Necrotizing Fasciitis in Infancy: Report of Three Cases and Review of the Literature

Necrotizing fasciitis exists on a continuum of soft tissue infections between cellulitis and myonecrosis. It has been uncommonly reported in infancy (1-10). The diagnosis depends on recognition of the characteristic rapidly progressive clinical course and demonstration of full-thickness skin necrosis with involvement of the fascial planes overlying the muscle. The organisms most often recovered are beta-hemolytic Streptococcus or Staphylococcus aureus, but other aerobic and anaerobic organisms in single or mixed infection have been reported (1, 2, 11, 12). This infection has a significant mortality rate, necessitating early, aggressive, specific medical and surgical treatment.