Prospective evaluation of risk factors for mortality in patients of Fournier's gangrene: A single center experience

INTRODUCTION: Fournier's gangrene is an aggressive disease with high morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to assess risk factors associated with mortality among patients of Fournier's gangrene. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between May 2011 and September 2012, all patients of Fournier's gangrene treated at our center were included in the study. All patients underwent emergency surgical debridement and received broad spectrum intravenous antibiotics. Their baseline characteristics, treatment, and follow-up data were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 30 patients were included in the study. Of these, six patients (20%) died during the treatment. Age <55 years, total leukocyte count <15000 cumm, extent of the area involved, septic shock at admission, visual analog scale (VAS) <7 at admission, and Fournier gangrene severity index (FGSI) score <8 at admission were significantly associated with increased mortality. CONCLUSION: In patients of Fournier's gangrene, increased age, total leukocyte count, extent of the area involved, septic shock at admission, VAS score, and FGSI score at admission have a significant association with mortality.