A Necrotizing fasciitis in a 16months old child complicated by tetanus infection

Abstract

Introduction:

Necroting fasciitis (NF) is an infection of the soft tissue which causes necrosis of the fascia as well as subcutaneous tissue and fat tissue. It is rare, especially in children as fewer than 10,000 cases per year are seen in Nigeria. However, it was reported to be commoner in children than adults in northwestern Nigeria. It is associated with high mortality. Early diagnosis and debridement improve the prognosis. Diagnosing it early may be difficult due to lack of specific physical sign and its rapid progression.

Method

We report a case of a 16 months old child with necrotizing fasciitis a poly microbial synergistic infection accompanied by tetanus infection.

Conclusion

Clinicians managing children need to know how to diagnose and treat cases of necrotizing faciitis early as it is critical for survival especially among children whose immunity is not well developed and emphasis should be placed on immunization against other lethal infections like tetanus which can complicate such infections more especially among those from low socioeconomic status and from developing world.

Key words: Necrotizing fasciitis, child, Tetanus