Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections
Although rare, Necrotizing soft tissue infections are severe types of bacterial infection that can destroy skin, muscle, and even underlying tissue. Individuals affected by such infections are commonly compromised by conditions such as diabetes or vascular disease. Streptococcus pyogenes, flesh eating bacteria is one type of infection that is very severe and usually deadly. Necrotizing soft tissue infections can enter through a scrape or cut bacteria then begins to grow and release harmful toxins. These toxins can interfere with the blood flow to the tissue, directly kill tissue, and breakdown tissue materials leading to a widespread effect.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can be used in combination with proper antibiotics and surgery. Improved tissue oxygen tension will negatively affect the anaerobic bacterial expansion by direct toxic mechanisms, as well as by increasing tissue. Hyperbaric oxygen should also improve these effects since enhanced oxygenation can improve PMN function and bacterial clearance. Use of hyperbaric oxygen for treatment of necrotizing soft tissue infections should be individualized. Patient outcome can vary based on the following factors: how well the antibiotics work, how fast the diagnosis was obtained, how quickly the infection spreads, and the type of bacteria that is causing the infection.
