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Necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum - abdomen Necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum - leg
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Necrotizing soft tissue infection
Alternative Names: Necrotizing fasciitis; Fasciitis - necrotizing; Flesh-eating bacteria; Soft tissue gangrene; Gangrene - soft-tissue Treatment: Powerful, broad-spectrum antibiotics must be given immediately through a vein (IV). This is an attempt to control the infection by quickly raising the blood levels of the antibiotic. Surgery is required to open and drain infected areas and remove dead tissue. Text Continues Below Skin grafts may be required after the infection is cleared. If the infection is in a limb and cannot be contained or controlled, amputation of the limb may be considered. Sometimes pooled immunoglobulins (antibodies) are given by vein to help fight the infection. If the organism is determined to be an oxygen-avoiding bacteria (anaerobe), the patient may be placed in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber, a device in which the patient is given 100% oxygen at several atmospheres of pressure. Expectations (prognosis): Outcomes are variable. The type of infecting organism, rate of spread, susceptibility to antibiotics, and the timing of diagnosis all contribute to the final outcome. Scarring and deformity are common with this type of disease. Fatalities are high even with aggressive treatment and powerful antibiotics. Untreated, the infection invariably spreads and causes death. Complications: Local spread of infection, progressive tissue damage Systemic spread of infection, sepsis, shock Scarring and disfigurement Functional loss of a limb Death Calling your health care provider: Page:  1 | 2 | Next >>