What Researchers Did
This study looked at how often necrotising soft-tissue infections (NSTIs) occurred in Denmark, what other health problems patients had, their treatments, and how many died between 2005 and 2018.
What They Found
Researchers identified 1527 NSTI patients, with an incidence of 1.99 per 100,000 people per year, which increased over time. The 90-day mortality rate was 25.2%, and 7% of patients underwent amputation. Diabetes was the most common co-existing condition, affecting 43% of patients, and 36% received hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). In hospitals with more experience, HBOT was linked to a lower chance of death.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian patients with necrotising soft-tissue infections face similar serious risks, including high mortality and potential amputation, especially if they have conditions like diabetes. The finding that HBOT, when provided in specialized centres, was associated with improved survival suggests it could be a valuable adjunctive treatment option for NSTI patients in Canada. This highlights the importance of access to comprehensive care, including HBOT, for those battling these severe infections.
Canadian Relevance
No direct Canadian connection identified, as this was a Danish study. While necrotising soft-tissue infections are not a Health Canada-recognized indication for HBOT, HBOT is often used as an adjunctive therapy for severe infections like NSTI in clinical practice.
Study Limitations
This study, being an observational registry-based cohort study, cannot definitively prove cause and effect between treatments like HBOT and patient outcomes.