TITLE:
Chronic Pain Management after Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infection (NSTI): A Case Report
AUTHORS:
Kinyungu Njoroge, Vivian Matubia, Ngugi Kinyungu
KEYWORDS:
Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections (NSTIs), Chronic Pain, Sequelae
JOURNAL NAME:
Case Reports in Clinical Medicine,
Vol.13 No.9,
September
24,
2024
ABSTRACT: Background: Necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTIs) are potentially life threatening medical emergencies associated with devastating and rapidly spreading destruction of soft tissues. Atypical presentations and delayed early diagnosis can be significant challenges in managing NSTIs. The infectious process can start at any part of the body with rapid progression leading to limb amputation and high mortality rate. We present a case of a patient with NSTI, the sequelae and management of the chronic pain that developed. Aim: This case report looks to shed light on the importance of a plan for management of subacute and chronic pain in treating patients who present with Necrotizing soft tissue infection. Case presentation: A 53-year-old female who presented with septicemia and was subsequently admitted and treated for NSTI in 2014 resulting in amputation of her distal foot, toe digits, and now with ongoing chronic wound of the lower extremities along with chronic pain. Conclusion: Chronic pain as part of the sequelae of Necrotizing soft tissue infections needs to be anticipated by the health care management team in order to optimize patient care post operatively.