The characteristics of oro-cervical necrotizing fasciitis-Comparison with severe cellulitis of oro-cervical region and necrotizing fasciitis of other body regions.

BACKGROUND: Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is an acute and life-threatening soft-tissue infection however rarely seen in oro-cervical region. Therefore, the details of oro-cervical NF (OCNF) are not well known. The purpose of this study was to investigate the characteristics of OCNF by comparing it with severe cellulitis of oro-cervical region (OCSC) or NF of other body regions (e.g., limb, perineum, and trunk) (BNF), respectively. MATERIALS AND METHODS: At first, various risk factors for OCNF in oro-cervical severe infection (OCSI; composed of OCNF and OCSC), including neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis (LRINEC) score, were investigated by univariate and multivariate analyses. Next, the differences between OCNF and BNF, including inflammatory markers and mortality, were investigated. RESULTS: In the present study, 14 out of 231 OCSI patients had OCNF. Multivariate analyses of OCSI patients showed that NLR ≥15.3 and LRINEC score ≥6 points were significantly related to OCNF. During the same period, 17 patients had BNF. The OCNF group had significantly higher inflammatory markers than the BNF group when diagnosis, but significantly lower clinical stages at the time and mortality as outcomes. CONCLUSION: We found that compared to BNF, OCNF can be detected at lower clinical stage by using indexes, such as NLR and LRINEC score, besides clinical findings, which may help contributing to patient's relief.

Prospective Validation of the Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis (LRINEC) Score for Necrotizing Fasciitis of the Extremities.

OBJECTIVES: The Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis score was developed as a clinical decision tool for distinguishing necrotizing fasciitis from other soft tissue infections. We prospectively evaluated the performance of the Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis score for the diagnosis of patients with necrotizing fasciitis in the extremities. METHODS: We conducted a prospective and observational cohort study of emergency department patients with necrotizing fasciitis or severe cellulitis in the extremities between April 2015 and December 2016. The Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis score was calculated for every enrolled patient. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of cut-off scores of 6 and 8 were evaluated. The accuracy of the Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis score was expressed as the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. RESULTS: A total of 106 patients with necrotizing fasciitis and 825 patients with cellulitis were included. With an Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis cut-off score ≥6, the sensitivity was 43% (95% confidence interval 34% to 53%), specificity was 83% (95% confidence interval 80% to 86%), positive predictive value was 25% (95% confidence interval 20% to 30%), and negative predictive value was 92% (95% confidence interval 91% to 93%); with an Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis cut-off score ≥8, the sensitivity was 27% (95% confidence interval 19% to 37%), specificity was 93% (95% confidence interval 91% to 94%), positive predictive value was 33% (95% confidence interval 25% to 42%), and negative predictive value was 91% (95% confidence interval 90% to 92%). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for accuracy of the Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis score was 0.696 (95% CI 0.640 to 0.751). CONCLUSION: The Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis score may not be an accurate tool for necrotizing fasciitis risk stratification and differentiation between severe cellulitis and necrotizing fasciitis in the emergency department setting based on our study.

Predisposing factors of necrotizing fasciitis with comparison to cellulitis in Taiwan: A nationwide population-based case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a life-threatening soft tissue infection with low incidence that requires prompt surgery. In the initial stage, it is difficult to distinguish NF and cellulitis, and limited population-based reports are available. METHODS: We queried inpatient data sets of National Health Institute Research Database in Taiwan from 2002 to 2011 for all patients with diagnoses of NF. Of them, only patients who underwent surgeries and had been admitted to intensive care units were included as the study group. Age and gender-matched patients with admission diagnoses of cellulitis were enrolled in a ratio of 1:4 as the control group. We calculated annual incidence, mortality rate, risk factors and predictors of mortality of NF. RESULTS: The study group consisted of 7391 NF patients. Among them, 4715 patients (64%) were man and 2676 (36%) were women. The overall annual incidence of NF was 3.26 hospitalizations per 100,000 person-years, which rose with age with male predominance. The in-hospital mortality rate, which also rose with age, was 32.2%. Diabetes mellitus (adjusted odds ratio, 2.93; 95% confidence interval, 2.77-3.11; P value < 0.0001), alcoholism (2.64; 2.27-3.08; P < .0001), and chronic kidney disease (1.98; 1.84-2.14; P < .001) were identified as risk factors. Chronic kidney disease (1.86; 1.64-2.10; P < .001) and liver cirrhosis (1.68; 1.50-1.88; P < .001) were identified as predictors of in-hospital mortality. CONCLUSION: Age and the presence of chronic diseases are major risk factors as well as prognostic factors of NF in Taiwan. Diabetes mellitus increases the risk of NF, but does not adversely affect the outcome.

