Association between procalcitonin and mortality in patients with necrotizing fasciitis: A single-center retrospective study

AbstractBackground Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a rapidly progressing, life-threatening soft tissue infection. Procalcitonin (PCT) has emerged as a promising biomarker for early diagnosis and prognosis in severe infections. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of 62 patients with confirmed NF treated at a high-volume Department of Plastic Surgery between January 2005 and May 2024. Clinical parameters, laboratory values, and surgical outcomes were evaluated. Patients were stratified into survivors and non-survivors. Results Elevated PCT levels at admission were significantly associated with in-hospital mortality (p = 0.0329), whereas other parameters showed no statistical significance. Skin grafting was the most common reconstructive procedure. No significant association was found between the type of reconstructive surgery and survival. Conclusion Serum PCT levels at admission may serve as a valuable prognostic marker in NF. Once infection control is achieved, reconstructive surgical interventions appear to be safe and do not influence survival.