Necrotising soft tissue infections

Necrotising soft-tissue infections affect the skin, subcutaneous tissue, superficial fascia, deep fascia or musculature. The infections are severe, spread rapidly and can result in extensive tissue loss. They are rare, but have a high morbidity and mortality rate. Early clinical recognition is crucial for the outcome, and rapid infection control by means of surgery and targeted antibiotic treatment is life-saving. There are few prospective treatment studies of this type of infection. Rapid identification of the condition and the uncertain effect of several treatment options constitute particular challenges. In this clinical review article, we describe clinical features, diagnostics and treatment.