[Survey of general practitioners management of erysipelas]. / Prise en charge de l'érysipèle en médecine générale : enquête de pratique.

PURPOSE: A few studies only have focused on ambulatory management of erysipelas. METHODS: To assess the diagnostic and therapeutic management of erysipelas by general practitioners, and their adherence to the French Society of Infectious Diseases and Dermatology joint 2000 recommendations, we surveyed 114 general practitioners during a 1 year period (from May 1st, 2005 to April 30th, 2006). RESULTS: Seventy-three general practitioners accepted to participate to the study and 54 cases of erysipelas were reported. Median age of patients was 63 years (range, 18-94) and sex ratio was 0.77. Lower limbs were affected in 83% out of the cases. A skin lesion was reported in 65% of the cases. None of the 15 doppler ultrasonography that were performed identified deep vein thrombosis. Five patients (9%) were initially hospitalized. Only 18% out of the patients were treated by amoxicillin. Most prescribed antimicrobial agents were pristinamycin (31%) and amoxicillin-clavulanate (27%). Median duration of treatment was 10 days. Six patients received an anti-inflammatory drug. Among the 44 patients who had a follow-up visit, 37 patients (84%) recovered and two patients were hospitalized after this follow-up assessment. Two patients experienced a recurrence of erysipelas during the study. CONCLUSION: As previously reported in the literature, outcome of erysipelas after ambulatory management remains excellent, although recommendations are poorly followed.

[Prevention of occupational respiratory diseases]. / Prévention des maladies professionnelles respiratoires.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this paper is to describe the prevention of occupational respiratory diseases and to make lung specialists aware of their role in preventing these conditions. BACKGROUND: We present briefly the basic points concerning the technical methods for prevention of occupational respiratory diseases. Occurrence of such diseases can be avoided only by effective prevention techniques. Some of the tools described can provide physicians with valuable information for the management of their patients. The physician's role in this preventative approach is discussed in relation to the different stages of the socio-occupational life of the patients. The actions to be taken vary, depending on whether the patient is under vocational guidance, working or retired. We introduce a number of prevention professionals able to assist the lung specialist in his advisory role, along with several document- and regulation- based tools suited to implementing the prevention of occupational respiratory diseases. CONCLUSION: Greater knowledge of the different professionals involved and promotion of more active working cooperation between all specialists should ensure more effective screening and care of people suffering from the harmful effects of these diseases.