Socioeconomic status affects amputation and mortality rates in necrotizing fasciitis patients

• Published in: International orthopaedics 2024-10, Vol.48 (10), p.2505-2512
• Main Authors: Momtaz, David, Heath, David, Ghali, Abdullah, Krishnakumar, Hari N., Schultz, Rebecca J., Gonuguntla, Rishi K., Brady, Christina
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Original Paper; Orthopedics
• ISSN: 0341-2695; 1432-5195; 1432-5195
• DOI: 10.1007/s00264-024-06266-6

Purpose Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a rare, but rapidly progressing bacterial infection of the subcutaneous tissues and muscular fascia with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Our study aims to determine if socioeconomic status (SES) is a predictor of outcomes in NF. Methods A retrospective review was conducted of patients diagnosed with NF at our institution. Demographic information, insurance status, medical and surgical history, vitals, ASA score, blood laboratory values, surgical procedure information, and outcomes prior to patient discharge were collected. Patient zip codes were utilized to obtain median household incomes at the time of the patient’s surgical procedure to determine SES. Patients without complete data in their medical record were excluded. Initial descriptive statistics and logistic regression models were performed. Results We identified 196 patients (mean age 50.13 ± 13.03 years, 31.6% female) for inclusion. Mortality rate was 15.3% ( n  = 30) and 33.7% ( n  = 66) underwent amputation. Mortality rate was not significantly different across income brackets. Lower income brackets had higher rates of amputation than higher income brackets ( p