Polymicrobial lower extremity necrotising fasciitis in a young toddler with sepsis

Abstract

This is a case of a female toddler presenting with a minor injury to the right lower extremity with progressively worsening erythema and oedema. Initial workup revealed elevated inflammatory markers and imaging with significant soft tissue gas. The overall clinical presentation was highly suggestive of a necrotising soft tissue infection. The patient was expeditiously managed with fluid resuscitation, intravenous antibiotics and admission to intensive care. The patient required multiple operative interventions for excisional debridement of grossly necrotic soft tissue and fascia with eventual achievement of healthy wound margins amenable to reconstruction with skin grafting.

Keywords: Failure to thrive; Paediatric Surgery; Paediatrics.