UnknownNot Applicable

Severe Soft Tissue Infections: Perspectives of Patients and Significant Others

Denmark, Sweden30 participantsStarted 2014-01

Plain-language summary

Severe necrotizing soft tissue infection (NSTI), including necrotizing fasciitis, is a life threatening infection that spreads quickly to cutis, sub-cutis, fasciae and muscles. Approximately 40% of all patients with infections caused by S. Pyogenes develop a streptococcal toxic-shock syndrome. In these cases the mortality rates exceed 40% in spite of adequate treatment with antimicrobials. Due to the rapid progress, the extensive damage on soft tissues and high risk of death, the microbes are called "flesh-eating bacteria". The present study is a spin-off of the larger EU funded INFECT study, looking at the experiences of patient and family to understand the impact on every day life. The present prospective mixed methods study has the potential to provide important knowledge regarding the occurrence of early signs and symptoms of NSTI, quality of life 6 and 24 months after diagnosis, and how the care and treatment can be optimized and organized in a person/patient and family centered way. The study also aims at validate the SF 36 questionnaire for this group of patients.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Patients diagnosed with necrotizing fasciitis and their significant others * Age above 18 yrs Exclusion Criteria: * Persons with dementia or severe psychiatric illness * Persons that do not master the Scandinavian language

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Quality of life

Timeframe: 6 months

Quality of life

Timeframe: 24 months

Trial details

NCT IDNCT02169128

SponsorGöteborg University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2018-12

Contact for this trial

Annette Erichsen Andersson, RN, PhD

+46737250458 annette.erichsen.andersson@gu.se

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Necrotizing Fasciitis trials