Are there differences in risk factors, microbial aspects, and prognosis of cellulitis between compensated and decompensated hepatitis C virus-related cirrhosis?

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Cellulitis is a common infection in patients with liver cirrhosis. We aimed to compare risk factors, microbial aspects, and outcomes of cellulitis in compensated and decompensated hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related cirrhosis. METHODS: Six hundred twenty consecutive HCV-related cirrhotic patients were evaluated for cellulitis. Demographic and clinical data were evaluated, along with blood and skin cultures. Severity of cirrhosis was assessed using Child-Pugh score. In-hospital mortality was assessed. RESULTS: Seventy-seven (12.4%) cirrhotic patients had cellulitis (25 with compensated and 52 with decompensated disease). Smoking and venous insufficiency were risk factors of cellulitis in compensated cirrhosis. Leg edema, ascites, hyperbilrubinemia and hypoalbuminemia were risk factors in decompensated cirrhosis. Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus pyogenes) were the infective organisms in compensated patients, while gram negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) were the predominant organisms in decompensated cirrhosis. Fungi (Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger) were detected in 3 decompensated cases. In-hospital mortality in patients with cellulitis was 27.3%, approaching 100% in decompensated patients with gram-negative cellulitis. Prolonged hospitalization, higher model for end-stage liver disease (MELD)-Na score, septic shock, local complication, and recurrent cellulitis were predictors of mortality. CONCLUSION: Cellulitis in compensated cirrhosis is different from that of decompensated patients regarding microorganisms, pathogenesis, and prognosis. Cellulitis has a poor prognosis, with mortality rates approaching 100% in decompensated patients with gram-negative cellulitis. Stratifying patients according to severity of cirrhosis is important to identify the proper empirical antibiotic and to decide the proper means of care.

The EGS grading scale for skin and soft-tissue infections is predictive of poor outcomes: a multicenter validation study.

INTRODUCTION: Over the last 5 years, the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma has developed grading scales for emergency general surgery (EGS) diseases. In a previous validation study using diverticulitis, the grading scales were predictive of complications and length of stay. As EGS encompasses diverse diseases, the purpose of this study was to validate the grading scale concept against a different disease process with a higher associated mortality. We hypothesized that the grading scale would be predictive of complications, length of stay, and mortality in skin and soft-tissue infections (STIs). METHODS: This multi-institutional trial encompassed 12 centers. Data collected included demographic variables, disease characteristics, and outcomes such as mortality, overall complications, and hospital and ICU length of stay. The EGS scale for STI was used to grade each infection and two surgeons graded each case to evaluate inter-rater reliability. RESULTS: 1170 patients were included in this study. Inter-rater reliability was moderate (kappa coefficient 0.472-0.642, with 64-76% agreement). Higher grades (IV and V) corresponded to significantly higher Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis scores when compared with lower EGS grades. Patients with grade IV and V STI had significantly increased odds of all complications, as well as ICU and overall length of stay. These associations remained significant in logistic regression controlling for age, gender, comorbidities, mental status, and hospital-level volume. Grade V disease was significantly associated with mortality as well. CONCLUSION: This validation effort demonstrates that grade IV and V STI are significantly predictive of complications, hospital length of stay, and mortality. Though predictive ability does not improve linearly with STI grade, this is consistent with the clinical disease process in which lower grades represent cellulitis and abscess and higher grades are invasive infections. This second validation study confirms the EGS grading scale as predictive, and easily used, in disparate disease processes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic/Epidemiologic retrospective multicenter trial, level III.

Association of the Dundee severity classification with mortality, length of stay and readmission in adult inpatients with cellulitis.

