Necrotizing Fasciitis: An Overview and 2 Illustrative Cases. (December 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kapp, Daniel L.; Rogers, Montanah; Hermans, Michel H. E.
• Other Names: Papi Massimo guest-editor.; Rerkasem Kittipan guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: International journal of lower extremity wounds. Volume 17:Number 4(2018:Dec.)
• Page Start: 295
• Page End: 300
• Publication Date: 2018-12
• Subjects: hyaluronic acid -- necrotizing fasciitis -- diagnosis -- treatment -- extracellular matrix; Leg -- Wounds and injuries -- Periodicals; Wounds and injuries -- Prevention -- Periodicals; Leg -- Ulcers -- Periodicals; Wound healing -- Periodicals; 617.584
• DOI: 10.1177/1534734618804037
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1534-7346

Abstract

Necrotizing fasciitis is the generic term for a series of progressive gangrenous infections of the skin and subcutaneous tissues. Typically, necrotizing fasciitis start with an, often small, infected lesion with atypical symptoms, which then quickly develops into a rapidly spreading, massive infection. The primary therapy is excision of all necrotic tissue in combination with treatment of systemic symptoms such as shock. The defects resulting from rigorous excision are often very large. Once they are clean, they require closure with an autograft. This article reviews the symptoms and treatment of necrotizing fasciitis. In addition, it illustrates, with 2 cases, how a hyaluronic-based extracellular matrix can be used to "fill in" with neodermis for the lost dermis and can create a wound bed most suitable for grafting.