Prompt Recognition of Necrotizing Fasciitis in a Newborn
Resource
ACTA PAEDIATRICA TAIWANICA v.40 n.1 pp.43-5
Journal
ACTA PAEDIATRICA TAIWANICA
Journal Volume
v.40
Journal Issue
n.1
Pages
43-5
Date Issued
1999
Date
1999
Author(s)
HSIEH, WU-SHIUN
Abstract
We report a 13-day-old female neonate with necrotizing fasciitis, who presented with fever and erythema on her back . Rapidly progressive extension of the erythema to the abdominal wall occurred within 12 hours. Sonography for the lesion showed extensive fascial thickening with fluid accumulation. An abscess was also demonstrated. Necrotizing fasciitis was highly suspected. Under sonographic guidance, pus was aspirated from the abscess. A smear for the aspirated pus revealed a large number of neutrophils and abundant gram-positive cocci. Immediate surgical debridement was done. Cultures from the pus and blood revealed Staphylococcus aureus. The patient was free of symptoms after surgical debridement and aggressive antibiotic therapy . She had skin grafting to reconstruct the debrided wound on the 20th hospital day and was discharged shortly after the debridement of wound.
Type
journal article