Association between procalcitonin and mortality in patients with necrotizing fasciitis: A single-center retrospective study

<h2>Abstract</h2><h3>Background</h3> Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a rapidly progressing, life-threatening soft tissue infection. Procalcitonin (PCT) has emerged as a promising biomarker for early diagnosis and prognosis in severe infections. <h3>Methods</h3> We performed a retrospective analysis of 62 patients with confirmed NF treated at a high-volume Department of Plastic Surgery between January 2005 and May 2024. Clinical parameters, laboratory values, and surgical outcomes were evaluated. Patients were stratified into survivors and non-survivors. <h3>Results</h3> Elevated PCT levels at admission were significantly associated with in-hospital mortality (p = 0.0329), whereas other parameters showed no statistical significance. Skin grafting was the most common reconstructive procedure. No significant association was found between the type of reconstructive surgery and survival. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Serum PCT levels at admission may serve as a valuable prognostic marker in NF. Once infection control is achieved, reconstructive surgical interventions appear to be safe and do not influence survival.