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Diagnosis of Necrotizing Fasciitis & Treatment

February 10, 2012 1 Comment

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Diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis (NF) can prove extremely challenging. The condition has many of the same characteristics as cellulitis, and is often diagnosed incorrectly as such.(1) The resulting delay in implementing appropriate treatment can prove catastrophic in such a rapidly progressing condition.

Cellulitis or Necrotizing Fasciitis?

One key differentiator between NF and cellulitis  is the higher intensity of pain experienced by patients with NF.(1,2)  Excessive pain should therefore raise the possibility of NF to the healthcare professional. Early symptoms of minor wound trauma, flu-like symptoms, and dehydration yield rapidly over the course of 3 to 4 days to advanced symptoms including hemorrhagic bullae,(3) wound necrosis, severe hypotension, and even unconsciousness.(2)  

Tissue Biopsy

The gold-standard method for confirming diagnosis of NF includes wound exploration and tissue biopsy. During wound exploration, tissue integrity and depth of invasion can also be evaluated.(1) Laboratory tests should also be performed routinely to investigate possible organ dysfunction.(3)

Treatment of Necrotizing Fasciitis

Following confirmed diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis, it is critical to implement management strategies immediately. The mainstay of NF treatment includes a combination of surgical debridement, broad-spectrum antibiotics, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy to improve oxygenation of infected areas.(2) Initial surgery in the form of aggressive and extensive debridement is the most important determinant for survival, and patients may require anything up to 40 sessions of surgery to remove all evidence of infection.(3) Appropriate choice of antibiotics is also important, and the initial approach should include agents effective against aerobic Gram-positive cocci, Gram-negative  rods,  and  anaerobes.(1)  A  combination  of  penicillin  and  clindamycin usually underpins the antibiotic regimen of choice.(1) Supportive treatment such as hemodynamic support, wound care, and nutritional support are also essential to reduce morbidity and mortality in NF.(3)

Recognizing the Signs of NF – Necrotizing Fasciitis

In NF, the actions of the wound care specialist can have a dramatic effect not only on patient morbidity but even on patient survival. It is essential that the wound care specialist recognizes the signs of NF, realizes a confirmed diagnosis, and implements effective management strategies rapidly. Studying for further professional qualifications may give a wound care professional the knowledge to manage complex conditions such as NF with greater confidence.

Learn More With Our Wound Care Education Options

Interested in learning more about wound care and certification? Browse through our wound care certification courses for information on our comprehensive range of education options to suit healthcare professionals across the full spectrum of qualifications and experience.

References

  1. Cheung JPY, Fung B, Tang WM, Ip WY. A review of necrotising fasciitis in the extremities. Hong Kong Med J 2009; 15: 44-52
  2. Taviloglu K and H Yanar. Necrotizing fasciitis: strategies for diagnosis and management. World J Emerg Surg 2007; 2:19
  3. Shimizu T and Tokuda Y. Necrotizing fasciitis. Inter Med 2010; 49: 1051-1057

Categories: Miscellaneous Wounds

About the Author

Laurie Swezey's avatar

Laurie Swezey, founder and president of WoundEducators.com, has been a Registered Nurse for more than a quarter century, with most of those years dedicated to wound treatment. Ms. Swezey is a Certified Wound Care Nurse and a Certified Wound Specialist.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Anonymous says

    March 28, 2011 at 8:47 pm

    I agree.  If the wound is draining skin prep is a great option to prevent maceration.

    Reply

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