history of alcoholic liver disease presented with left superficial pre-tibial abrasions and cellulitis caused by multidrug resistant (MDR) A. baumannii. In spite of early antibiotic administration he developed extensive myositis and fat necrosis requiring extensive and multiple surgical debridements. He deteriorated despite appropriate antibiotic therapy and multiple surgical interventions with development of multi-organ failure and died.

DISCUSSION

Managing Acinetobacter infections remains difficult due to the array of resistance and the pathogens ability to develop new and ongoing resistance. The early diagnosis of necrotizing soft tissue infection may be challenging, but the key to successful management of patients with necrotizing soft tissue infection are early recognition and complete surgical debridement.

CONCLUSION

A. baumannii is emerging as an important cause of severe, life-threatening soft tissue infections. Multidrug resistant A. baumannii soft tissue infections may carry a high mortality in spite of early and aggressive treatment. Clinicians need to consider appropriate early empirical antibiotic coverage or the use of combination therapy to include MDR A. baumannii as a cause of skin and soft tissue infections.

Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections: Surgeon's Prospective

Necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTIs) are fulminant infections of any layer of the soft tissue compartment associated with widespread necrosis and systemic toxicity. Delay in diagnosing and treating these infections increases the risk of mortality. Early and aggressive surgical debridement with support for the failing organs significantly improves the survival. Although there are different forms of NSTIs like Fournier's gangrene or clostridial myonecrosis, the most important fact is that they share common pathophysiology and principles of treatment. The current paper summarizes the pathophysiology, clinical features, the diagnostic workup required and the treatment principles to manage these cases.

Necrotizing soft tissue infections

Necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTIs) are infrequent yet highly lethal infections, and a high index of suspicion is required for early diagnosis. Diagnosing NSTIs early can be challenging, and knowledge of the available tools is essential to provide appropriate treatment. The mainstay of treatment is early and complete surgical debridement combined with antimicrobial therapy, close monitoring with further debridement as needed, and physiologic support. Mortality continues to be high, and delayed surgical treatment is the most important risk factor. For the long-term recovery of patients with NSTI, providing early physiologic and nutritional support and physical rehabilitation is essential.

Body image and psychological outcome after severe skin and soft tissue infection requiring intensive care

BACKGROUND

Patients with severe skin and soft tissue infection (SSTI) requiring intensive care unit (ICU) stay are commonly treated with antibiotics, surgery and in some centers also with hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Long-term follow-up of body image and psychological outcome has not been described despite extensive surgery, potentially altered body image and subsequent psychological problems. The aim was to describe perceived body image and its relation to anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)-related symptoms in patients with severe SSTI 1 year after ICU stay. Specifically, we aimed to assess potential differences related to gender and anatomic site of infection.

METHODS

Fifty patients treated for severe SSTI in the General ICU, Karolinska University Hospital 2008-2010 received the body image scale (BIS), impact of event scale (IES), and hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS) 1 year after ICU discharge.

RESULTS

Abdominoperineal SSTI was associated with more body image problems than other anatomic sites of infection in both men and women. Generally, women reported higher BIS scores than men (median 9.5 vs. 3.0 of total 30, P < 0.03) indicating more negative body image. A substantial number of patients reported scar dissatisfaction (63.9%), body dissatisfaction (51.1%) and body feeling less whole (51.0%). BIS scores correlated with HADS anxiety (r = 0.59, P < 0.01), depression (r = 0.60, P < 0.01) and IES (r = 0.61, P < 0.01) scores.

CONCLUSION

One year after severe SSTI requiring intensive care, women and patients with abdominoperineal SSTI reported significantly more body image problems. Negative body image was associated with anxiety, depression and PTSD-related symptoms. Specific follow-up for SSTI patients is warranted.

Fatal Escherichia coli skin and soft tissue infections in liver transplant recipients: report of three cases

Gram-negative bacilli are unusual agents of skin and soft tissue infections. Most previous cases have been reported in cirrhotic or immunocompromised patients, including a single case in a liver transplant recipient. The present report describes 3 cases of fatal skin or soft tissue infections caused by Escherichia coli that occurred in the postoperative course of liver transplantation. The 3 patients were profoundly immunosuppressed as a result of pre-transplant cirrhosis and the postoperative administration of a potent immunosuppressive therapy. Skin and soft tissue infections developed within the first week after liver transplantation, while graft liver function was satisfactory. The 3 patients presented with fever and skin lesions with or without bullae. Despite prompt appropriate antibiotic therapy and surgical debridement, the outcome was rapidly fatal (24 h on average). E. coli was isolated from subcutaneous tissues in 2 cases and from several blood cultures in the third one. The 3 isolates belonged to distinct phylogenetic groups, and did not harbor most of the virulence factors usually reported in extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli isolates. Our report suggests that E. coli can cause severe skin or soft tissue infection in the postoperative course of liver transplantation. The onset of infection is very early and the outcome is extremely poor, despite prompt adapted medical and surgical treatment. Host factors, rather than E. coli bacterial virulence potential, appear to be the major determinants of severity in these patients.

A 3-Year Experience with Necrotizing Fasciitis: Favorable Outcomes despite Operative Delays in a Busy Acute Care Hospital

Necrotizing fasciitis is a rare severe soft tissue infection that has historically been associated with high mortality. We sought to evaluate our experience with necrotizing fasciitis focusing on outcomes based on timing of operative intervention. Our study hypothesis was that delays in surgical management would negatively impact outcomes. Fifty-four patients were identified for a retrospective chart review from January 2008 to January 2011. Data analysis included demographics, admission laboratory values, imaging results, examination findings, timing and nature of operations, length of stay (LOS), and outcomes. Surgical intervention in 12 hours or more was considered a delay in care. Our study cohort was high risk based on a high prevalence of intravenous drug abuse, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and end-stage liver disease. The average time to surgical intervention was 18 ± 25 hours and the overall mortality rate was 16 per cent. A delay to surgery did not impact mortality or the number of débridements and LOS. Mortality was high, 45 per cent, in patients requiring amputation. We observed a high-risk population managed with aggressive surgical care for necrotizing fasciitis. Our mortality was low compared with historical data and surgical delays did not impact outcomes. Those patients requiring amputation had worse outcomes.

Necrotizing soft-tissue infections

OBJECTIVE

To provide a contemporary review of the diagnosis and management of necrotizing soft-tissue infections.

DATA SOURCES

Scientific literature and internet sources.

STUDY SELECTION

Major articles of importance in this area.

CONCLUSIONS

The mortality for necrotizing soft-tissue infections appears to be decreasing, possibly due to improved recognition and earlier delivery of more effective therapy. Establishing a diagnosis and initiating treatment as soon as possible provides the best opportunity for a good outcome.