Necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTI) are caused by bacteria that release toxins, which invade surrounding tissue, cutting off blood supply and causing skin and muscle loss. Treatment involves surgical removal of infected tissue and antibiotics. Symptoms include fever, chills, muscle weakness, and nausea. If left untreated, it can lead to sepsis and shock. Treatment may require amputation or tissue debridement. Hyperbaric chamber therapy and immunoglobulin transfer may also be used. Immediate medical evaluation is recommended.
A bacterial infection that causes cell death of infected tissue is called a necrotizing soft tissue infection (NSTI). The bacterium causes the release of toxins that invade surrounding tissue, cutting off the blood supply and adding poisons to the flesh. This can cause skin and muscle loss in the infected area. Treatment of these infections usually involves the surgical removal of the infected tissue and the administration of antibiotics. If necrotizing soft tissue infection is suspected, immediate evaluation by medical professionals is recommended.
Necrotizing soft tissue infections usually start from a small wound. The area turns red or purplish after a few days and will be tender to the touch. Then the inflammatory response of the immune system causes the body to produce exudate and pus builds up inside the wound. The skin may eventually turn a dark color, signaling that the flesh has begun to necrotize or die.
When a bacterium causes a necrotizing soft tissue infection, the body experiences other symptoms due to the circulating toxins and bacteria. Most people will have fever and chills in this stage of a necrotizing soft tissue infection. These symptoms may be accompanied by muscle weakness, dizziness and nausea. If left untreated, the bacteria and toxins spread through the bloodstream causing sepsis and shock, which can be fatal.
Treatment of a necrotizing soft tissue infection begins with intravenous (IV) administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics. Medical personnel will take samples from the infected area to culture. The bacterial cultures will identify the bacterium causing the infection, allowing doctors to prescribe an antibiotic specifically for that type of bacteria.
A necrotizing soft tissue infection can result in disfiguring tissue loss and require amputation of the affected limb. Treatment may require a surgeon to perform tissue debridement to remove necrotized flesh. This involves creating an opening in the general area of the infection and removing the infected tissue from the body. The wound is then closed over the debrided area and a drain can be implanted. If surgical debridement does not effectively remove all of the infected tissue and the bacteria continue to grow, the limb may be amputated to prevent the bacteria from spreading.
When the bacterium causing the necrotizing soft tissue infection is anaerobic, clinicians may use a hyperbaric chamber to promote saturation of the bacteria with an antibiotic. The increase in available oxygen may be able to reduce toxins in the body. Therapy that involves intravenous (IV) transfer of immunoglobulins from a healthy individual can give the immune system the boost it needs to fight infection.
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