Health Encyclopedia

Necrotizing soft tissue infection

Definition

Necrotizing soft tissue infection is a rare but very severe type of bacterial infection that can destoy the muscles, skin, and underlying tissue. Necrotizing refers to something that causes tissue death.

Alternative Names

Necrotizing fasciitis; Fasciitis - necrotizing; Flesh-eating bacteria; Soft tissue gangrene; Gangrene - soft tissue

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Many different types of bacteria can cause this type of infection. A very severe and usually deadly form of necrotizing soft tissue infection is due to Streptococcus pyogenes, which is sometimes called "flesh-eating bacteria."

Necrotizing soft tissue infection develops when the bacteria enters the body, usually through a minor cut or scrape. The bacteria begins to grow and release harmful substances (toxins) that:

Directly kill tissue
Interfere with the blood flow to the tissue
Break down materials in the tissue, which rapidly spreads the bacteria, leading to widespread effects such as shock

Symptoms

The first sign of infection may be a small, reddish painful spot or bump on the skin. This quickly changes to a very painful bronze- or purple-colored patch that grows rapidly. The center may become black and die off. The skin may break open and ooze fluid. The wound may quickly grow in less than an hour.

Symptoms may include general ill feeling, fever, sweating, chills, nausea, dizziness, profound weakness, and finally shock. Without treatment death can occur rapidly.

Signs and tests

How the skin and tissue look can help the doctor diagnose a necrotizing soft tissue infection. Often a patient will be diagnosed in the operating room by a surgeon. Imaging tests, such as CT scans, are sometimes helpful.

Tests performed on blood, fluids, or tissue from the area may determine the bacteria that is causing the infection.

Treatment

Powerful, broad-spectrum antibiotics must be given immediately through a vein (IV). Surgery is required to open and drain infected areas and remove dead tissue. Sometimes donor immunoglobulins (antibodies) are given by vein to help fight the infection.

Skin grafts may be needed after the infection goes away. If an arm or leg infection cannot be controlled, amputation of the limb may be considered.

If the bacteria is determined to be an oxygen-avoiding organism (anaerobe), the patient may receive hyperbaric oxygen therapy. This involves placing the patient in a chamber that delivers 100% oxygen at high pressure.

Expectations (prognosis)

How well a patient does depends on:

How fast the diagnosis was obtained
The type of bacteria causing the infection
How quickly the infection spreads
How well the antibiotics work

Scarring and deformity are common with this type of disease. The death rate is high, even with aggressive treatment and powerful antibiotics. Untreated, the infection spreads and causes death.

Complications

Local spread of infection, progressive tissue damage
Systemic spread of infection, sepsis, shock
Scarring and disfigurement
Functional loss of an arm or leg
Death

Calling your health care provider

This disorder is severe and may be life threatening, so contact your health care provider immediately if symptoms of infection occur around a skin injury, including:

Drainage of pus or blood
Fever
Pain
Redness
Swelling

Prevention

Always clean the skin thoroughly after a cut, scrape, or other skin injury.

Review Date:12/3/2007
Reviewed By:D. Scott Smith, M.D., MSc, DTM&H, Chief of Infectious Disease & Geographic Medicine, Kaiser Redwood City, CA & Adjunct Assistant Professor, Stanford University. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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