Fournier's gangrene: a modern analysis of predictors of outcomes

Comparing scoring systems for Fournier gangrenes in predicting morbidity and mortality: Is FGSI still reliable?

INTRODUCTION

Compare scoring systems using Fournier gangrene severity index (FGSI), Uludag Fournier gangrene severity index (UFGSI), Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis (LRINEC), and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) to predict the outcome of patients with Fournier gangrene.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study that includes FG patients from 2012 to 2021. NLR, FGSI, UFGSI, and LRINEC values were calculated and analyzed. Each scoring system was analyzed using a receiver-operating curve (ROC) analysis to determine its sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve (AUC). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25.

RESULTS

A total of 158 patients were included in this study. Regarding the mortality outcome, FGSI comprised the highest value of AUC with 80.9, with a sensitivity of 91.7% and specificity of 68.5%. LRINEC comprised the AUC value of 61.1, with 79.2% sensitivity and 64.2% specificity. NLR comprised an AUC value of 63.7, 91.7% of sensitivity, and 98.1% of specificity. In terms of length of stay, LRINEC and NLR were associated as significant predictor.

CONCLUSION

FGSI, UFGSI, and NLR are significant predictors associated with mortality in patients with Fournier gangrene. FGSI and UFGSI comprised the highest sensitivity and specificity value in predicting mortality prognosis. Moreover, this study highlighted the role of NLR and LRINEC as significant predictors for the length of hospitalization. This study shows that FGSI is still a reliable scoring system for predicting mortality in patients with Fournier Gangrene.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II.

Variables that predict hospital stay and the outcome of Fournier gangrene at King Abdulaziz University Hospital: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND

The aggressive nature of Fournier gangrene and the associated health issues can result in a more complex clinical course and potentially a longer hospital stay. This study aimed to assess factors that affect the length of hospital stay (LHS) and its relation to the outcome of Fournier gangrene patients.

METHODS

A retrospective study was performed at King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH), Saudi Arabia, on patients diagnosed with Fournier gangrene between 2017 and 2023. Data about length of hospital stay (LHS), age, BMI, clinical and surgical data and outcome was obtained.

RESULTS

The mean age of the studied patients was 59.23 ± 11.19 years, the mean body mass index (BMI) was 26.69 ± 7.99 kg/m2, and the mean duration of symptoms was 10.27 ± 9.16 days. The most common presenting symptoms were swelling or induration (64%), 88% had comorbidities with diabetes mellitus (DM) (84%), and 76% had uncontrolled DM. of patients, 24% had a poly-microbial infection, with E. coli being the most common (52%). The mean length of hospital stay (LHS) was 54.56 ± 54.57 days, and 24% of patients had an LHS of more than 50 days. Longer LHS (> 50 days) was associated with patients who did not receive a compatible initial antibiotic, whereas shorter LHS was associated with patients who received Impenem or a combination of vancomycin and meropenem as alternative antibiotics following incompatibility. Reconstruction patients had significantly longer LHS and a higher mean temperature. However, none of the studied variables were found to be predictors of long LHS in the multivariate regression analysis.

CONCLUSION

Knowledge of the values that predict LHS allows for patient-centered treatment and may be useful in predicting more radical treatments or the need for additional treatment in high-risk patients. Future multicenter prospective studies with larger sample sizes are needed to assess the needed variables and predictors of long LHS.

Role of SFGSI, microbial culture and qSOFA as predictive factors in determining the survival rate in Fournier Gangrene patient

OBJECTIVES

To examine the simplified Fournier Gangrene Severe Index Score (SFGSI) and the number of species in culture findings for predicting death in Fournier Gangrene (FG) patients in terms of their predictive power.

METHODS

From January 2017 to July 2022, the medical records of individuals undergoing emergency surgery for FG were obtained. A total of 80 patients were examined for clinical data such as age, gender, laboratory parameters, etiology, isolated bacteria, and mortality rate.

