CLINICAL-EPIDEMIOLOGICAL PROFILE AND OUTCOMES OF PATIENTS WITH FOURNIER'S GANGRENE IN A REFERRAL HOSPITAL IN THE FEDERAL DISTRICT BETWEEN MARCH 2020 AND SEPTEMBER 2025

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.5157226260110

• Palavras-chave: Fournier's gangrene; necrotizing fasciitis; clinical-epidemiological profile; outcomes; hospital costs.

• Keywords: Fournier's gangrene; necrotizing fasciitis; clinical-epidemiological profile; outcomes; hospital costs.

• Abstract:

  Fournier's gangrene is a rare and severe necrotizing infection associated with high morbidity and mortality and significant consumption of hospital resources. This study aimed to analyze the clinical-epidemiological profile and outcomes of patients with Fournier's gangrene undergoing surgical treatment at a referral hospital in the Federal District, as well as to estimate the potential economic impact of incorporating adjuvant therapies. This is an observational, retrospective, and descriptive study, with analysis of medical records of patients treated between March 2020 and September 2025. Demographic data, comorbidities, clinical manifestations, need for ICU admission, length of hospital stay, number of surgical procedures, and mortality were evaluated. The economic analysis was performed using estimates, with length of stay as a proxy for cost, based on official sources and scientific literature. Thirty-seven patients were included, with a mean age of 54 years, a predominance of males, and a high prevalence of comorbidities, especially diabetes mellitus, systemic arterial hypertension, and obesity. The observed mortality rate was 21.6%, with a high rate of ICU admission and prolonged hospitalization. No patient had access to adjuvant therapies such as negative pressure therapy or hyperbaric oxygen therapy. It is concluded that Fournier's gangrene remains associated with serious outcomes and high healthcare impact, and that the protocolized adoption of adjuvant therapies in selected patients has the potential to reduce hospitalization time, improve clinical outcomes, and rationalize costs in the public health system.