Necrotising fasciitis is a rare bacterial infection that can be fatal if it is not treated in time. In this article we explore how many people may be infected with necrotising fasciitis each year, how the condition should be treated and how quickly it can become deadly.
How many people get necrotising fasciitis?
It is estimated that around 500 people will get necrotising fasciitis in the UK each year. However, the precise rate is difficult to determine as necrotising fasciitis can be called by an alternative name, depending upon the site of infection. For example, when necrotising fasciitis appears in the male genitalia, it is often referred to as ‘Fournier’s Gangrene’.
Nevertheless, necrotising fasciitis remains an uncommon condition. It is estimated that General Practitioners will see just one case of necrotising fasciitis during the course of their careers. Other types of medical practitioner may have more exposure to the illness. For instance, plastic surgeons may receive several referrals each year from other doctors to diagnose or exclude the presence of necrotising fasciitis.
How quickly can necrotising fasciitis be fatal?
Necrotising fasciitis is a potentially deadly condition as it causes the body’s deep tissues to break down and die. In turn, this can lead to widespread sepsis, organ failure and, eventually, death.
As an aggressive infection, it does not take very long for life-threatening complications to arise. It is estimated that a patient will not survive for more than 24 to 48 hours without treatment.
Treating necrotising fasciitis
To prevent a fatality, necrotising fasciitis must be treated shortly after the onset of symptoms. This must include broad-spectrum antibiotics administered intravenously, and more importantly, surgical debridement of all the necrotic tissue. If this treatment is provided within 24 to 48 hours, it is possible to cure necrotising fasciitis.
Unfortunately, however, there are often delays in treatment. This is primarily due to the fact that many medical practitioners are not aware of necrotising fasciitis, having never witnessed it previously. This lack of knowledge may result in a delay in diagnosis, and therefore a delay in treatment.
Delay in diagnosis and treatment
If there is a delay in the diagnosis and treatment of necrotising fasciitis, the level of care may be deemed substandard. If this causes a patient to suffer harm, there may be grounds for a medical negligence claim. To find out more, please get in touch with us today. We specialise in necrotising fasciitis claims and can advise you further.
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