Necrotising fasciitis as a complication of primary varicella infection in an immunocompetent child

BMJ Case Rep. 2018 Jun 21:2018:bcr2018225018. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2018-225018.

Abstract

Necrotising fasciitis (NF) is an infrequent yet significant complication of primary varicella infection in immunocompetent children. We report a case of a 4-year-old girl who presented three days into her chicken pox illness, with a rapidly progressing, severely tender erythematous rash surrounding one chicken pox lesion on her thigh. She required intravenous antibiotics, two surgical debridements, a skin graft and a prolonged stay in the paediatric intensive care unit, but ultimately we were able to save her life and limb. NF is a rare complication of chicken pox that has high morbidity and mortality that requires prompt and specific treatment.

Keywords: infectious diseases; paediatrics; vaccination/immunisation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Intravenous
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Chickenpox / complications*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Debridement
  • Fasciitis, Necrotizing / diagnosis*
  • Fasciitis, Necrotizing / etiology
  • Fasciitis, Necrotizing / therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunocompetence
  • Intensive Care Units, Pediatric
  • Skin Transplantation
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents