![[ Visit Client Website ]](images/banner.gif)
Learning Objective 1: 75% of participants will be able to describe two “hard signs” and two abnormal lab values that may be seen with necrotizing soft tissue infections.
Learning Objective 2: 75 % of participants will demonstrate how to calculate the LRINEC score on a hypothetical patient that presenting with a skin and soft tissue infection.
Necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTI) are rare, rapidly spreading infections that can occur in any of the soft tissue compartments, such as the dermis, subcutaneous tissue, superficial fascia, deep fascia, or muscle. The initial insult is often a break in the skin barrier that is then invaded by bacteria. The bacteria release toxins and enzymes causing necrosis and liquefaction of the tissues, often leading to sepsis and multi organ system failure. If these patients are not treated early and aggressively with surgical debridement and broad-spectrum antibiotics, the mortality can reach beyond 40%. Unfortunately these infections present similarly to other types of skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI), such as cellulitis and abscesses, making diagnosis difficult. Numerous studies have found an association between objective laboratory values and diagnosing NSTI. A clinical practice guideline will be implemented in the emergency department setting to guide the workup and diagnosis of patients presenting with a SSTI. By implementing a practice guideline that can be used to assist with the triage of patients to rule out necrotizing soft tissue infections, it is anticipated that the time from presentation to diagnosis and treatment will decrease.
See more of: Evidence-Based Practice Sessions: Oral Paper & Posters