Life-Threatening Fasciitis Following Trivial Trauma
Word Count : 2500
Objectives to cover:
Introduction: Overview of necrotizing fasciitis as a rapidly progressing, life-threatening soft tissue infection.
Etiology: Common causative organisms including Group A Streptococcus and polymicrobial infections.
Risk Factors: Diabetes, immunosuppression, vascular disease, and even minor skin trauma.
Pathophysiology: Rapid spread along fascial planes causing tissue ischemia and necrosis.
Clinical Presentation: Severe pain disproportionate to injury, swelling, erythema, and systemic toxicity.
Diagnostic Approach: Importance of early clinical suspicion, imaging, and laboratory indicators.
Management: Emergency surgical debridement, broad-spectrum antibiotics, and supportive care.
Complications: Septic shock, multi-organ failure, and high mortality if treatment is delayed.
Conclusion: Early recognition and prompt aggressive treatment are critical to improve survival.