Evaluation of Factors Associated with Death in Patients with Necrotizing Fasciitis of the Abdominal Wall.

BACKGROUND

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a rapidly progressing, life-threatening soft tissue infection. The prognostic factors associated with death from abdominal wall NF are not well understood.

METHODS

The medical records of 61 patients with abdominal wall NF were reviewed retrospectively. Demographic, co-morbidity, laboratory, and clinical data were collected and compared for patients who survived and who did not.

RESULTS

Sixty-one patients met the inclusion criteria, with eight deaths (13.11%). Elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) concentration, elevated total bilirubin, and prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) stay were correlated with a greater risk of death.

CONCLUSIONS

Presentation with elevated markers of liver and renal dysfunction, as well as prolonged post-operative ICU stay were associated with a higher risk of death in patients with NF of the abdominal wall.