Open AccessEarly diagnosis of post-varicella necrotising fasciitis: A medical and surgical emergency
Author(s) -
Rose Xavier,
Bobby Abraham,
Vinod Jacob Cherian,
Jobin I Joseph
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
african journal of paediatric surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.163
H-Index - 17
eISSN - 0189-6725
pISSN - 0974-5998
DOI - 10.4103/0189-6725.181707
Subject(s) - medicine , necrotising fasciitis , fasciitis , complication , surgical debridement , surgery , pediatrics , intervention (counseling) , risk factor , intensive care medicine , psychiatry
Necrotising fasciitis (NF) is an extremely rare complication of a rather common paediatric viral exanthem varicella. Delayed diagnosis and treatment can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Laboratory risk indicator of NF score aids in early clinical diagnosis in suspected cases of post-varicella NF thus enabling timely intervention. Surgery delayed for more than 24 hours, is an independent risk factor for death. Surgical debridement with good antibiotic coverage is the definitive treatment for NF.