Necrotizing fascitis: an epidemiologic study of 102 cases.

BACKGROUND: Necrotizing fascitis is a progressive, rapidly spreading, inflammatory infection located in deep fascia. It may cause necrosis of skin and subcutaneous tissues. Spreading of it may lead to shock, organ failure and even death.

METHODS: In this study, we evaluated prevalence of variables including predisposing factors, clinical and paraclinical findings, distribution of tissue involvement and mortality rate in 102 patients of necrotizing fascitis at our Hospital between the years 1995 and 2005.

RESULTS: Prevalence of this disease was higher in males than females with the rate of 2.6:1. Diabetes mellitus was the most common predisposing disease. Genital region was the most common site of involvement. Muscles were involved in 25.5% of cases. Nonspecific erythema was the main dermatological manifestation. The most common organism was Enterococcus faecalis and mortality rate was 10.8%.

CONCLUSION: Necrotizing fascitis is an infectious disease with high mortality rate and frequently with non-specific skin and general manifestations. High suspicion while visiting primary signs and surgical debridement can be effective in decreasing the rate of morbidity and mortality.