Necrotizing Fasciitis
Necrotizing fasciitis is a deep seated infection of subcutaneous tissue that results in progressive destruction fascia and fat but may spare the skin itself. Approximately there is an estimate of 500-1500 cases of necrotizing fasciitis per year in the United States. Over the past decade, necrotizing fasciitis due to invasive group A streptococcus have been observed with increasing frequency . Typically, necrotizing fasciitis affects elderly patients or individuals with diabetes, alcohol abuse, chronic cardiac disease or peripheral vascular disease. However, group A streptococcal necrotizing fasciitis often occurs in young, previously healthy patients. Mortality rates range from 20 to 40 percent. Continue reading...
