Necrotizing Soft-Tissue Infections: Clinical Guidelines

The purpose of these guidelines is to examine existing data regarding the diagnosis and treatment of NSTIs and to provide an evidence-based and reasoned approach to the care of patients with NSTI. Users These guidelines target both physicians involved in the initial diagnosis and management of NSTI and specialists involved in the definitive treatment including debridement and coverage procedures of patients with NSTI. Clinical Problem NSTIs are rare but potentially fatal infections involving the skin, subcutaneous tissues, and muscle. Because of accompanying systemic illness and profound inflammatory response, these patients are typically critically ill and have prolonged intensive care unit stays. In addition, these patients have large, complex wounds and are often treated in specialized treatment centers such as burn units.