Home > Necrotizing fasciitis: the need for urgent surgical intervention and the impact of intravenous drug use.

Waldron, Carmel and Solon, Jacqueline Gemma and O'Gorman, Joanne and Humphreys, Hilary and Burke, John Patrick and McNamara, Deborah Ann (2015) Necrotizing fasciitis: the need for urgent surgical intervention and the impact of intravenous drug use. The Surgeon, 13, (4), pp. 194-199.

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a relatively rare infection of soft tissues. This study reviewed the epidemiology and pathophysiology of admissions to a tertiary referral hospital over a twelve year period comparing outcomes and findings with international norms and to identify potential areas of change to optimise outcomes.

Necrotizing fasciitis remains a significant life-threatening event. The diversity of causative pathogens emphasises the need for prompt microbiology/infectious diseases consultation. The increased occurrence within the IVDU cohort in this study highlights the need for a heightened level of clinical suspicion in these patients to prompt early surgical intervention.


Click here to request a copy of this literature (must be logged in)

Repository Staff Only: item control page