Estimating the health care costs associated with recurrent cellulitis managed in the outpatient setting.

BACKGROUND: Recurrent cellulitis is diagnosed in 22% to 49% of all cellulitis cases, but little is known about the costs associated with these cases. OBJECTIVE: To characterize patients with recurrent cellulitis in the outpatient setting and estimate the associated costs. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted for adult patients who presented to the outpatient facilities at our institution from January 1, 2007, to December 31, 2011, with recurrent cellulitis. Data provided by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services were used. RESULTS: A total of 157 patients were identified; 56% were male, with a mean age of 62.7 years. The mean number of episodes of cellulitis per patient was 3. Antibiotics were prescribed for all patients with a diagnosis of recurrent cellulitis, with 93% treated with oral antibiotics and 17.6% treated with intravenous antibiotics. A total of 1081 laboratory and 175 radiologic imaging tests were ordered. The minimum average cost per cellulitis episode was $586.91; the average cost per visit was $292.50. LIMITATIONS: Retrospective study; use of a single, large academic institution; and utilization of cost estimates that may not adequately reflect the variation of costs across closed-system sites or geographic regions. There was no accounting for the nonfinancial or opportunity costs associated with hospitalization, such as lost days of employment or child care and any long-term morbidities, among others. CONCLUSIONS: Recurrent cellulitis in the outpatient setting costs about $586.91 per episode. Although there is no criterion standard for diagnosis or treatment of cellulitis, our analysis demonstrates the need for more evidence-based management to achieve better outcomes and reduce the significant health care costs.

Inpatient dermatology consultation aids diagnosis of cellulitis among hospitalized patients: A multi-institutional analysis.

BACKGROUND: Given its nonspecific physical examination findings, accurately distinguishing cellulitis from a cellulitis mimicker (pseudocellulitis) is challenging. OBJECTIVE: We sought to investigate the national incidence of cellulitis misdiagnosis among inpatients. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of inpatient dermatology consultations at Massachusetts General Hospital, University of Alabama at Birmingham Medical Center, University of California Los Angeles Medical Center, and University of California San Francisco Medical Center in 2008. All consults requested for the evaluation of cellulitis were included. The primary outcomes were determining the incidence of cellulitis misdiagnosis, evaluating the prevalence of associated risk factors, and identifying common pseudocellulitides. RESULTS: Of the 1430 inpatient dermatology consultations conducted in 2008, 74 (5.17%) were requested for the evaluation of cellulitis. In all, 55 (74.32%) patients evaluated for cellulitis were given a diagnosis of pseudocellulitis. There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of misdiagnosis across institutions (P = .12). Patient demographics and associated risk factor prevalence did not statistically vary in patients given a diagnosis of cellulitis versus those with pseudocellulitis (P > .05). LIMITATIONS: This study was unable to evaluate all patients admitted with cellulitis and was conducted at tertiary care centers, which may affect the generalizability of the results. CONCLUSIONS: Cellulitis is commonly misdiagnosed in the inpatient setting. Involving dermatologists may improve diagnostic accuracy and decrease unnecessary antibiotic use.

The deep penetrating nevus.

The deep penetrating nevus (DPN), also known as the plexiform spindle cell nevus, is a pigmented lesion that commonly arises on the head and neck in the first few decades of life. Histopathologically, the DPN is wedge-shaped and contains melanocytes that exhibit deep infiltration into the dermis. Given these features, DPN may clinically and histopathologically mimic malignant melanoma, sparking confusion about the appropriate evaluation and management of these lesions. The goal of this review is to summarize the clinical and histopathological features of DPN and to discuss diagnostic and treatment strategies for dermatologists.

The utility of re-excising mildly and moderately dysplastic nevi: a retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUND: The management of dysplastic nevi (DN) is a highly debated and controversial topic within the dermatology community. Clinicians agree that margin-positive severely DN should be removed with a surgical margin, however, there is disagreement surrounding the appropriate management of margin-positive mildly and moderately DN. OBJECTIVE: We sought to evaluate the utility of re-excising margin-positive mildly and moderately DN. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted on all adult patients given the diagnosis of a biopsy-proven DN from 2010 through 2011. The primary outcomes were defined as the presence of melanocytic residuum in re-excisional specimens and a clinically significant change in diagnosis. RESULTS: A total of 1809 mildly and moderately DN were diagnosed from 2010 through 2011. In all, 765 (42.3%) of these lesions were found to have positive surgical margins during biopsy, and 495 (64.7) of the 765 lesions were subsequently re-excised. Melanocytic residuum was present in 18.2% of re-excisional specimens. Re-excision resulted in a clinically significant alteration of the diagnosis in only 1 case (0.2%). LIMITATIONS: Limitations include retrospective design and inability to assess for malignant transformation given limited follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Re-excising mildly and moderately DN results in a low histopathological yield and rarely results in a clinically significant change in diagnosis. As such, clinical monitoring of margin-positive lesions may be warranted.

