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Necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTIs) are devastating diseases caused by Streptococci, Staphylococcus aureus, anaerobes, or a combination of bacteria. NSTIs are characterized by extensive tissue necrosis and rapid progression to severe sepsis. Mortality is high and survivors often experience severe long-term sequelae. Broad spectrum antibiotics and clindamycin are commonly used for treatment together with (often mutilating) surgical debridement. Many centers also use high-dose polyvalent human immunoglobulin therapy (IVIG) based on benefit in anecdotal reports.
Researchers conducted a controlled clinical trial involving 100 critically ill patients with NSTI onset within 48 hours and typical findings at surgery, randomizing 50 patients t…