A Rare Presentation of Fulminant Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infection in Post Partum Period: Report of Two Cases

Abstract

Necrotizing fasciitis is a severe infection involving skin, subcutaneous tissue and superficial fascia, which has lethal outcome. Risk factors associated with this condition include diabetes mellitus, anemia, and immunosuppressive states such as AIDS, or prolonged steroid use. Surgery is an independent risk factor. Serial surgical debridement with appropriate broad spectrum antibiotics is the mainstay of treatment. We are reporting two cases. First is necrotizing soft tissue infection of the anterior abdominal wall in post cesarean patient, which was very fulminant and fatal. The second is Fournier’s gangrene in a patient with episiotomy during normal vaginal delivery. Postpartum necrotizing soft tissue infection is very challenging and fatal. Nowadays these are very rare cases due to antibiotics.