Dina Amin, DDS, FACS: No financial relationships to disclose
Waleed Zaid, DDS, MSc, FRCDc, FACS: No financial relationships to disclose
The incidence of necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is 0.4 cases per 100,000 people. NF is a life-threatening infection of the soft tissue characterized by widespread necrosis of the skin, subcutaneous fat and fascia. It typically spares the overlying skin and muscle until late in the disease. Diabetes mellitus is known to be one of the comorbidities in the progression of the disease. NF of the head and neck has a particularly high mortality rate due to the proximity of many vital anatomical structures. Because of its high mortality rate, prompt and aggressive management with immediate surgical intervention is crucial. Management includes eradication of the source of infection, proper wound dressing, control of blood sugar, and broad-spectrum antibiotic coverage. This session will discuss the recent advances in diagnosing and managing necrotizing fasciitis to the head and neck.
Learning Objectives:
At the conclusion of this presentation, participants should be able to:
Discuss the incidence and etiology of necrotizing fasciitis.
Describe the risk factors and pathophysiology of the disease.
Discuss the role of different types of laboratory exams and imaging in diagnosis.
Explain the different available antibiotics and the best route of administration.
Review the challenges associated with the reconstruction of defects after treating the disease.