Necrotizing soft tissue infections

Abstract

Anaerobic soft tissue infections are still life-threatening infections. Even if uncommon nowadays, they remain severe conditions because often associated with major systemic effects leading to patient death if not promptly recognized and aggressively treated. Their origins are often traumatic or surgical but they can also develop from an ulcer or a small wound in patients at risk (i.e. diabetics, patients with peripheral vascular disease, etc). Hypoxia, traumatic muscle injury, heavy bacterial contamination as well as errors in antibiotic prophylaxis are major causes. Treatment includes antibiotic therapy adapted to both the anaerobic and associated aerobic bacteria; early and extensive surgical debridement; and intensive Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBO). Unfortunately, physicians are insufficiently aware of the first sign of these infections which explains why the management is often inadequate initially. Strict preventive measures must be taken to avoid their occurrence