What Researchers Did
Researchers reviewed 11 cases of necrotizing fasciitis treated at an emergency surgery department between 1995 and 2001 to understand treatment outcomes.
What They Found
Out of 11 patients with necrotizing fasciitis, seven (63.6%) died, while four survived. Nine patients received hyperbaric oxygen therapy as part of their multidisciplinary treatment, which also included daily surgical debridement and polyantibiotic therapy. Patients who survived were admitted to the hospital significantly earlier (2 days vs. 7.3 days for those who died) and were significantly younger than those who died.
Canadian Relevance
No direct Canadian connection identified.
Study Limitations
This study is limited by its small sample size of 11 patients and its retrospective nature, which may not allow for generalizable conclusions.