Negligence in Diagnosing Necrotising Fasciitis
A failure to diagnose necrotising fasciitis promptly can prove fatal to the patient and might justify a claim for compensation.
Necrotising fasciitis is a fairly rare, soft-tissue infection. Consequently, it is not necessarily at the forefront of a medical professional's mind when a patient presents with symptoms of pain.
However, the virulence and threat of the infection mean that a high suspicion and immediate investigation are necessary should the relevant practitioner have any concerns whatsoever that the patient may be developing this horrific condition.
There are a number of factors which need to be taken into consideration.
Location of symptoms
Necrotising fasciitis tends to develop in the abdominal area, the limbs or the genital region.
Symptoms which might not trigger alarm bells when present in other areas of the body should alert medical professionals to the possibility of necrotising fasciitis if they develop in these vulnerable areas.
A failure to suspect the presence of the infection in these areas can leave the patient requiring an amputation or the loss of significant areas of tissue as well as damage to the bowel.
Symptoms
A patient who is developing necrotising fasciitis is likely to be exhibiting the following symptoms:
- Intense pain in the region of a wound which might be a surgical incision or simple cut
- Redness and swelling in the same area
- Tenderness around the same area
- As the infection develops, the patient may start to lose feeling in some areas due to tissue death
Signs
The patient might also be starting to develop signs of being fundamentally unwell such as a fast heartbeat and a high temperature which might indicate that they are developing an infection.
If the patient's blood pressure is starting to drop, it would suggest that they are becoming severely unwell and in danger of organ failure.
Patient factors
Although anyone can contract necrotising fasciitis, it is more likely to affect people who are already suffering some degree of illness and have a weakened immune system. Patients already suffering kidney or liver problems or diabetes would appear to be more susceptible to this appalling illness.
Medical negligence
Failing to consider a diagnosis of necrotising fasciitis in a patient exhibiting signs and symptoms of the infection might be considered as substandard medical care. If the patient suffers long-term difficulties as a result, it might be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Contact us at Glynns Solicitors to talk to a medical negligence solicitor if you or a loved one are the victims of poor care of this shocking illness.
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