Child abuse masquerading as a soft tissue sarcoma.

Pediatric fasciitides are rare benign lesions that may clinically mimic a malignant sarcoma. Nodular fasciitis, the most common of these fasciitides, rarely occurs in children younger than 5 years of age. Often there is a history of preceding trauma. Herein, we report the case of a 5-month-old boy diagnosed with nodular fasciitis in the setting of nonaccidental trauma.

Levamisole toxicity mimicking autoimmune disease.

BACKGROUND: Levamisole is present as a contaminant or additive in most cocaine sold in the United States. Cases of agranulocytosis attributed to levamisole-tainted cocaine have been widely described. A vasculopathic reaction to levamisole has also been reported; however, diagnostic features such as antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) and additional autoimmune marker positivity are not well recognized. As such, many patients are given a misdiagnosis, prompting aggressive and often unnecessary treatment. OBJECTIVE: We hope to educate practitioners about the clinical and laboratory features of levamisole-induced vasculopathy to ensure accurate diagnosis and management. METHODS: This was a case series. RESULTS: Six patients were admitted with purpuric lesions and vasculitic changes on biopsy specimen; 5 of them were given the diagnosis of and treated for autoimmune conditions before their true diagnosis was revealed. All patients had ANCA positivity, and 4 had additional abnormalities in autoimmune markers. All patients reported recent cocaine abuse, and were ultimately given the diagnosis of levamisole-induced vasculopathy. LIMITATIONS: This observational study is limited by sample size. CONCLUSIONS: Patients presenting with purpuric lesions with ANCA positivity should be assessed for cocaine exposure. It is important to recognize that levamisole may not only induce ANCA positivity but also other autoimmune marker abnormalities. Patients can often be treated with less aggressive therapeutic strategies than what is used for primary ANCA-associated vasculitides.

Risk Factors Predicting Cellulitis Diagnosis in a Prospective Cohort Undergoing Dermatology Consultation in the Emergency Department.

Cellulitis is an infection of the skin and skin-associated structures with many clinical mimickers known collectively as pseudocellulitis. Dermatology or infectious disease consultation is considered the gold standard for diagnosis. We evaluated a prospective cohort of adult patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with concern for lower extremity cellulitis who received dermatology consultation with conferral of a final diagnosis. Possible risk factors independently associated with cellulitis diagnosis (P<.1) were included in a logistic regression model for prediction of cellulitis diagnosis. Factors having odds ratios with a confidence interval excluding 1 were identified as significant independent predictors. The study identified factors that should be considered in evaluation of patients with suspected uncomplicated lower extremity cellulitis.

Effect of Dermatology Consultation on Outcomes for Patients With Presumed Cellulitis: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Each year, cellulitis leads to 650 000 hospital admissions and is estimated to cost $3.7 billion in the United States. Previous literature has demonstrated a high misdiagnosis rate for cellulitis, which results in unnecessary antibiotic use and health care cost. Objective: To determine whether dermatologic consultation decreases duration of hospital stay or intravenous antibiotic treatment duration in patients with cellulitis. Design, Setting, and Participants: This randomized clinical trial was conducted in a large urban tertiary care hospital between October 2012 and January 2017, with 1-month follow-up duration. Patients were randomized to the control group, which received the standard of care (ie, treatment by primary medicine team), or the intervention group, which received dermatology consultation. Medical chart review of demographic information and hospital courses was performed. Adult patients hospitalized with presumed diagnosis of cellulitis were eligible. A total of 1300 patients were screened, 1125 were excluded, and 175 were included. Statistical analysis was employed to identify significant outcome differences between the 2 groups. Interventions: Dermatology consultation within 24 hours of hospitalization. Main Outcomes and Measures: Length of hospital stay and duration of intravenous antibiotic treatment. Results: Of 175 participants, 70 (40%) were women and 105 (60%) were men. The mean age was 58.8 years. Length of hospital stay was not statistically different between the 2 groups. The duration of intravenous antibiotic treatment (<4 days: 86.4% vs 72.5%; absolute difference, 13.9%; 95% CI, 1.9%-25.9%; P = .04) and duration of total antibiotic treatment was significantly lower in patients who had early dermatology consultation (<10 days: 50.6% vs 32.5%; absolute difference, 18.1%; 95% CI, 3.7%-32.5%; P = .01). Clinical improvement at 2 weeks was significantly higher for those in the intervention group (79 [89.3%] vs 59 [68.3%]; absolute difference, 21.0%; 95% CI, 9.3%-32.7%; P < .001). There was no significant difference in 1-month readmission rate between the groups (4 [4.5%] vs 6 [6.9%]; absolute difference, -2.4%; 95% CI, -9.3% to 4.5%; P = .54). In the intervention group, the rate of cellulitis misdiagnosis was 30.7% (27 of 88 participants). Among the entire cohort, 101 (57.7%) patients were treated with courses of antibiotics longer than what is recommended by guidelines. Conclusions and Relevance: Early dermatologic consultation can improve outcomes in patients with suspected cellulitis by identifying alternate diagnoses, treating modifiable risk factors, and decreasing length of antibiotic treatment. Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01706913.

