How did necrotizing fasciitis get its name?
What’s in a name? Necrotizing means causing the death of tissues. Fasciitis means inflammation of the fascia (the tissue under the skin that surrounds muscles, nerves, fat, and blood vessels). The infection often spreads very quickly.
How common is necrotizing fasciitis in the world?
Necrotizing fasciitis occurs in about 0.4 people per 100,000 per year in the US, and about 1 per 100,000 in Western Europe. Both sexes are affected equally. It becomes more common among older people and is rare in children.
How rare is necrotising fasciitis?
Necrotizing fasciitis spreads quickly and aggressively in an infected person. It causes tissue death at the infection site and beyond. Every year, between 600 and 700 cases are diagnosed in the U.S. About 25% to 30% of those cases result in death. It rarely happens in children..
How fast is necrotizing fasciitis?
The symptoms of necrotising fasciitis develop quickly over hours or days. They may not be obvious at first and can be similar to less serious conditions, such as flu, gastroenteritis or cellulitis. Early symptoms can include: a small but painful cut or scratch on the skin.
Who discovered necrotizing fasciitis?
The first clear description of necrotizing fasciitis was given by Joseph Jones [1], a surgeon in the Confederate Army of the United States in 1871. He described it as “hospital gangrene” in 2,642 soldiers with a mortality of 46 % during the Civil War.
Where is necrotizing fasciitis found in the world?
Where is necrotizing fasciitis most commonly found? The most common body sites where necrotizing fasciitis tends to occur are the extremities (arms, hands, feet and legs). However, necrotizing fasciitis can also occur in the head, neck and groin regions depending on the circumstances and risk factors.
Where was necrotizing fasciitis discovered?
The disease was first discovered in 1783, in France and it occurred from time to time throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. The disease was usually found in military hospitals, during times of war. There have been some outbreaks among the general public.
When was necrotizing fasciitis discovered?
The disease was first discovered in 1783, in France and it occurred from time to time throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. The disease was usually found in military hospitals, during times of war.
Who first discovered necrotizing fasciitis?