Diffuse abdominal wall cellulitis in ascending omphalitis--a lethal association in neonatal necrotizing fasciitis

Necrotizing fasciitis is a grave complication of ascending omphalitis in the neonate, but because it is rare some of the signs are not well documented. Rapidly progressive anterior abdominal wall edema and cellulitis were noted in 16 patients who were clinically diagnosed with necrotizing fasciitis. Fifteen of these patients died soon after emergence of anterior abdominal wall edema and cellulitis. The appearance of anterior abdominal edema and cellulitis in a patient with ascending omphalitis has serious implications and demands intensive care if the patient is to survive.