Low sensitivity of physical examination findings in necrotizing soft tissue infection is improved with laboratory values: a prospective study
T Chan, A Yaghoubian, D Rosing, A Kaji… - The American journal of …, 2008 - Elsevier
BACKGROUND: When clinical “hard signs” of necrotizing soft tissue infection (NSTI) are
present, establishing the diagnosis of NSTI is not difficult. However, hard signs of NSTIs are
often absent on presentation, thus potentially delaying diagnosis and surgical intervention. A
prior retrospective study performed at our institution demonstrated that admission white
blood cell (WBC) count> 15,400/μL× 109/L and/or serum sodium (Na)< 135 mEq/L could
help differentiate NSTI from non-NSTI. The purpose of this study was to prospectively …
present, establishing the diagnosis of NSTI is not difficult. However, hard signs of NSTIs are
often absent on presentation, thus potentially delaying diagnosis and surgical intervention. A
prior retrospective study performed at our institution demonstrated that admission white
blood cell (WBC) count> 15,400/μL× 109/L and/or serum sodium (Na)< 135 mEq/L could
help differentiate NSTI from non-NSTI. The purpose of this study was to prospectively …