Necrotising fasciitis is a fast-moving and potentially lethal infection of the body’s soft tissue. Misdiagnosis may delay treatment and can be the cause of a claim for compensation for the patient’s subsequent pain and suffering.
Diagnosing necrotising fasciitis
Early diagnosis and emergency treatment of necrotising fasciitis are fundamental to the patient’s chances of survival. Without medical attention, the patient can deteriorate rapidly, losing consciousness and dying from multiple organ failure within days. The earliest possible diagnosis and treatment not only gives the patient the best chance of recovery but also minimises the extent of surgical intervention necessary to halt the spread of the infection.
Prompt and accurate diagnosis is key to treating this condition.
Although relatively rare, the mortality rate associated with necrotising fasciitis requires that any suspicion that a patient may be developing the condition is met with an emergency response.
Early Symptoms of necrotising fasciitis
The early symptoms of necrotising fasciitis are as follows:
- Intense and increasing pain in the region of the infection which may also show a cut to the skin
- Redness and swelling in the area of the infection
The patient may also be experiencing a fast heartbeat, a high temperature and a lowering blood pressure.
As the condition develops and the patient’s life-support systems start to become compromised, the patient may experience nausea, diarrhoea, confusion and weakness.
Misdiagnosing necrotising fasciitis
The early symptoms of necrotising fasciitis can be confused with other conditions such as cellulitis, an abscess or deep vein thrombosis.
Differences may be apparent in the degree of associated pain and the extent of tenderness felt in the affected area. The location of the pain may also be significant in that necrotising fasciitis tends to occur mostly in the abdominal region, the genital area and the upper and lower limbs.
Where there is any uncertainty, an immediate referral for further investigation would be preferable to a misdiagnosis, allowing the patient’s health to deteriorate.
Medical Negligence
A failure to suspect and refer, diagnose, or treat necrotising fasciitis in a timely manner when a patient attends a medical practitioner with signs and symptoms of the illness may be regarded as medically negligent.
Patients in hospital undergoing surgery or experiencing extended bed stays are particularly at risk and a failure to respond to the symptoms of developing necrotising fasciitis in these circumstances may also be regarded as negligent.
Speak to a solicitor
If you or a loved one have suffered the devastating effects of this shocking condition due to a failure to diagnose, you may be thinking of pursuing a claim for compensation.
Our specialist team has supported numerous compensation claims for necrotising fasciitis negligence and would be happy to advise you.
Contact us to discuss your situation with an experienced medical negligence solicitor.
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