Danish medical journal
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Danish medical journal · Jul 2017
Observational StudyBiomarkers of Necrotising Soft Tissue Infections Aspects of the Innate Immune Response.
Necrotising soft tissue infection (NSTI) is a life-threatening and rapidly progressing bacterial infection involving one or more layers of the soft tissue compartments causing necrosis. The amputation and mortality rates remain high despite increased focus on the patients. Timely treatment, including surgical intervention, reduces the risk of severe disability and death. ⋯ Moreover, patients with β-haemolytic streptococcal infection had higher levels of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α compared with each subgroup stratified by microbial aetiology. This thesis provides new knowledge on the aspects of the innate immune response in patients with NSTI. The results prove that NSTI is characterised by a pronounced inflammatory response and that the innate immune response differs according to disease severity, microbial aetiology, and mortality. Through the three studies we have identified relevant biomarkers that are useful in the risk stratification of patients with NSTI, thus perhaps enhancing prognostication and decision making in these critically ill patients.