Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacy Practice, KLR Pharmacy College, Palwancha, Telangana 507115, India.

KLR Pharmacy College, Palwancha, Telangana 507115, India.

KLR Pharmacy College, Palwancha, Telangana 507115, India.

KLR Pharmacy College, Palwancha, Telangana 507115, India.

KLR Pharmacy College, Palwancha, Telangana 507115, India.
Necrotizing fasciitis, superficial fascia infection ,

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a severe surgical infection of the superficial fascia, progressing rapidly in surrounding soft tissues. Prompt recognition and aggressive treatment are critical to prevent sepsis, multiorgan failure, and fatal outcomes. This retrospective study analyzed medical records of 200 patients treated for acute NF at a tertiary care teaching hospital over six months. The highest incidence was observed in the age group 51-60 years (30.5%), followed by 61-70 years (29%). Males (69%) were more frequently affected than females (31%), likely due to risk factors such as smoking and alcohol intake. The left lower limb was the most commonly affected site (31.5%). Diabetes mellitus (DM) was the most frequent comorbidity, aligning with previous studies linking poorly controlled DM with adverse outcomes. The study utilized the Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis (LRINEC) score to stratify patient risk, dividing them into two groups: Group 1 (score 0-6) with 37.5% and Group 2 (score >6) with 62.5%. Group 2 had significantly higher scores, longer hospital stays, and more surgeries. Additional clinical parameters like severe pain, fever, tachycardia, and signs of acute kidney injury were incorporated to optimize the LRINEC score. Common symptoms included pain (68%), ulcer (67.5%), edema (65%), and fever (63%). Surgical intervention was required in 56.5% of patients, with fasciotomy and debridement being the most common procedures. Antibiotics, primarily Ceftriaxone and Metronidazole, were administered to all patients, along with antipyretics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and analgesics. The study underscores the importance of early diagnosis and surgical treatment to improve prognosis in NF patients. The LRINEC score is a valuable tool for risk stratification and prognosis, emphasizing the need for timely intervention to reduce mortality rates

14 , 1 , 2024