BMJ 1994;308:1453-1454 (4 June)

Editorials

Necrotising fasciitis

In view of the recent intense media attention given to necrotising fasciitis it may be opportune to examine the facts. Perhaps the most important, given the current hysteria, is that the number of laboratory reports of systemic infection with group A streptococci in England and Wales made to the Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre has not changed over the past three years. In the first 16 weeks of this year 200 blood isolates were reported, compared with 212 and 200 in the first 16 weeks of 1993 and 1992, respectively.1

The condition was first described in a specific body region by Fournier in 18832 and as a more generalised condition by Meleney in 1924.3 Uncommon rather than rare, necrotising fasciitis causes potentially devastating morbidity and frequently death.4

The bacteriology of necrotising fasciitis is unclear, 5,6 in particular whether synergy is required. Meleney's original description was of a streptococcal condition,3 like the cases . . . [Full text of this article]


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Relevant Article

Necrotising fasciitis Immediate surgical opinion is essential
R G Ward, H Cox, J A S Carruth, S R Williams, and A P Brightwell
BMJ 1994 309: 341-342. [Extract] [Full Text]

This article has been cited by other articles:

  • Yu, K.-H., Ho, H.-H., Chen, J.-Y., Luo, S.-F. (2004). Gout complicated with necrotizing fasciitis--report of 15 cases. Rheumatology (Oxford) 43: 518-521 [Abstract] [Full text]  
  • Larose-Pierre, M., Scrivens, J. J. Jr., Norwood, D., Rappa, L. (2002). Necrotizing Fasciitis Caused by Group A Streptococcus: Case Report and Therapy Update. Journal of Pharmacy Practice 15: 290-296 [Abstract]  
  • Ward, R G, Cox, H, Carruth, J A S, Williams, S R, Brightwell, A P (1994). Necrotising fasciitis Immediate surgical opinion is essential. BMJ 309: 341c-342 [Full text]  
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