Mortality in soft-tissue infections: Is it predictable?

Abstract

Background: Soft-tissue infections are a common emergency surgical problem. The delayed presentation will lead to significant mortality and morbidity. There is no proper prognostication model available for this disease. Hence, we proposed this study to find factors predicting mortality in soft-tissue infections. Methodology: We conducted a case control study with a calculated sample size of 110. All the patients with soft-tissue infections who presented to our hospital were included after written consent. The data collected were analyzed for finding significant parameters predicting mortality using both univariate and multivariate analysis. Results: The factors that predicted mortality are, the requirement of ventilation during the treatment with a P = 0.000 (confidence interval [CI] - 0.001–0.074), and dialysis with a P = 0.026 (CI - 0.004–0.701). If these parameters were present during treatment for soft-tissue infections, the chances of mortality are high. Conclusion: Patients who require ventilator and dialysis assistance during treatment can be anticipated to have mortality from soft-tissue infections.