Prognostic factors and clinical outcomes in Fournier's Gangrene: a retrospective study of 35 patients.

BACKGROUND

Fournier's gangrene is a severe form of infectious necrotizing fasciitis affecting the perineum, perianal, and genital areas; it is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Hence, it is important to identify prognostic factors that can predict clinical outcomes and guide treatment strategies. Thus, our study aimed to analyze patient characteristics and determine prognostic factors affecting clinical outcomes in Fournier's gangrene.

METHODS

This retrospective study involved examining medical records spanning 18 years for patients with Fournier's gangrene at our institution. Considering the exclusion criteria, data from 35 patients were included in this study.

RESULTS

A total of 35 patients were included in the analysis. The mean age of the patients showed no statistically significant difference between the survivor and non-survivor groups. The Charlson Comorbidity Index, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score were not significantly different between the two groups. Notably, the initial Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score was significantly higher in the non-survivor group than that in the survivor group. The overall in-hospital mortality rate was 17.1%. Moreover, the prevalence of multidrug resistant bacterial infection was markedly higher in the non-survivor group than that in the survivor group. Coagulation dysfunction was significantly more prevalent in the non-survivor group than that in the survivor group, and had the most significant impact on in-hospital mortality. A multivariable logistic regression analysis identified multidrug resistant bacterial infection to be independently associated with high in-hospital mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Coagulation dysfunction and multidrug resistant bacterial infection were identified as independent negative prognostic factors, highlighting the need for prompt monitoring and proactive strategies against Fournier's gangrene.