Necrotizing Soft-Tissue Infections Published Dec 06, 2017 - Written by Carla

Rothaus Necrotizing infections occur after traumatic injuries, minor penetrating

skin injuries, nonpenetrating injuries, and obstetrical and gynecologic procedures,
as well as in postsurgical and immunocompromised patients. For patients with
aggressive soft-tissue infection or those with mild infection plus evidence of
systemic toxicity, prompt surgical exploration is extremely important for three
reasons: to determine the extent of infection, to assess the need for débridement
or amputation, and to obtain specimens for Gram’s staining and culture. Read the
latest Case of the Massachussetts General Hospital. Clinical Pearls Q: What is the
difference between necrotizing fasciitis type I and type II? A: Necrotizing
fasciitis type I is a polymicrobial infection involving aerobic and anaerobic
organisms. Predisposing factors include diabetic or decubitus ulcers, hemorrhoids,
rectal fissures, episiotomies, and colo