Risk factors for necrotizing fasciitis:
(1) diabetes mellitus
(2) peripheral vascular disease
(3) obesity
(4) malnutrition
(5) chronic liver disease (Vibrio vulnificus)
(6) immunosuppression
(7) chronic renal disease
Conditions preceding episodes of necrotizing fasciitis (after Table 3, page 839, Chapnick and Abter):
(1) trauma, including crush and puncture wounds (Clostridium species)
(2) surgery, especially intra-abdominal
(3) varicella
(4) intravenous drug abuse
(5) perforated viscus
(6) diverticulitis
(7) renal calculi
(8) dental infection or procedure
(9) pharyngitis
(10) sea water exposure (Vibrio species)
(11) draining abscess
(12) severe thermal burns
(13) eating or handling raw shellfish (Vibrio vulnificus)
