Cohort Study ANZ J Surg 2013

Early diagnosis and treatment of necrotizing fasciitis can improve survival: an observational intensive care unit cohort study

Bucca K, Spencer R, Orford N, Cattigan C, Athan E, McDonald A — ANZ J Surg, 2013

View Original on PubMed PMID 22989238

Tier 2, Indexed

Automatically imported from PubMed based on relevance criteria.

Summary

What Researchers Did

This retrospective observational study described the clinical characteristics, management, and outcomes of 20 adult patients with necrotizing fasciitis admitted to an Australian intensive care unit over an 11-year period.

What They Found

Researchers identified 20 patients with necrotizing fasciitis, with a median age of 52.5 years and an overall mortality rate of 8.3%. Group A Streptococcus was the pathogen in 46% of patients, and initial antibiotics were active against cultured bacteria in 83% of cases. The median time to surgical debridement was 20 hours.

Canadian Relevance

This study was conducted in Australia and has no direct Canadian connection.

Study Limitations

Limitations include the retrospective, observational design, small sample size of 20 patients, and its single-center nature in Australia.

This plain-language summary is generated with AI assistance and checked against the source abstract before publication. See our editorial policy.

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Study Details

Study Type	Cohort Study
Category	Infection
Source	Pubmed
PubMed ID	22989238
Year Published	2013
Journal	ANZ J Surg
MeSH Terms	Anti-Bacterial Agents; Cohort Studies; Combined Modality Therapy; Cross Infection; Debridement; Early Diagnosis; Enterobacteriaceae Infections; Fasciitis, Necrotizing; Female; Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections; Humans; Hyperbaric Oxygenation; Intensive Care Units; Male; Middle Aged; Morganella morganii; Retrospective Studies; Streptococcal Infections; Streptococcus milleri Group; Streptococcus pyogenes; Treatment Outcome

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Disclaimer: This study summary is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. The information presented reflects the findings of the original research authors and may not represent the views of Canada Hyperbarics. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making treatment decisions.

Last reviewed: March 19, 2026 | Reviewed by: Canada Hyperbarics Editorial Team | Editorial process | Research sources | Counts & methodology