Impact of necrotising fasciitis on quality of life: a qualitative analysis

Mortality rates from severe necrotising soft tissue infections are improving progressively, therefore more emphasis should be placed on assessing and improving the quality of life of surviving patients. We investigated the functional and psychological issues, ability to social integration and self-perception of appearance in such patients presenting to our unit over 4 years. To conduct the study, we used the Short Form-36 and the Derriford Appearance Scale-24, which were distributed to those willing to participate. Ten patients have returned fully completed questionnaires. The overall quality of life and level of distress about the changed appearance were moderate (average SF-36 score of 65.8, DAS-24 score of 38). Statistical correlations between the scores and demographics were carried out using the Spearman rank correlation test. The capability of psychosocial adjustment was shown to improve with longer follow-up time and older age. However pain, physical limitations and energy levels were considerably more relevant in the older individuals and improved slower with time compared to psychological issues. Our results act as a good indicator of the quality of life in people dealing with the aftermath of necrotising soft tissue infections, but further, more extensive studies are required to achieve comprehensive and statistically significant results.