Necrotising Fasciitis by

jagthomp — 2023-11-14 17:31:18 UTC

CDC Information page

How do you get Necrotising Fasciitis?

jagthomp — 2023-11-14 17:57:05 UTC

Necrotising fasciitis is an infection resulting primarily from group A streptococcus bacteria (commonly referred to as group A strep bacteria). While nec. fasc. (as it is known to medics) is thought to be caused by a large variety of bacteria, Strep A group bacteria are widely regarded as the most common cause. Typically, these bacteria enter the body via open wounds from cuts, scrapes, burns, bites .etc. although they have been know to enter following blunt trauma. While the infection is rare, roughly 700-1200 cases have been seen in the US each year since 2010 (according to CDC) and this is probably an underestimate. Nec. Fasc. is rarely contagious.

Group A strep

jagthomp — 2023-11-15 12:01:11 UTC

Group A Streptococcus

What is Necritising Fasciitis?

jagthomp — 2023-11-15 12:08:46 UTC

Nec. Fasc. is a rare yet incredibly dangerous bacterial infection. Symptons develop very quickly and the disease spreads at an alarming rate, making it an incredibly high acuity disease leading to hospital admission and surgery. It may also be reffered to as 'flesh eating disease' as the bacteria begin to attack the infected patients skin cells and in essence eat through their skin and tissues.

How is it treated?

jagthomp — 2023-11-15 12:18:09 UTC

A nec. Fasc. case needs to be handled urgently as the spread of the disease is rapid and devastating. This is why when patients are admitted with symptons of fever or infection, Nec. Fasc. is one of the first things doctors will rule out. If a case of Nec. Fasc. is identified, then antibiotics and surgery and typically required. Surgery for Nec. Fasc. patients involves recessing the dead or infected tissues and often leaves patients with severe wounds that require lengthy ICU and hospital stays to heal. It is not uncommon for a patient to need multiple surgeries to hold the infection back whilst the antibiotics attack the disease.

Works Cited

jagthomp — 2023-11-17 16:38:35 UTC

'Necritizing Fasciitis:All you need to know', Multiple Co-Authors. CDC, Web. November 17 2022.

Fedder AM, Hvas AM, Wang M, Petersen KK, Ebdrup L, Christensen P, Helmig RB. [Necrotizing fasciitis]. Ugeskr Laeger. 2022 Sep 19;184(38):V11210825. Danish. PMID: 36178178.

Ba-Shammakh SA, Alrayes BM, Abu-Obead HM, Ba-Shammakh MA, Al-Mohd FM, Ramzoun EH, Abu-Nowar L. Vacuum-Assisted Closure Therapy: A Lifesaver in a Case of Neck Necrotizing Fasciitis. Cureus. 2023 Aug 28;15(8):e44291. doi: 10.7759/cureus.44291. PMID: 37779734; PMCID: PMC10535721.

Chen LL, Fasolka B, Treacy C. Necrotizing fasciitis: A comprehensive review. Nursing. 2020 Sep;50(9):34-40. doi: 10.1097/01.NURSE.0000694752.85118.62. PMID: 32826674; PMCID: PMC8828282.

'Current Fellows'. No accredited author. Washington university school of medicine in St.Louis, Web. Accessed 18th November 2023.

Best Practice research- Diagnosis

jagthomp — 2023-11-18 15:13:52 UTC

This review paper discusses the optimal diagnosis modalities and provides conclusion suggesting that MRi, biochemical analysis and high clinical suspicion are pivatol to prompt recognition of Nec. Fasc. Biochemical indicators include 'elevated C-reactive protein, elevated white blood cell count, low hemoglobin, decreased sodium, and increased creatinine'. MRi was found to have the greatest specificity at 86% Vs. other imaging such as CT or plain radiography.

Symptoms

jagthomp — 2023-11-18 15:33:39 UTC

Early symptoms include:

~Fever/high temperature

~Severe pain

~Red, warm, swollen skin

~Rapidly migrating area of affected tissue

Later symptoms include:

~Ulcers and blisters

~Pus or secretions from the affected skin segments

~Fatigue

~Dizziness

~Nausea/vomitting

~Diarrhea

~Skin tissue changing colour

Best practice research- Wound care

jagthomp — 2023-11-18 15:45:36 UTC

This case review presents the use of vaccum assited closure as a treatment option post surgery for Nec. Fasc. debridement patients. VAC involves using a vaccum around the wound to reduce pressure and aid faster recovery. The review called for further investigation to explore wether VAC can be used to have more positive results for future patients with Nec. Fasc.

A Physician in this field

jagthomp — 2023-11-18 16:48:53 UTC

Dr Jessica Pelletier is a DO currently practicing at Washington university school of medicine in St. Louis. Pelletier collaborated as a Co-author in an article discussing the challenges of diagnosing Nec. Fasc. She has interests in medical education, in particular, the high-acuity applications of different teaching techniques and strategies. Pelletier attended Virginia Tech Carilion school of medicine and is currently in her second year of her medical education fellowship in St.Louis.

jagthomp — 2023-11-18 16:56:18 UTC