Patterns and diagnostic criteria of necrotizing fasciitis

Authors

  • Muhammed Ihsan Muhammad Department of General Surgery, Khulais General Hospital, Khulais, Saudi Arabia
  • Mezzher Mohammad Alsaeed Department of Pediatric Surgery, Maternity and Children Hospital, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
  • Ali Abdulghalib Alhayek Department of Pediatric Surgery, Maternity and Children Hospital, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
  • Layla Hassan Alnosair Department of Pediatric Surgery, Maternity and Children Hospital, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
  • Aqeel Salman Al Alkhazal Department of Pediatric Surgery, Maternity and Children Hospital, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
  • Amar Mustafa Alhaji Department of Pediatric Surgery, Maternity and Children Hospital, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
  • Mohammed Abdullah Mersil Department of General Surgery, Ministry of Health, Kuwait, Kuwait
  • Amina Mohamed Hamid Department of General Surgery, Security Forces Hospital, Mecca, Saudi Arabia
  • Abdulaziz Hussain Alfoudari Department of General Surgery, Adan Hospital, Hadiya, Kuwait
  • Huda Ayedh AlGossadi Department of General Surgery, Armed Forces Hospital Southern Region, Abha, Saudi Arabia
  • Aisha Jaber Asiri Department of General Surgery, King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital, Abha, Saudi Arabia
  • Fatma Abdulla Al-Fodari Department of General Surgery, Adan Hospital, Hadiya, Kuwait

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20212828

Keywords:

Clinical, Infection, Necrotizing fasciitis, Diagnosis

Abstract

Although the condition is not common, if the diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis was established late, many life-threatening complications might develop as sepsis and septic shock, which might lead to multiorgan damage. In the present literature review, we aim to discuss the classification and clinical patterns of necrotizing fasciitis, in addition to the diagnostic criteria and modalities that were reported among studies in the literature to evaluate such cases. Two main types of necrotizing fascitis were reported in the literature, including the poly and monomicrobial types, however, the diagnostic criteria for each are usually similar. Establishing an early diagnosis is essential to achieve better management and reduce the potential development of complications and death. The clinical patterns are the cornerstone for establishing the diagnosis, however, laboratory investigations might also be used as valid approaches to confirm the diagnosis. Many laboratory models have been proposed to establish the diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis with variable sensitivities and specificities, and the laboratory risk indicator for necrotizing fasciitis (LRINEC) remains the commonest most efficacious modality. A tissue biopsy can also be used within the clinical settings for indicating the infection, however, it should not hinder the intended surgical interventions. Studies also show that magnetic resonance imaging can adequately detect liquefactive necrosis and is reported with a higher sensitivity than computed tomography. Although the condition is not very common, it might lead to severe consequences, and therefore, early extensive treatment and interventional approaches are encouraged.

 

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Published

2021-07-27

How to Cite

Muhammad, M. I., Alsaeed, M. M., Alhayek, A. A., Alnosair, L. H., Alkhazal, A. S. A., Alhaji, A. M., Mersil, M. A., Hamid, A. M., Alfoudari, A. H., AlGossadi, H. A., Asiri, A. J., & Al-Fodari, F. A. (2021). Patterns and diagnostic criteria of necrotizing fasciitis. International Journal Of Community Medicine And Public Health, 8(8), 4062–4066. https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20212828

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Section

Review Articles