[Streptococcus beta hemolytic necrotizing fasciitis. 5 cases in the Brussels area]

In the Brussels area five cases of necrotizing fasciitis occurred during the past two years in patients devoid of any pathology likely to lower the immune defence mechanisms. Alcoholism and the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs seem to act as contributory factors. Necrotizing fasciitis develops alone or as complication of a pre-existent dermo-hypodermic infection. A massive use of antibiotics and a wide surgical slitting up failed to prevent a fatal issue in all five patients. Extremely early massive surgery remains vital in this disease.