J Pediatr Infect Dis 2007; 02(04): 225-229
DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1557055
Original Article
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart – New York

Necrotizing fasciitis in children: Experience in a teaching hospital

Kamalakshi G. Bhat
a   Department of Pediatrics, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, India
,
Rathika D. Shenoy
a   Department of Pediatrics, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, India
,
Nutan Kamath
a   Department of Pediatrics, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, India
› Author Affiliations

Subject Editor:
Further Information

Publication History

19 February 2007

07 September 2007

Publication Date:
28 July 2015 (online)

Abstract

Necrotizing fasciitis is a bacterial infection of the soft tissues with a fulminant course and a high mortality rate. It is rare in children and early recognition with aggressive treatment can help in improving the survival in these cases. During the study period 12 children with mean age of 35 months developed necrotizing fasciitis. Common initiating factors observed were varicella infection and minor injury. The trunk was the most common site of involvement. Tissue culture was positive in 10 cases, of which three were polymicrobial. Blood cultures were positive in three cases. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common pathogen. All the cases were treated with parenteral antibiotics and 10 cases required surgical intervention. Complications included thrombocytopenia, shock, acute renal failure, septicemia, disseminated intravascular coagulation and multiorgan failure. Two patients died (mortality rate 16.7%). Early diagnosis and aggressive treatment in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit may have contributed to decreased mortality compared with earlier studies.