chondroitin-sulfates and Streptococcal-Infections

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) and purpura fulminans (PF) are conditions with extensive septic skin necroses that are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. NF is caused by fulminant bacterial spread on the superficial muscle fascia, Group A streptococcus being the main microorganism responsible for it. The major challenge NF poses is timely recognition. Although crucial for patient survival, early diagnosis is difficult because paucity of specific early findings does not allow setting NF apart from other, less severe, differential diagnoses. Surgical therapy consists of early and aggressive debridement of all affected tissue, even if large disfiguring wounds are left back. The responsible microorganism for PF in children is predominantly Neisseira meningitidis. Endotoxin triggered misbalance of anticoagulant and procoagulant activities of endothelial cells leads to disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) followed by microvascular thrombosis and bleeding, resulting in hemorrhagic skin infarction and limb ischemia. Although survival in PF is not dependent on surgery, and surgery plays not a key role in the early phase of the disease, early surgical consult to assess if limb perfusion can be improved to achieve limb salvage is still absolutely necessary. Debridement should be postponed until clear demarcation has established. Large defects after NF and PF can be successfully reconstructed with vacuum-assisted fixation of Integra (Integra LifeSciences Corporation, Plainsboro, New Jersey, United States) artificial skin before split-thickness skin grafting. This provides good functional and cosmetic results as well as good stump coverage in case of amputation in PF.

Topics: Amputation, Surgical; Child; Chondroitin Sulfates; Collagen; Debridement; Fasciitis, Necrotizing; Humans; Limb Salvage; Meningococcal Infections; Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy; Neisseria meningitidis; Plastic Surgery Procedures; Purpura Fulminans; Skin Transplantation; Skin, Artificial; Streptococcal Infections; Streptococcus pyogenes; Treatment Outcome

Necrotising fasciitis of the external genitalia following routine circumcision is uncommon. We describe reconstruction of the scrotum with local perforator flaps and a dermal regeneration template (Integra) to cover the penile shaft after debridement. Lotus petal flaps were originally designed to cover vulvo-vaginal defects, but in this instance integrated well with the remaining scrotal sac to produce a good volume neoscrotum for testicular cover. Integra creates an acceptable neodermis usually to cover areas of debrided full thickness burns. In this case, Integra adequately replaced the mobile dermal layer over Bucks fascia over the penis to create a pliable and cosmetically acceptable result with erectile capability.

Topics: Abdominal Wall; Adult; Chondroitin Sulfates; Circumcision, Male; Collagen; Fasciitis, Necrotizing; Humans; Male; Penile Diseases; Penis; Plastic Surgery Procedures; Scrotum; Streptococcal Infections; Surgical Flaps; Treatment Outcome

This retrospective study of 549 corneo-scleral rim cultures shows that gentamicin, used in MK and K-Sol medium storage at 4 degrees C, has decreased donor contamination from 43% in whole-globe storage to 13%, but failed to eliminate coagulase negative staphylococci (37%), streptococci (28%) and fungi (28%). Donor-to-host transmitted staphylococcal and streptococcal endophthalmitis have been reported previously. We present the first documented case of donor-to-recipient transmitted fungal endophthalmitis following corneal transplantation using corneas stored in MK or K-Sol solution at 4 degrees C; Candida albicans was isolated. Recommendations are made to assess critically the true incidence of donor fungal contamination and the necessity of adding anti-mycotic agents to preservation medium for 4 degrees C storage. In the absence of ideal antimicrobial cover for corneal preservation solutions, stringent prophylactic measures to reduce contamination and continued monitoring of corneo-scleral rim cultures are warranted, if the poor visual consequences of donor-to-host transmitted endophthalmitis are to be avoided.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Candidiasis; Child; Child, Preschool; Chondroitin Sulfates; Corneal Transplantation; Endophthalmitis; Gentamicins; HEPES; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Male; Middle Aged; Mycoses; Organ Preservation; Postoperative Complications; Retrospective Studies; Staphylococcal Infections; Streptococcal Infections