Factors Associated With In-hospital Mortality in Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections A Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study FATAL-NSTI Study

What this Trial Is About

Necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTIs) are rare but life-threatening infections affecting the skin and underlying tissues like fat and fascia. These infections progress rapidly and, despite antibiotics, surgery, and intensive care, still have a high risk of death during hospital stays. Early diagnosis is challenging because initial symptoms can resemble less severe infections, which may delay treatment and worsen outcomes. This observational study aims to identify factors linked to in-hospital death in adult patients with NSTIs by analyzing routine clinical and laboratory data collected at hospital admission. The study does not involve any experimental treatments or changes to usual care. All patients receive standard treatment based on clinical judgment at experienced referral centers following established guidelines. The study focuses on gathering and analyzing data such as patient demographics, vital signs, and standard blood tests obtained during early hospital evaluation to find early predictors of mortality. No additional tests or procedures are required specifically for the study. Participants will be adults admitted with a diagnosis of NSTI, including necrotizing fasciitis, Fournier's gangrene, or infections involving the neck or trunk. The research team will review routinely collected clinical information and laboratory results from the initial hospital admission and assessment. The primary outcome measured is death from any cause during the hospital stay within 30 days. The study also looks at limb amputation rates during this period. Data will be used to develop a risk estimation tool to help recognize patients at higher risk early in their hospital course.

FATAL-NSTI Study (Factors Associated With In-hospital mortALity in NSTI).