Background: The Dundee classification is a simple severity assessment tool that could optimize treatment decisions and clinical outcomes in adult patients with cellulitis; however, it has not been validated in a large cohort. Objectives: To determine whether the Dundee classification reliably identified those patients with cellulitis who had a higher mortality, a longer length of hospital stay or an increased risk of readmission. Methods: We performed a retrospective study of all adults with a primary discharge diagnosis of cellulitis admitted to Auckland City Hospital from August 2013 to June 2015. We classified patients by severity using the Dundee scoring system. Results: The 30 day all-cause mortality in adult patients with a discharge diagnosis of cellulitis was 2% (29/1462) overall, and was 1% (10/806), 2% (6/271), 3% (10/353) and 9% (3/32) in Classes 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the Dundee classification, respectively (P = 0.01). Mortality was strongly associated with age >65 years (OR 9.37, 95% CI 3.00-41.23) and with heart failure (OR 6.16, 95% CI 2.73-14.23). There were significant associations between the Dundee classification and the incidence of bacteraemia, the length of hospital stay and the rate of readmission to hospital. Conclusions: The Dundee classification is a simple, reliable tool that can be easily applied in clinical settings to predict risk of mortality in order to determine which patients can be managed in the community with oral or intravenous therapy, and which require inpatient care.

Do Patients with Cellulitis Need to be Hospitalized? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Mortality Rates of Inpatients with Cellulitis.

BACKGROUND: Cellulitis is a common cause of hospitalization. In the USA, the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) code "other cellulitis and abscess" accounts for 1.4% of all admissions and $5.5 billion in annual costs. The Infectious Disease Society of America recommends hospitalization for patients with cellulitis under certain circumstances but there is little actual clinical evidence to guide the decision to admit. The purpose of this study is to determine the mortality rate of patients hospitalized with cellulitis and to ascertain if the rate is comparable to the rate for low risk patients with community acquired pneumonia that are currently recommended for outpatient management. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted for studies of consecutive patients hospitalized with cellulitis or erysipelas that reported inpatient mortality. Study quality was assessed using a modified Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. The mortality rates from the included studies were pooled using a random effects model. Heterogeneity was estimated using the I2 statistic. RESULTS: Eighteen studies met inclusion criteria. The overall worldwide mortality rate was 1.1% (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.7-1.8). For studies from the USA, the rate was 0.5% (95% CI 0.3-0.9). The actual cause of death was generally poorly described, and only one third of deaths appeared to be due to infection. DISCUSSION: The estimated mortality rate for patients currently being hospitalized for cellulitis is comparable to the mortality rate of patients with community-acquired pneumonia that are recommended for outpatient management by the Pneumonia Severity Index and CURB65 prediction models and strongly endorsed by major infectious disease societies. Outpatient management of these patients could result in large cost savings and may be much preferred by patients.

Incidence, predictive factors and impacts of acute kidney injury in cirrhotic patients hospitalized for cellulitis.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Cellulitis is a common infection in patients with cirrhosis but its impact on progression of liver disease has been hardly addressed. This study examines the incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI), predictive factors and its impacts on mortality in cirrhotic patients hospitalized for cellulitis. METHODS: Retrospective data from cirrhotic patients hospitalized for cellulitis over the period January 2006 to September 2015 were analysed. AKI was defined according to revised criteria of the International Club of Ascites. RESULTS: A total of 101 episodes of cellulitis were examined (70.3% men; mean age 60.6 ± 13.6 years). Of patients, 27% met criteria for acute on chronic liver failure (ACLF) (grade 1: 63%; grade 2: 22%; grade 3: 15%). AKI was recorded in 50.5% (type 1: 67%; type 2: 19%; type 3: 14%). AKI was present on admission in 21 of the 51 patients (41%) who developed it. In the remaining 30 patients (59%), AKI appeared during hospitalization and its development was associated with a MELD score >14 (70% vs 30%, P=.024). In-hospital mortality was 10% and all patients who died had AKI. A high MELD score on admission, AKI and ACLF were associated with in-hospital mortality (P<.05). One-month transplant-free survival was 84% (70% vs 98% in patients with and without AKI, P=.001). CONCLUSIONS: In cirrhotic patients, cellulitis is a serious infection that often leads to AKI and ACLF. AKI is a strong predictor of mortality in this setting.

Early versus delayed appendicectomy for appendiceal phlegmon or abscess.

