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Keyianoosh Paydar, MD; David M. Young, MD

Arch Surg. 2007;142(6):576.

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The role of bacteria in causing tissue necrosis may be debated, but the standard treatment of infected soft tissue is not. The article by Del Giudice¹ looks at the cutaneous complications after crushed buprenorphine tablet injections in 13 patients in southeastern France. Cellulitis associated with necrotizing ulcers, in the article, is attributed to chemical irritants. An infection by bacteria often accompanies the tissue necrosis. As mentioned by the author, it is difficult to distinguish the contribution of chemicals from bacteria in the disease process. But once bacteria are found in necrotic tissue with surrounding cellulitis, most clinicians would consider the tissue infected and treat with antibiotics. Perhaps Dr Del Giudice is correct in stating that chemicals in the injected drug cause the initial tissue necrosis. But to claim that the bacteria found in the wound may be irrelevant ignores the fact . . . [Full Text of this Article]

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RELATED LETTER

Inappropriate Antibiotic Use in Soft Tissue Infections in Injection Drug Users
Pascal Del Giudice
Arch Surg. 2007;142(6):575-576.
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