DELAYED PRESENTATION AS THE PRINCIPAL DETERMINANT OF POOR OUTCOMES IN DIABETIC NECROTIZING FASCIITIS: A PROSPECTIVE COMPARATIVE STUDY

Abstract

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a rapidly progressive and potentially fatal soft tissue infection involving the superficial fascia and subcutaneous tissue.¹ It is considered a true surgical emergency because delayed diagnosis and treatment can rapidly lead to septic shock, multiple organ failure, limb loss, and death.² Early recognition, prompt surgical debridement, broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy, and intensive supportive care remain the cornerstones of successful management.³ Early diagnosis is often challenging because the disease progresses rapidly along the fascial planes, while the initial skin changes may be minimal.⁴ Several studies have shown that timely surgical intervention significantly reduces morbidity and mortality.⁵,⁶