Factors that affect the clinical course of group A beta-haemolytic streptococcal infections of the hand and upper extremity: a retrospective study.

Group A beta-haemolytic streptococcus is a well-known cause of necrotising fasciitis, which is increasing in incidence and severity. More aggressive soft tissue infections of the hand and upper extremity caused by this organism have been noted in our plastic surgical unit, prompting a five-year retrospective study to find out which factors affect clinical outcomes. The records of 31 patients, 27 male and 4 female, with Group A beta-haemolytic streptococcal soft tissue infections with a mean (SD) age of 25 (12) years were reviewed.