title: [Pathogenesis, classification and diagnosis of necrotizing soft tissue infections].
abstract: Necrotizing soft tissue infections are caused by a variety of pathogens and may affect different types of soft tissue. Even today mortality and lethality are very high. The primary symptoms of necrotizing soft tissue infections are local pain out of proportion, swelling, erythema and crepitation in cases of subcutaneous gas. A systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) is often associated. During the last decades early recognition and initiation of an adequate therapy were able to reduce lethality to an average of 20%. The physical examination remains the diagnostic gold standard and may be supported by typical findings of imaging technologies, e.g. subcutaneous gas on x-rays and laboratory tests. After diagnosis an adequate antibiotic and surgical therapy should be performed immediately.
authors.affiliation: Plastisch- und Handchirurgische Klinik, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Deutschland. stefan.schnuerer@uk-erlangen.de
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Schnürer
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Beier
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Croner
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Rieker
authors.forename: R E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Horch
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003238:Connective Tissue / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D003646:Debridement; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D019115:Fasciitis, Necrotizing / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D018934:Fournier Gangrene / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D005738:Gas Gangrene / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D009336:Necrosis; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology; D017192:Skin Diseases, Bacterial / Q000145:classification* / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D018461:Soft Tissue Infections / Q000145:classification* / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D018746:Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents