Necrotizing fasciitis in neonate: a case report and review of literature

Abstract

Introduction .Necrotizing fasciitis is a rapidly progressive infection of the soft tissue that affects the skin, subcutaneous tissue, superficial fascia and sometimes deep fascia .These injuries cause significant tissue necrosis, with severe systemic toxicity. It´s a disease that doesn´t occur very often in neonates, and when it´s not detected early, mortality excedes up to 70 %. The diagnosis is clinical, although tests like computerized tomography , magnetic resonance image and drainage culture guide to this entity. Case Report. We report the case of a male neonate that was admitted to the neonatal unit as potentially septic because the mother had a urinary tract infection in her third trimester. In its fourth day of antibiotic coverage, the neonate develops blisters on lower back and change of antibiotic is decided, instead of amikacin and ampicillin, oxacillin was used. Shortly the newborn developed areas of necrosis and was decided to handle it as necrotizing fasciitis and piperacillin tazobactam, debridement of the affected area and daily cleansings were added. Conclusion. Successful treatment in a neonate requires an accurate and early diagnosis which includes debridement of affected tissues, coverage of broad spectrum antibiotics and intensive care support.