Necrotising fasciitis: a series of seven cases

Necrotising fasciitis of the extremities is a rapidly progressive, potentially life threatening soft tissue infection. Early diagnosis, aggressive surgical and critical care management is vital in preventing mortality. This series reports the clinical presentation, behaviour of inflammatory markers, histological, microbiological and radiological findings in seven cases, which presented to our orthopaedic unit over the last one year. Seven patients (4 male and 3 female) were included. Usual presentation was spreading erythema and pain. Duration of symptoms varied from 3 to 14 days. All except one case affected the lower limbs. The average Laboratory risk indicator for necrotising fasciitis (LRINEC) score on the day of presentation was 5. Imaging demonstrated subcutaneous oedema, fluid and air pockets in muscular planes. Group A beta haemolytic Streptococcus was the most common organism isolated from culture. Treatment modalities included antibiotics, immunoglobulins and surgical debridement. Four of the patients showed full remission. However, three (one with pre-existing carcinoma) of them succumbed to the condition.