Impacto epidemiológico de la fascitis necrotizante en la mortalidad en Chile (2016-2024)

Alison Alanoca Paton; Ángela Abarca Contreras; Camilo Fuenzalida García; Edgar Ruiz Basanta; Mariel Homsi Cadima

doi:10.5281/zenodo.19392327

Authors

Alison Alanoca Paton Médico Cirujano, Hospital Alto Hospicio Author https://orcid.org/0009-0007-4657-0489
Ángela Abarca Contreras Médico Cirujano, Hospital Alto Hospicio Author https://orcid.org/0009-0002-9239-6112
Camilo Fuenzalida García Médico Cirujano, Hospital Alto Hospicio Author https://orcid.org/0009-0006-9288-2865
Edgar Ruiz Basanta Médico Cirujano, CESFAM Padre Gerardo Whelan Author https://orcid.org/0009-0001-3210-7465
Mariel Homsi Cadima Médica Cirujana, Hospital Alto Hospicio Author https://orcid.org/0009-0009-2904-8693

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19392327

Keywords:

Chile, Mortality, Necrotizing Fasciitis, General Surgery

Abstract

Introduction: Necrotizing fasciitis is a bacterial infection that rapidly progresses through the subcutaneous tissue planes. It is a low-prevalence condition but has a high individual impact due to its elevated mortality once established. Objective: To descriptively compare the mortality rate (MR) from necrotizing fasciitis (2016–2024) in Chile. Methodology: Observational and quantitative study using statistical data from the Department of Health Statistics and Information (DEIS) and the National Institute of Statistics (INE). Ethics committee approval was not required. Results: The highest MR was recorded in 2024, with 0.43 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. Females showed the highest MR during the study period. The ≥80-year age group was the most susceptible, with 1.61 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants. Discussion: Higher mortality was observed in 2024, which may be attributed to factors associated with population aging or delays in early diagnosis. Females presented a higher MR, a finding that does not align with international literature and could be explained by greater immunologic vulnerability in this sex, leading to more severe clinical presentations. We can affirm that the ≥80-year age group is the most affected in Chile, which may be due to immunosenescence or a higher number of comorbidities. Conclusion: Necrotizing fasciitis is a rapidly progressive infection with high mortality. Its impact is concentrated in older adults and shows territorial and demographic variations, underscoring the need to strengthen policies and internal protocols to improve processes that may lead to the development of this condition.

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