Necrotising fasciitis is also called the ‘flesh eating bacteria’. It is a rare infection of the deep layers of skin and subcutaneous tissues.
Necrotising fasciitis bacteria
The infection can be caused by a number of different types of bacteria. The most common organism which causes the infection is Group A Streptococcus, also known as Streptococcus Pyogenes. Other possible causes include Vibrio vulnificus, Clostridium perfringens and Bacterides fragilis.
Necrotising fasciitis symptoms
Necrotising fasciitis can appear in previously healthy people. It usually begins as a localised infection and then spreads to an increasingly large area of tissue. The infection is characterised by severe pain at the site of infection, rapidly followed by tissue necrosis. At first the infected area will be incredibly painful but there will not be any grossly visible signs.
During the progression of the infection, the tissue starts to become swollen with redness, and the skin becomes hot. The skin colour changes to purple with blister formation followed by death (necrosis) of the tissues. Patients with necrotising fasciitis will also have a fever and appear very unwell.
Necrotising fasciitis diagnosis
The diagnosis of necrotising fasciitis is made by noting the history of pain with no external physical signs. The level of pain will be disproportionate to the injury sustained, if an injury can even be seen.
Along with these symptoms, a patient will have certain clinical features that indicate a severe infection. This includes having low blood pressure and a fast heart rate. A low blood pressure with a fast heart rate is suggestive that a patient is unwell and showing signs of developing septic shock. The appropriate action would then be to carry out a full physical examination.
This should reveal an area of tissue that is red and inflamed, leading doctors to realise a severe tissue infection is present.
Necrotising fasciitis treatment
Once a tissue infection is suspected, a patient should be started on broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics. Tests should be carried out to determine the type of bacteria present. As soon as necrotising fasciitis is confirmed, a patient should undergo emergency debridement surgery. This is when the necrotic tissue is surgically removed.
Necrotising fasciitis medical negligence
If the standard of care provided to a patient falls below the expected level, there will be a breach of duty. If this causes a patient unnecessary harm, there will be grounds for a compensation claim. Unfortunately claims relating to necrotising fasciitis often arise as medical practitioners fail to make a timely diagnosis and/or provide timely treatment.
For more information on claiming compensation for necrotising fasciitis, please get in touch with us today.
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