Necrotizing fasciitis in the lower extremity secondary to diabetic wounds
Abstract
Methods: The study included sixteen patients (11 men, 5 women; mean age 63 years; range 50 to 82 years) who were treated for NF arising from diabetic wounds. Associated diseases were coronary heart disease in three patients, and chronic renal failure due to diabetic nephropathy in three patients. The patients were evaluated by physical examination, direct radiographs, blood pressure measurements, and cultures, and with respect to treatment methods and results. The mean hospitalization period was 26 days (range 5 to 59 days).
Results: Necrotizing fasciitis was confined to the leg in four patients, extended to the thigh in 10 patients, and was bilateral in two patients. Pain was encountered in 10 patients (68.8%). Fourteen patients (87.5%) had increased creatine kinase levels. Direct radiographs showed gas appearance in soft tissues in seven patients (43.8%). Cultures showed a single microorganism in four patients (25%), and multiple microorganisms in five patients (31.3%). Of seventeen microorganisms isolated, 10 (58.8%) were Enterobacter species. Eleven patients (68.8%) underwent above-the-knee, and three patients (18.8%) underwent below-the-knee amputations. Disarticulation of the hip was performed in four patients. The mean number of debridements was five (range 2 to 21) following the initial surgical intervention. Nine patients developed septic shock. Seven patients (43.8%) died due to multiple organ failure. Increased creatine kinase levels were significantly associated with mortality (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Early and accurate diagnosis and prompt surgical treatment may be life-saving in diabetic patients with NF of the lower extremity
Keywords
Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Health Care Administration
Journal Section
Research Article
Authors
Burak Demirag
This is me
Ali Tirelioglu
This is me
Bartu Sarisozen
This is me
Kemal Durak
This is me
Publication Date
September 11, 2006
Submission Date
March 7, 2014
Acceptance Date
-
Published in Issue
Year 2004 Volume: 38 Number: 3