RESULTS

We identified a statistically significant mean difference between SFGSI (p<0.0001) and quickSOFA (qSOFA) scores (p=0.002) in determining the survival rate of FG patients. The sensitivity and specificity of the SFGSI score in predicting mortality were 90.1% and 88.3% respectively, whereas the sensitivity and specificity of the qSOFA score were 88.2% and 86.2%. E. Coli comprised 56.2% of the bacteria, followed by S. Haemolyticus, S. Aureus, P. Aeruginosa, and K. Pneumoniae. On the basis of bacterial culture results, P. Aeruginosa had the highest fatality rate (100%) followed by S. Aureus (75%), S. Haemolyticus (30%), and E. Coli (20%), in that order.

CONCLUSION

The survival rate of FG patients can be predicted using the sensitivity and specificity of the SFGSI and qSOFA scores together. P. Aeruginosa-infected patients have the greatest mortality rate (100%) compared to the other groups.

Fournier's gangrene: a review of predictive scoring systems and practical guide for patient management

This article aims to provide a practical guide for patient management and an overview of the predictive scorings for Fournier's gangrene (FG) that are available to aid clinicians. A literature was performed reviewing currently used scoring systems for FG and presenting a practical guide for its management based on the available evidence. There are four specific scoring systems available for the assessment of FG although few other non-specific and generic tools also exist. These specific tools include Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis, Fournier's Gangrene Severity Index, Uludag Fournier's Gangrene Severity Index, and Simplified Fournier's Gangrene Severity Index and help calculate expected mortality. Our proposed algorithm covers primary assessment, resuscitative interventions, initial investigations, urgent care, post-operative care, and long-term follow-up. The management of the FG patient can be divided into initial resuscitation, surgical debridement, ongoing ward management with antibiotic therapy, wound reconstruction, and long-term follow-up. Each facet of care is vital and requires multidisciplinary team expertise for optimal outcomes. Whilst mortality continues to improve, it remains significant, reflecting the severe and life-threatening nature of FG. More research is certainly needed into how this care is individualised, and to ensure that long-term outcomes in FG include quality of life measures after discharge.

Clinical features and treatment outcomes of Fournier's gangrene in a single tertiary emergency hospital: Simplified Fournier's Gangrene Severity Index score is a predictor for death

To assess the predictive reliability of the Simplified Fournier's Gangrene Severity Index Score (SFGSI) for mortality in Japanese patients with Fournier's gangrene (FG), we compared the clinical features and outcomes of a patient sample with the SFGSI. The medical records of 36 patients diagnosed with FG at our hospital between October 2007 and September 2022 were reviewed retrospectively. Clinical and laboratory variables, including SFGSI, were evaluated and predictive factors for fatality were investigated using multivariate logistic regression analysis. The median age and body mass index were 65 and 24.2, respectively. Eight patients had cooccurring chronic kidney disease and 23 had diabetes. None were taking sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors. The causative organisms were diverse, and no specific trends in causative organisms were observed. 26 patients underwent debridement of necrotic tissue including eight colostomies, two orchiectomies, and one cystectomy. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that SFGSI alone was an independent predictor of case fatality, with an odds ratio of 20.167 (95% CI: 1.66-245.53). In conclusion, the fatality rate was 19.4%, which was comparable to that reported in other studies. The SFGSI was an independent predictor of mortality in this study.

Favorable Safety Outcomes of Delayed Primary Closure of Large Fournier's Gangrene Skin Defects

OBJECTIVE

To assess the feasibility and safety of delayed primary closure (DPC) in Fournier's gangrene (FG) patients with large genital defects.

METHODS

A single institution retrospective review was performed from October 2020 to December 2022 of adult males that underwent DPC for FG. All patients underwent standard medical management and were assessed for DPC eligibility by the urology service. Clinical data on patient factors and outcomes were collected, and descriptive statistics were assessed.

RESULTS

Of 16 patients that underwent DPC, the average age was 61.1years and body mass index was 34.6 kg/m2. Median Charlson Comorbidity Index was 3.5 (IQR 2-5.3) and Fournier's Gangrene Severity Index was 6.5 (IQR 4.8-8). Median number of debridements was 2.5 (IQR 2-3), with a time to closure of 6.5days (IQR 3-11) and length of stay of 13days (IQR 9-16.3). Mean genital defect size was 119 cm2 (range 44-346 cm2). Eight patients (50%) were closed using scrotal flaps alone while other patients had advancement flaps using the inner thigh, lower abdomen, and perineum. The majority of patients were discharged home directly (63%). There were four Clavien-Dindo III complications: two partial flap necrosis, one wound dehiscence, and one instance of bleeding. Of patients with follow-up, 6/15 (40.0%) had no known complications.

