What Researchers Did
Researchers described a case of a patient with a severe, rapidly spreading infection of the face and neck, known as cervicofacial necrotizing fasciitis, who underwent multiple surgeries.
What They Found
The study highlighted that cervicofacial necrotizing fasciitis has a high mortality rate. The reported patient required repeated radical surgical debridement of the face and neck, including a mandibulectomy. The authors noted that a combination of treatments, including antibiotic therapy, nutritional support, early debridement, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy, helps to decrease mortality in these critically ill patients.
Canadian Relevance
This study covers necrotizing fasciitis, which is a Health Canada-recognised indication for hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Study Limitations
As a case report, this study's findings are based on a single patient and may not be generalizable to all individuals with cervicofacial necrotizing fasciitis.