Late Diagnosis of Necrotising Fasciitis
A late diagnosis of necrotising fasciitis or a failure to diagnose at all can lead to the death of the patient. But late diagnosis is also significant in the extent of treatment necessary and the long-term prognosis.
The impact of necrotising fasciitis
Up to 40% of patients with necrotising fasciitis are likely to die from it. It is a fast-moving and destructive condition that can cause multiple organ failure within a matter of days.
The infection itself can destroy extensive areas of tissue within the patient and the only effective way to stop the spread of the infection is to remove absolutely all tissue which has already been damaged. This can lead to a need for repeated surgical procedures and the removal (debridement) of considerable areas of skin and flesh.
Timely diagnosis
The later the illness is diagnosed, the longer the bacteria will have had to spread its damage, thus requiring more extensive debridement. In extreme cases, the patient may lose a limb in order to stop the further development of the infection.
Inevitably, the greater the area of damage and debridement, the more need there will be for surgical repair and reconstruction.
Therefore, it is clear that an early diagnosis is vital in minimising not only the spread of the infection and its effects but increasing the likelihood of survival and reducing the extent of subsequent debridement and plastic surgery.
Diagnosis
Unfortunately, necrotising fasciitis can be difficult to diagnose, especially in its early stages where its symptoms are not specific to that illness - such as a high temperature and a fast heartbeat. However, intense, disproportionate pain in the location of a wound where the bacteria may have entered the body can be a key sign.
Symptoms of necrotising fasciitis such as swelling, redness and tenderness in the affected area can be confused with other conditions such as Deep Vein Thrombosis or Cellulitis and it is vital to differentiate the condition from these illnesses or to undertake further investigation where there is any doubt in order to give the patient the best chance of survival and recovery.
Once the patient's condition has deteriorated to the point where they are exhibiting signs of organ dysfunction such as falling blood pressure, confusion, nausea and diarrhoea, the illness can develop rapidly and they are likely to need life-support measures in order to survive.
Medical Negligence
The potential severity of necrotising fasciitis means that a failure to investigate or refer where there is any doubt as to the underlying cause of the typical symptoms may be considered to be substandard medical care. Put simply, a delay in diagnosis can lead to the death of the patient or a devastating reduction in their quality of life.
If you have suffered the terrible impact of necrotising fasciitis due to a failure to make a timely referral or diagnosis, you may be able to make a claim for compensation.
Contact Glynns Solicitors. We are a specialist medical negligence legal practice with considerable experience in supporting necrotising fasciitis cases.
Please call us free on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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