CONCLUSION

DPC is safe and effective for a range of patients presenting with FG. Patients with large defects may benefit from less complex wound management and direct discharge home.

Comparison between neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio as predictors of mortality on Fournier's gangrene cases

Introduction

Fournier's gangrene (FG) is an infection of the subcutaneous tissue and fascia that progresses quickly and leads to necrosis. It is more prevalent in male patients and immunocompromised individuals, such as those suffering from uncontrolled diabetes. It has a high mortality rate, which makes its early identification and clinical suspicion critical. This study aimed to compare two laboratory parameters, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and to predict the mortality of FG in a tertiary care hospital.

Methods

In a retrospective study, data was retrieved from medical records for the period from January 2014 to December 2020, of patients diagnosed with FG. Recorded data that is age, sex, comorbidities, mortality, and laboratory results (PLR and NLR) were used to assess determinants of survival.

Results

There were 23 (17.04%) nonsurvivors among the 135 subjects studied. The mean age was 50.9 ± 14.9 years and men were 103 (83%) patients. Among the participants, diabetes mellitus was the most frequent comorbidity at 74 (54.81%) patients. NLR ≥8 was statistically significant (P = 0.013) for identifying mortality, while PLR >140 was not. In multivariate analysis, NLR ≥8 was found to be a reliable predictor of the FG mortality rate (adjusted odds ratio 12.062, confidence interval 95% 2.115-68.778, P = 0.005).

Conclusion

NLR had prognosis predictive value for FG, whereas PLR did not.

Fournier's Gangrene: Microbiological Profile and Risk Factors for Mortality: Review of 97 Cases

Objective

Fournier's gangrene (FG) is a rare necrotizing fasciitis affecting genital and perianal areas. This study aimed to provide data on predicting factors, mortality rates, and factors affecting mortality in comparison of survivors and non-survivors in patients with FG.

Materials and Methods

This study included a retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed with FG between 2008 and 2018.

Results

A total of 97 patients with FG were included in this study. Of the patients, 72 (74%) were male. The mean age was 56.03±13.92 years, and the median was 57 (21-90). The mortality rate was 21.6%. The most frequently isolated microorganism from tissue and blood cultures was Escherichia coli (43%-42%). The median Fournier's Gangrene Severity Index (FGSI) and Uludağ FGSI (UFGSI) scores were 4 (0-20) and 5 (1-22), respectively. In the univariate model, mortality risk increases 7.18 times (p=0.001) in patients with two or more comorbidities, 1.31 times as the FGSI score increases (p<0.001), 1.28 times as the UFGSI score increases (p<0.001). When the cut-off value was set as 8 for the FGSI score, the sensitivity was 71.43%, and the specificity was 73.68%. The sensitivity was 73.43%, and the specificity was 75% when the cut-off value was set as 6 for the UFGSI score. In the univariate model, the mortality risk of those with hypotension was 6.07 times higher (p=0.003); as the platelet count increased, mortality risk decreased (odds ratio [OR]=0.99; p=0.02). The mortality risk of those hospitalized in the intensive care unit (ICU) was 16.5 times higher than those followed in the ward (p<0.001). In the multivariate model, this ratio was 6.49.

Conclusion

We concluded that FGSI and UFGSI scores could be used to predict mortality. Management of FG requires a multidisciplinary approach. Empiric treatment should include carbapenems and be de-escalated once getting the culture results. Authors from different centers should report their experiences to help reveal the ideal treatment and evaluate the consequences.

Thermal Infrared Camera Imaging to Aid Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections of the Genitalia Management

OBJECTIVE

To determine if imaging with a thermal infrared camera might aid clinicians with diagnosis of equivocal necrotizing soft tissue infections of the genitalia (NSTIG) cases and help surgeons when determining appropriate surgical resection margins.

