Case series of necrotizing fasciitis presenting to the Department of Emergency Medicine, Singapore General Hospital, from 2006 to 2012

Abstract

Introduction: We aim to review the clinical course of patients with necrotizing fasciitis (NF) presenting to the emergency department, hence determining the need for close monitoring for deterioration, and the need for urgent and rapid surgical intervention. Methods: A retrospective review of electronic medical records of patients with the main diagnosis of NF presenting to the Department of Emergency Medicine, Singapore General Hospital, from 2006 to 2012 was performed. Data was collected in standardized forms and used for analysis. Patients’ demographics, LRINEC scores, time to disposition, and clinical course and outcome were reviewed. Results: A total of 27 cases with the main diagnosis of NF were reviewed. The median age was 56 years (range 20–79). Twenty-four (88.9%) cases had significant underlying comorbidities. Only 18 (66.7%) cases had a LRINEC score of six or more, mandating careful evaluation for NF. Seven (25.9%) cases were managed in the resuscitation room, with median time taken from registration to resuscitation room being 14 min (range 0–231). Four (14.8%) cases were sent to the operation theater from the emergency department with a median time 321.5 min (range 286–436). Case fatality rate in this series was 14.8%. Conclusions: NF can result in gross morbidity and mortality if not treated in the early stages. The emergency physician needs to have a high index of suspicion to recognize the disease early and initiate prompt resuscitative efforts in septic patients, including urgent referral for surgical debridement.