The impact of dermatology consultation on diagnostic accuracy and antibiotic use among patients with suspected cellulitis seen at outpatient internal medicine offices: a randomized clinical trial.

IMPORTANCE: Cellulitis is a common and costly problem, often diagnosed in the outpatient setting. Many cutaneous conditions may clinically mimic cellulitis, but little research has been done to assess the magnitude of the problem. OBJECTIVE: To determine if obtaining dermatology consultations in the outpatient primary care setting could assist in the diagnosis of pseudocellulitic conditions and reduce the rate of unnecessary antibiotic use. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Nonblinded randomized clinical trial of competent adults who were diagnosed as having cellulitis by their primary care physicians (PCPs), conducted at outpatient internal medical primary care offices affiliated with a large academic medical center. INTERVENTIONS: Outpatient dermatology consultation. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Primary outcomes were final diagnosis, antibiotic use, and need for hospitalization. RESULTS: A total of 29 patients (12 male and 17 female) were enrolled for participation in this trial. Nine patients were randomized to continue with PCP management (control group), and 20 patients were randomized to receive a dermatology consultation (treatment group). Of the 20 patients in the dermatology consultation group, 2 (10%) were diagnosed as having cellulitis. In the control group, all 9 patients were diagnosed as having cellulitis by PCPs, but dermatologist evaluation determined that 6 (67%) of these patients had a psuedocellulitis rather than true infection. All 9 patients (100%) in the control group were treated for cellulitis with antibiotics vs 2 patients (10%) in the treatment group (P < .001). One patient in the control group was hospitalized. All patients in the treatment group reported improvement of their cutaneous condition at the 1-week follow-up examination. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Dermatology consultation in the primary care setting improves the diagnostic accuracy of suspected cellulitis and decreases unnecessary antibiotic use in patients with pseudocellulitic conditions. Obtaining an outpatient dermatology consultation may be a cost-effective strategy that improves quality of care. TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier:NCT01795092.

Widespread morbilliform eruption associated with telaprevir: use of dermatologic consultation to increase tolerability.

IMPORTANCE: Telaprevir, combined with pegylated interferon alfa and ribavirin, is an efficacious approach to treat hepatitis C virus infection. A morbilliform eruption associated with telaprevir is a common adverse effect experienced by patients. Current guidelines mandate telaprevir discontinuation in any patient with a severe, progressive, or unresponsive cutaneous eruption. OBSERVATIONS: Eight patients with a grade 3 (severe) widespread morbilliform eruption associated with telaprevir were referred to dermatology for evaluation and treatment. Each patient received a combination of antihistamines, topical corticosteroids, and thick emollient creams, rendering their eruption tolerable for the duration of treatment. No patients had evidence of a systemic or life-threatening drug reaction, developed a systemic drug eruption, or had to prematurely stop triple therapy secondary to a cutaneous eruption. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Patients with an uncomplicated grade 3 (severe) widespread morbilliform eruption associated with telaprevir may be able to continue triple therapy with close monitoring and dermatologic consultation. Given our findings, we propose an additional clinical classification of the telaprevir-associated eruption to better reflect the dermatologic classification of drug eruptions.

Intralesional sodium thiosulfate for the treatment of calciphylaxis.

IMPORTANCE: Calciphylaxis is a potentially fatal disorder of abnormal calcium deposition. Patients commonly present with painful retiform to stellate purpuric lesions that often undergo ulceration and necrosis, increasing the risk of infection and life-threatening sepsis. Treatment is multifaceted, and improved outcomes have been demonstrated with intravenous sodium thiosulfate; however, the use of this medication can be limited by its adverse effects. The use of topical sodium thiosulfate has been successfully reported for superficial calcium deposits in the skin from other processes. Therefore, we hypothesized that intralesional (IL) sodium thiosulfate may be an effective treatment for the deeper lesions of cutaneous calciphylaxis. We provide a retrospective case review of 4 patients with calciphylaxis who were treated with IL sodium thiosulfate. OBSERVATIONS: Four patients with biopsy-proven cutaneous calciphylaxis were treated with IL sodium thiosulfate (250 mg/mL) in areas of clinically active disease. The patients tolerated the medication well, with only transient localized discomfort during injection. All 4 patients had complete healing of their ulcers and remission of disease. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Intralesional sodium thiosulfate may be an effective and well-tolerated treatment for localized calciphylaxis. This novel approach requires further research and investigation.