Analysis of Prognostic Factors in Patients with Fournier's Gangrene

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: To evaluate prognostic factors such as age, associated disease, laboratory and clinical data, which can affect prognosis of patients with Fournier's gangrene. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 27 patients were included in this study. All underwent treatment during past 15-year in our department. Medical records were reviewed with respect to age at presentation, extent of disease, laboratory data and bacteriology, associated disease, and clinical course. Also involved surface area was measured by the rule used in burn patients. Statistical analysis was made by Mann Whitney U test and Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: Of 27 patients, 4 died and 23 survived. The mean age was 55.4+/-13.7. The most common underlying disease was diabetes mellitus. In comparison of survival and non-survival groups, there were significant differences in duration of symptom before hospitalization, total surface area involved, laboratory data including serum albumin, creatinine, and WBC count on CBC. However, there was no difference in hospital stay, age, underlying disease, serum BUN, infected organisms, and urinary or fecal diversion. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the unfavorable factors affecting survival are duration of symptom before hospitalization, total surface area involved, serum albumin and creatinine level, and WBC count on CBC. The survival was, however, not associated with bacteriological factors, hospital stay, age, urinary or fecal diversion, and underlying diseases such as diabetes, and cancer.