Progressive Necrotizing Infections (Necrotizing Fasciitis)

The principal treatment for progressive necrotizing infections is surgical debridement and systemic antibiotics. HBO is recommended as an adjunct only in those settings where mortality and morbidity are expected to be high despite aggressive standard treatment of the necrotizing infections. This condition is a relatively rare infection. It is usually a result of a group A streptococcal infection beginning with severe or extensive cellulitis that spreads to involve the superficial and deep fascia, producing thrombosis of the subcutaneous vessels and gangrene of the underlying tissues. A cutaneous lesion usually serves as a portal of entry for the infection, but sometimes no such lesion is found.

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