Necrotising fasciitis and traditional medical therapy-- a dangerous liaison.
- Author:
Yi-Jia LIM
1
;
Fok-Chuan YONG
;
Chin-Ho WONG
;
Agnes B H TAN
Author Information
- Publication Type:Case Reports
- MeSH: Aged; Amputation; Debridement; Fasciitis, Necrotizing; diagnosis; drug therapy; surgery; Fatal Outcome; Female; Hand; microbiology; surgery; Humans; Leg; microbiology; surgery; Male; Medicine, East Asian Traditional; Middle Aged; Risk Factors
- From:Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore 2006;35(4):270-273
- CountrySingapore
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
INTRODUCTIONNecrotising fasciitis is a disease associated with high morbidity and mortality, and multi-focal necrotising fasciitis is uncommon. We present 2 cases of concurrent necrotising fasciitis of contralateral upper and lower limbs.
CLINICAL PICTUREBoth presented with pain, swelling, bruising or necrosis of the affected extremities. Traditional medical therapy was sought prior to their presentation.
TREATMENTAfter initial debridement, one patient subsequently underwent amputation of the contralateral forearm and leg. The other underwent a forearm amputation, but refused a below-knee amputation.
OUTCOMEThe first patient survived, while the second died.
CONCLUSIONTraditional medical therapy can cause bacterial inoculation, leading to necrotising fasciitis, and also leads to delay in appropriate treatment. Radical surgery is needed to optimise patient survival.