Can we predict mortality in patients with necrotizing fasciitis using conventional scoring systems?

BACKGROUND: This study compared the predictive accuracy of four scoring systems, namely Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II), Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA), Simplified Acute Physiology Score II (SAPS II), and Mortality in Emergency Department (MEDS), for estimating prognosis in patients with necrotizing fasciitis. METHODS: Seventy-four patients who presented with necrotizing fasciitis were retrospectively examined. The ability of the scoring systems to predict mortality was assessed by comparing the estimated mortality rates in mortality groups (survivors/non-survivors), and mortality rates among survivors and non-survivors with an estimated mortality of >10%, 30%, and 50% in the scoring systems were compared in pairs. RESULTS: Estimated mortality rates in the survivor and non-survivor groups were different for all the scoring systems. The estimated mortality rates of APACHE II and SAPS II were much closer to the actual mortality rates than the other two scoring systems. When the predicted mortality rates were analyzed as limits for a mortality risk, the predicted mortality rate by APACHE II was superior to that by SAPS II. CONCLUSION: The studied scoring systems had significantly higher predicted mortality rates in non-survivors than in survivors; however, they all underestimated the mortality rate. APACHE II and SAPS II were relatively superior for estimating mortality in patients with necrotizing fasciitis. APACHE II rather than the other scoring systems should be currently used.

Protective effect of leptin against ischemia-reperfusion injury in the rat small intestine.

BACKGROUND: The small intestine is extremely sensitive to ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury and a range of microcirculatory disturbances which contribute to tissue damage. Previous studies have shown that leptin plays an important physiological role in the microvasculature. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effects of leptin in I/R--induced mucosal injury in the small intestine. METHODS: Forty rats were divided into 5 groups (n = 8). Group I was subjected to a sham operation. Following mesenteric ischemia in group II (control); physiologic saline 1 cm3, in group III; leptin 100 microg/kg, and physiologic saline 1 cm3, in group IV; NG-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) 20 mg/kg, and physiologic saline 1 cm3, in group V; leptin 100 microg/kg, L-NAME 20 mg/kg, and physiologic saline 1 cm3 were given intra-peritoneally. In these groups, an I/R procedure was performed by occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery for 45 min followed by 120 min reperfusion. After reperfusion, the small intestines were resected for malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) concentration and histopathologic properties. Mucosal lesions were scored between 0 and 5. Tissue MDA and NO concentration and histopathologic grades were compared statistically. RESULTS: Tissue MDA level significantly increased (P < 0.05), tissue NO level significantly decreased in group V animals, compared to group III animals respectively (P < 0.001). Histopathologically, intestinal injury significantly decreased in the leptin treated ischemic group. CONCLUSION: Leptin can be used safely in mesenteric occlusive diseases, since it induces NO formation and release in mesenteric vessels.