Time to definitive surgical debridement has been recognized as a predictor for morbidity and mortality in necrotizing soft-tissue infections (NSTI). Rural patients are at particular risk due to limited local resources, decreased access to care, and prolonged transport times. The aim of the current study was to examine the outcomes of NSTI requiring surgical treatment in a previously non-described setting. This retrospective study (2010-2020) from a single tertiary care center in Montana reviewed patients ≥18 years old with a NSTI via ICD9/10 codes. Rural-Urban Continuum Codes (RUCC; characterizing counties by population size) were used to distinguish urban versus rural counties. Race (White and American Indian/Alaskan Native (AI/AN)) was self-described. Qualitative and quantitative comparisons between groups were determined using the appropriate two-tailed statistical tests. An aggregate of 177 patients was identified. Mean age in AI/AN was significantly lower (P<0.0001) compared to White patients with no preexisting condition delineation. NSTI demonstrated an elevated incidence in both rural areas and AI/AN patients. Diabetes was also significantly higher (P=0.0073) in rural versus urban patients. Both rural and AI/AN patients faced extended travel distance for treatment. AI/AN patients had a significantly different infection location than White. Furthermore, polymicrobial species were significantly more prevalent in AI/AN patients. Morbidities (defined as septic shock and/or amputation) were significantly higher in AI/AN patients and rural environments (P<0.01). There was no significant difference in all-cause mortality between respective groups. The state of Montana presents unique challenges to optimizing NSTI treatment due to excessive distances to regional tertiary care facilities. This delay in treatment can lead to increased morbidity.
Keywords: Necrotizing soft tissue infections; emergent care; rural; trauma.
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