Fournier's gangrene: etiology and outcome analysis of 41 patients

Fournier's gangrene (FG) is the necrotizing fasciitis of the perineum and genital area with high mortality.

A retrospective review included 41 patients diagnosed with FG in our hospitals from 1995 to 2010, divided into survivors and nonsurvivors. We analyzed anamnestic, clinical and laboratory data.

The mortality rate was 36.6% (15/41 patients). Elevated heart and respiratory rates, high serum creatinine, low serum bicarbonate, pre-existing kidney disease, and higher median extent of affected body surface were associated with higher mortality. Severe sepsis on admission and hypotension below 90 mm Hg were also predictive for higher mortality. The median FG severity index (FGSI) score was higher in nonsurvivors (11 compared to 6, p < 0.0001). No cases of testicular necrosis were noted.

Besides standard clinical and laboratory parameters included in the FGSI calculation, higher extent of affected body surface area and presence of hypotension on admission were also positively associated with mortality.