Fournier's Syndrome

Abstract

Three children, aged 9 days, 3 weeks, and 9 1/2 months, were treated for Fournier's syndrome. The portals of entry for a miscellaneous group of pathogens included a circumcision in the first, a circumcision and a diaper rash in the second, and a hot water burn in the third. The development of the condition after a circumcision is noteworthy because it is an extremely common surgical procedure. Medical and minor surgical treatment of the gangrenous areas during the period of rapid healing was successful. This approach contrasts with those researchers who recommend grafts. All three children survived, although one died three years later of complications from the original burn, and in another, one testicle could not be palpated after healing.

Necrotizing Scrotum Fasciitis (Fournier’s Gangrene) in an Infant: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

“…Variety of aetiology was, trauma, insect bite, circumscion, burns, perirectal disease and systemic infection. [19,20] The organisms isolated were streptococci and staphylococci rather than Gram-negative rods and anaerobes that predominate in adults. The child's appearance is often deceiving and may appear a nontoxic, healthy child despite having fever, leucocytosis of gangrenous disease with local inflammation.…”

A case of Fournier gangrene complicating idiopathic nephrotic syndrome of childhood

“…While Fournier gangrene has been reported in children even in the first few weeks of life [7], it remains relatively uncommon in children, with just 56 cases reported to date in the literature. Predisposing conditions include: (1) trauma to the area including surgical circumcision, nappy dermatitis and other rashes, burns and insect bites providing access of organisms to subcutaneous tissues, (2) local or systemic infection and (3) structural abnormalities.…”

Necrotizing Perianal Infection in Children

“…The necrotizing infection of the urogenital area, so-called Fournier's gangrene , has been infrequently reported in children (1)(2)(3). Circumcision is implicated as the leading cause of that lesion, followed by diaper rash, perianal abscess, and hot water burn.…”