Necrotizing Fasciitis

In Brief PURPOSE To update the practitioner with causes, diagnosis, and treatment options for necrotizing fasciitis. TARGET AUDIENCE This continuing education activity is intended for physicians and nurses with an interest in better understanding the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of necrotizing fasciitis. OBJECTIVES After reading this article and taking this test, the reader should be able to: Identify the risk factors and causes of necrotizing fasciitis (NF). Describe the clinical presentation and diagnosis of NF. Explain the treatment options for NF. This continuing education activity discusses the causes, symptoms, and treatments for this rare, life-threatening bacterial infection.