MATERIALS/METHODS

For twelve months at a single tertiary academic hospital, sequential patients already undergoing exploration for acute scrotum had preoperative photography with an infrared camera (FLIR C5). We compared infrared and standard preoperative photography with operative reports and postoperative photography to investigate if infrared photography corresponded with operative findings in severe scrotal infections - specifically the viability of the skin and the ultimate surgical resection margins.

RESULTS

A total of 16 patients were included. The pre-operative infrared photos directly correlated with resection margins in 13 of 16 (81%) patients. Notably, areas with a relatively lower (cooler) infrared intensity corresponded well to both visibly necrotic tissue when discrete and areas with large underlying fluid collections. Diffuse warm signal relative to surrounding skin correlated with cellulitis and viable skin.

CONCLUSIONS

In this observational study, infrared photography corresponded well with physical exam and operative findings. There may be a role for augmented temperature photography in the diagnosis and triage of scrotal infections. More research with standardized temperature gating of infrared signal and controls with normal or nonacute scrotums are needed to elucidate the clinical utility for infrared photograph.

Factors for In-Hospital Mortality in 145 Male Patients with Fournier's Gangrene: A 10-Year Observational Study from a Single Tertiary Referral Center in Indonesia

BACKGROUND Fournier's gangrene (FG) is a potentially fatal necrotizing infection. Due to the rapid progression of the disease, the fatality rate remains high despite advances in therapy. This 10-year observational study from a single tertiary referral center in Indonesia aimed to identify the risk factors for in-hospital mortality from 145 male patients diagnosed with FG. MATERIAL AND METHODS This retrospective cohort study was conducted at one of Indonesia's largest tertiary referral hospitals. The risk factors of in-hospital mortality were analysed using data collected through hospital medical records. All patients diagnosed with FG from January 2012 until December 2021 were included. Outcome measured was sociodemographic factors, comorbidities, laboratory findings, length of stay, culture results, and disease outcome. The microbiological culture was performed on FG lesions isolates. The statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 26.0. RESULTS The analysis included 145 male patients with a median age of 52 (IQR, 43-61) years. Of them, 38 (26.20%) patients died. There were more patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) in non-survivor groups compared to survivor groups (76.3% vs 57%, p=0.035). On multivariate analysis, DM and Clostridium perfringens infection were found to be independent factors of in-hospital mortality [adjusted odds ratio (aOR)2.583, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.061-6.289, aOR 5.982,95% CI=1.241-28.828, respectively]. CONCLUSIONS The mortality rate for FG was considerably high. DM and Clostridium perfringens infection were shown to be independent risk factors for mortality among men.

Management of Fournier's gangrene during the Covid-19 pandemic era: make a virtue out of necessity

Background

Fournier’s gangrene (FG) is a necrotizing fasciitis caused by aerobic and anaerobic bacterial infection that involves genitalia and perineum. Males, in their 60 s, are more affected with 1.6 new cases/100.000/year. Main risk factors are diabetes, malignancy, inflammatory bowel disease. FG is a potentially lethal disease with a rapid and progressive involvement of subcutaneous and fascial plane. A multimodal approach with surgical debridement, antibiotic therapy, intensive support care, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is often needed.

We present the inpatient management of an FG case during the Covid-19 pandemic period. A narrative review of the Literature searching “Fournier’s gangrene”, “necrotizing fasciitis” on PubMed and Scopus was performed.

Case presentation

A 60 years old man affected by diabetes mellitus, with ileostomy after colectomy for ulcerative colitis, was admitted to our Emergency Department with fever and acute pain, edema, dyschromia of right hemiscrotum, penis, and perineal region. Computed tomography revealed air-gas content and fluid-edematous thickening of these regions. Fournier’s Gangrene Severity Index was 9. A prompt broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy with Piperacillin/Tazobactam, Imipenem and Daptomycin, surgical debridement of genitalia and perineal region with vital tissue exposure, were performed. Bedside daily surgical wound medications with fibrine debridement, normal saline and povidone-iodine solutions irrigation, iodoform and fatty gauze application, were performed until discharge on the 40^th postoperative day. Every 3 days office-based medication with silver dressing, after normal saline and povidone-iodine irrigation and fibrinous tissue debridement, was performed until complete re-epithelialization of the scrotum on the 60^th postoperative day.

Conclusions

FG is burdened by a high mortality rate, up to 30%. In the literature, HBOT could improve wound restoration and disease-specific survival. Unfortunately, in our center, we do not have HBOT. Moreover, one of the pandemic period problems was the patient’s displacement and outpatient hospital management. For all these reasons we decided for a conservative inpatient management. Daily cleaning of the surgical wound allowed to obtain its complete restoration avoiding surgical graft and hyperbaric oxygen chamber therapy, without foregoing optimal outcomes.

Distinctions between Fournier's gangrene and lower extremity necrotising fasciitis: microbiology and factors affecting mortality

OBJECTIVES

In this study, we aimed to illustrate distinctions between Fournier's gangrene (FG) and lower extremity necrotising fasciitis (NF) and screen out possible risk factors of poor prognosis for each cohort.

METHODS

The medical records of qualified patients with NF admitted to the Second People's Hospital of Yibin from January 2016 to June 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. All participants were anatomically categorised into FG and lower extremity NF groups, and their baseline data and microbiological results were compared. Further comparisons of critical parameters were conducted between survivors and nonsurvivors within each group.

RESULTS

A total of 49 patients were included in the study with a median age of 58 years, and overall mortality was 20.4%. There were 18 patients with FG and 31 patients with lower extremity NF. A microbiology distinction was found-the predominance of gram-negative infection in FG and gram-positive infection in lower extremity NF. High Fournier's gangrene severity index scores (greater than 7), advanced age, procalcitonin and D-dimer value were identified as risk factors for FG, and the presentation of sepsis was an alarming indicator for lower extremity NF.

CONCLUSIONS

The distinction of microbiology might provide advice for appropriate antibacterial administrations. In addition, with practical prognostic predicting tools, clinicians might be able to identify patients at increased risk and intervene promptly to avoid unfavourable outcomes.

The Place and Value of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors in the Evolving Treatment Paradigm for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Narrative Review

Over recent years, the expanding evidence base for sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) therapies has revealed benefits beyond their glucose-lowering efficacy in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), resulting in their recognition as cardiorenal medicines. While SGLT2is continue to be recommended among the second-line therapies for the treatment of hyperglycaemia, their true value now extends to the prevention of debilitating and costly cardiovascular and renal events for high-risk individuals, with particular benefit shown in reducing major adverse cardiac events and heart failure (HF) and slowing the progression of chronic kidney disease. However, SGLT2i usage is still suboptimal among groups considered to be at greatest risk of cardiorenal complications. The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has intensified financial pressures on healthcare systems, which may hamper further investment in newer effective medicines. Emerging evidence indicates that glycaemic control should be prioritised for people with T2DM in the era of COVID-19 and practical advice on the use of T2DM medications during periods of acute illness remains important, particularly for healthcare professionals working in primary care who face multiple competing priorities. This article provides the latest update from the Improving Diabetes Steering Committee, including perspectives on the value of SGLT2is as cost-effective therapies within the T2DM treatment paradigm, with particular focus on the latest published evidence relating to the prevention or slowing of cardiorenal complications. The implications for ongoing and future approaches to diabetes care are considered in the light of the continuing coronavirus pandemic, and relevant aspects of international treatment guidelines are highlighted with practical advice on the appropriate use of SGLT2is in commonly occurring T2DM clinical scenarios. The 'SGLT2i Prescribing Tool for T2DM Management', previously published by the Steering Committee, has been updated to reflect the latest evidence and is provided in the Supplementary Materials to help support clinicians delivering T2DM care.

Fournier's gangrene in an eight-day-old male neonate, a case report

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Fournier's gangrene is necrotizing fasciitis of the scrotum and perineal area. It is a polymicrobial infection of perianal origin characterized by rapid necrotizing spread along fascial planes to abdominal wall and flank area. The very rare nature of this illness in neonates makes it important to take a lesson in subsequent management of similar cases.

