Evaluation of Factors Associated with Death in Patients with Necrotizing Fasciitis of the Abdominal Wall.

BACKGROUND: Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a rapidly progressing, life-threatening soft tissue infection. The prognostic factors associated with death from abdominal wall NF are not well understood.

METHODS: The medical records of 61 patients with abdominal wall NF were reviewed retrospectively. Demographic, co-morbidity, laboratory, and clinical data were collected and compared for patients who survived and who did not.

RESULTS: Sixty-one patients met the inclusion criteria, with eight deaths (13.11%). Elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) concentration, elevated total bilirubin, and prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) stay were correlated with a greater risk of death.

CONCLUSIONS: Presentation with elevated markers of liver and renal dysfunction, as well as prolonged post-operative ICU stay were associated with a higher risk of death in patients with NF of the abdominal wall.