Limb necrotizing soft tissue infection (NSTI) and necrotising fasciitis: A bicentric study between 2000 and 2017 on the quality of life and functional impact

Introduction. - Limb necrotising soft tissue infection and necrotising fasciitis surgical debridement results in significant soft tissue losses. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the functional impact and the quality of life of survivors. Patients and methods. - This bicentric retrospective study included 62 patients treated for limb necrotising soft tissue infection and necrotising fasciitis (NSTI-NF) between 2000 and 2017. Demographic, clinic, biologic and surgical data were found in Patients Medical Records. Survivors at the moment of data collection (2018) were met; their quality of life was assessed using SF-36, DLQI, BSHS-B scores and their active joints motions were measured using a goniometer. Results. - Twenty-one patients (87.1% of the living patients at this moment) were assessed. For the joint above the injury, mean loss of flexion was 9.19% and 5% for extension whereas for the joint under the injury, mean loss of flexion was 37.65% and 48.6% for extension compared to non-injured side. Mean quality of life scores were: SF-36p: 45.88, SF-36m: 51.31, DLQI: 10.48, BSHS-B: 105.81. The statistical analysis was not able to establish a correlation between loss of motion and quality of life. Conclusion. - We have not found a relationship between loss of joints motions and long term quality of life for those patients. High excised body surface area and high length of stay are correlated with high DLQI and thus a lower quality of life. (C) 2019 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.