What Researchers Did
Researchers conducted a retrospective, descriptive analysis of 59 patients with cervical necrotizing fasciitis treated at a single center between 1998 and 2014 to evaluate a newly introduced treatment strategy.
What They Found
The observed 3-month mortality rate was 10% (6 out of 59 patients). The most common initial infection foci were pharyngeal, dental, or hypopharyngeal, and Streptococcus milleri was the most frequent pathogen, identified in 66% of cases. A combined treatment of early surgical debridement and hyperbaric oxygen therapy appeared to reduce mortality compared to historical reports.
Canadian Relevance
This study was conducted at a single center outside of Canada, so its direct relevance to the Canadian healthcare system and patient population is limited.
Study Limitations
As a retrospective, descriptive analysis from a single center, the study's findings may not be generalizable, and no identifiable factor was found to prognosticate outcome.