CASE PRESENTATION

An eight days old male neonate come with compliant of high-grade intermittent fever, scrotal swelling, crying during urination and irritability of 3 days duration. Objectively he has temperature of 38.8 degree Celsius, pulse rate of 172 and blackish ulcerated scrotum with minimal puss discharge. Blood work showed leukocytosis and scrotal ultrasound ruled out other pathology.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

Identifiable causes constitute about 80% of the cases. Culture from the puss in our case showed polymicrobial cause. Mortality is mainly due severe sepsis, coagulopathy and renal failure. Medical management include optimization of cardiorespiratory status with cautious resuscitation, respiratory support and inotropic support with severe cases. Prompt surgical debridement, incision and drainage help reduce ongoing infection and systemic toxicity.

CONCLUSION

The poor hygiene and immature immune response are the likely predisposing factors. Medical management with broad spectrum antibiotics and surgical debridement are cornerstones for good recovery.

The role of C-reactive protein ratio in predicting mortality in patients with Fournier gangrene

Purpose

This study aimed to determine the C-reactive protein (CRP) ratio for the survival of patients with Fournier gangrene (FG).

Methods

Fifty-two patients with FG between January 2011 and September 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Data on clinical presentation, Fournier Gangrene Severity Index (FGSI), CRP ratio, management, and outcome were analyzed. The CRP ratio was calculated as preoperative CRP/postoperative CRP value that measured 48 hours after surgical intervention. Possible alternative cutoff points for the FGSI and CRP were determined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses. The risk factors related to the prognosis were evaluated by univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses.

Results

The mean CRP ratios were 6.7±6.6 in the survivor group and 1.2±0.8 in the non-survivor group (P=0.001). FGSI was significantly higher in the non-survivor group compared to survivor group (8.5±2.5 vs. 3.5±2.2, P=0.001). There was a negative correlation between FGSI and CRP ratio (r=-0.51). ROC analysis determined the cutoff value as 1.78 for CRP (sensitivity, 86%; specificity, 82%; AUC, 0.90) to predict death. The incidence of death for patients with CRP ratio of ≤1.78 increased 26.7 fold for those with CRP ratio of >1.78 (95% confidence interval [CI], 4.8-146.5; P=0.001). In the multivariable logistic regression model, CRP ratio (odds ratio [OR], 10.3; 95% CI, 1.5-72.2; P=0.019) and FGSI (OR, 17.8; 95% CI, 2.6-121.1; P=0.003) were independent risk factors for death.

Conclusion

The CRP ratio is a simple method to use to predict mortality in FG.

Fournier's Gangrene Diagnosis and Treatment: A Systematic Review

Fournier's gangrene (FG) is a perineal and abdominal necrotizing infection. It is most commonly found in middle-aged men with comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus. Initial symptoms are often indistinct and can rapidly progress to overwhelming infections with a relatively high mortality rate. It is crucial to make a prompt diagnosis so that the patient receives appropriate treatment. Given the importance of the identification of FG, we explored what were the most common signs and symptoms associated with FG, as well as distinguished the gold standard treatment. This systematic review utilized articles identified exclusively through PubMed using key terms such as Fournier's gangrene, signs, symptoms, and treatment. A total of 37 studies, including a total of 3,224 patients (3,093 males and 131 females), fit our inclusion parameters for relevance that included either the most identifiable presentation of FG or the most effective treatment. From our search, the most common clinical presentation was scrotal and labial pain, fever, abscesses, crepitus, erythema, and cellulitis. Diagnosis is made from clinical findings in conjunction with imaging. The gold standard for treatment was found to be a combination of surgical debridement, broad-spectrum antibiotics, and the administration of intravenous fluids. Further, patient survival was found to be directly related to the time from diagnosis to treatment when they underwent surgical debridement. The importance of early identification for improved outcomes or survival highlights the need for further studies or measures to enhance the identification of the signs and symptoms of FG.

The Diagnosis and Management of Life-threatening Urologic Infections

Genitourinary infections are commonly encountered and managed in inpatient, outpatient, and emergency settings. Fournier's gangrene, emphysematous pyelonephritis, and obstructive pyelonephritis represent the most serious urologic infections and have a high risk of mortality if not managed promptly. Due to the rarity of these infections, the evidence for specific treatment strategies is scattered. This review aims to provide comprehensive, evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis and management of these life-threatening urologic infections.