Outcomes from treatment of necrotizing soft-tissue infections: results from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database

BackgroundNecrotizing soft-tissue infections (NSTIs) are a group of uncommon, rapidly progressive, potentially fatal disorders. The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) Registry was used to determine current data on the incidence, treatment, and outcomes of NSTIs.MethodsThere were 688 NSTI cases identified for years 2005 to 2008. Ten control patients for each NSTI patient were also selected. Demographic, laboratory, and outcome data were collected to compare both groups.ResultsEvidence of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), sepsis, or septic shock occurred in 83% of NSTI cases. Mortality was 12% for NSTI patients versus 2% for controls. Regression analysis showed that age, emergent surgery, transfer from an outside hospital, sepsis, and several comorbid diseases correlated with mortality but not sex or diabetes. Direct admission was associated with reduced mortality.ConclusionsNSTIs are seen regularly in academic centers, and their incidence may be increasing. Despite a high incidence of comorbid conditions and frequent presentation with sepsis, mortality is lower than previously reported, reflecting ongoing progress in the treatment of these disorders at NSQIP hospitals.