If the necrotising fasciitis infection is not treated, it will result in widespread sepsis. This will be life-threatening for the individual concerned.
Why is sepsis fatal?
Most infections occur ‘locally’. This means that an infection arises somewhere in the body, and the body’s immune system sends white blood cells to fight it off. This keeps the infection in one area of the body. The area may be painful and inflamed, but ultimately the white blood cells will overcome the germs and a person will be free of infection.
However, some infections are very aggressive, while some people with a poor immune system may not be able to hold the infection in one place. Consequently the germs causing the infection are able to spread to other areas of the body. This causes the immune system to respond by sending white blood cells across the body in order to fight the infection.
Unfortunately this reaction is actually quite dangerous as it causes inflammation across the body – a normal side-effect of the white blood cells attacking foreign bodies. When the entire body becomes inflamed, the tissue will be damaged, while the blood supply will also be disrupted. This means that blood and oxygen (carried in the blood) will not reach the organs, quickly causing them to shut down.
Multi-organ failure is life-threatening. Sadly sepsis can be fatal and around four in 10 people with the condition will die.
How does necrotising fasciitis lead to sepsis?
Necrotising fasciitis is a particularly aggressive infection and the body will be unable to retain the bacteria to one place. This is especially true if a person already have a weakened immune system. Even so, perfectly healthy people can develop sepsis due to necrotising fasciitis.
To prevent sepsis developing because of necrotising fasciitis, treatment must be provided in the early stages. The bacteria will spread throughout the body very quickly, forcing the immune system into overdrive. Therefore treatment must be administered within hours of the onset of symptoms, or a patient will develop sepsis.
Failure to treat necrotising fasciitis
If medical practitioners do not provide timely treatment, causing a patient to suffer life-threatening complications such as sepsis, there may be grounds for a medical negligence compensation claim.
To find out more, please get in touch with us today. We specialise in necrotising fasciitis claims and will be able to suggest whether you, or your loved one, has been the victim of medical error.
Free, No Obligation Enquiry
Call us now on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Free Online Enquiry.