BACKGROUND: Appendiceal phlegmon and abscess account for 2% to 10% of acute appendicitis. People with appendiceal phlegmon or abscess usually need an appendicectomy to relieve their symptoms and avoid complications. The timing of appendicectomy for appendiceal phlegmon or abscess is controversial. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of early versus delayed appendicectomy for appendiceal phlegmon or abscess, in terms of overall morbidity and mortality. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Library (CENTRAL; 2016, Issue 7), MEDLINE Ovid (1950 to 23 August 2016), Embase Ovid (1974 to 23 August 2016), Science Citation Index Expanded (1900 to 23 August 2016), and the Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM) (1978 to 23 August 2016). We also searched the World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform search portal (23 August 2016) and ClinicalTrials.gov (23 August 2016) for ongoing trials. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included all individual and cluster-randomised controlled trials, irrespective of language, publication status, or age of participants, comparing early versus delayed appendicectomy in people with appendiceal phlegmon or abscess. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently identified the trials for inclusion, collected the data, and assessed the risk of bias. We performed meta-analyses using Review Manager 5. We calculated the risk ratio (RR) for dichotomous outcomes and the mean difference (MD) for continuous outcomes with 95% confidence intervals (CI). MAIN RESULTS: We included two randomised controlled trials with a total of 80 participants in this review. 1. Early versus delayed open appendicectomy for appendiceal phlegmonForty participants (paediatric and adults) with appendiceal phlegmon were randomised either to early appendicectomy (appendicectomy as soon as appendiceal mass resolved within the same admission) (n = 20), or to delayed appendicectomy (initial conservative treatment followed by interval appendicectomy six weeks later) (n = 20). The trial was at high risk of bias. There was no mortality in either group. There is insufficient evidence to determine the effect of using either early or delayed open appendicectomy onoverall morbidity (RR 13.00; 95% CI 0.78 to 216.39; very low-quality evidence), the proportion of participants who developed wound infection (RR 9.00; 95% CI 0.52 to 156.91; very low quality evidence) or faecal fistula (RR 3.00; 95% CI 0.13 to 69.52; very low quality evidence). The quality of evidence for increased length of hospital stay and time away from normal activities in the early appendicectomy group (MD 6.70 days; 95% CI 2.76 to 10.64, and MD 5.00 days; 95% CI 1.52 to 8.48, respectively) is very low quality evidence. The trial reported neither quality of life nor pain outcomes. 2. Early versus delayed laparoscopic appendicectomy for appendiceal abscessForty paediatric participants with appendiceal abscess were randomised either to early appendicectomy (emergent laparoscopic appendicectomy) (n = 20) or to delayed appendicectomy (initial conservative treatment followed by interval laparoscopic appendicectomy 10 weeks later) (n = 20). The trial was at high risk of bias. The trial did not report on overall morbidity or complications. There was no mortality in either group. We do not have sufficient evidence to determine the effects of using either early or delayed laparoscopic appendicectomy for outcomes relating to hospital stay between the groups (MD -0.20 days; 95% CI -3.54 to 3.14; very low quality of evidence). Health-related quality of life was measured with the Pediatric Quality of Life Scale-Version 4.0 questionnaire (a scale of 0 to 100 with higher values indicating a better quality of life). Health-related quality of life score measured at 12 weeks after appendicectomy was higher in the early appendicectomy group than in the delayed appendicectomy group (MD 12.40 points; 95% CI 9.78 to 15.02) but the quality of evidence was very low. This trial reported neither the pain nor the time away from normal activities. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: It is unclear whether early appendicectomy prevents complications compared to delayed appendicectomy for people with appendiceal phlegmon or abscess. The evidence indicating increased length of hospital stay and time away from normal activities in people with early open appendicectomy is of very low quality. The evidence for better health-related quality of life following early laparoscopic appendicectomy compared with delayed appendicectomy is based on very low quality evidence. For both comparisons addressed in this review, data are sparse, and we cannot rule out significant benefits or harms of early versus delayed appendicectomy.Further trials on this topic are urgently needed and should specify a set of criteria for use of antibiotics, percutaneous drainage of the appendiceal abscess prior to surgery and resolution of the appendiceal phlegmon or abscess. Future trials should include outcomes such as time away from normal activities, quality of life and the length of hospital stay.

Examining the correlation between diabetes and odontogenic infection: A nationwide, retrospective, matched-cohort study in Taiwan.

More than 90% of head and neck infections are caused by pathological changes originating in the teeth. When odontogenic infections are not properly treated, infections may spread to distant spaces and cause more serious infections in fascial spaces, ultimately leading to deep neck infections. Clinical experience has indicated that patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) may be more susceptible to facial cellulitis and deep neck infections caused by odontogenic infections. This study used the Taiwan National Health Insurance Database (NHIRD) to analyze and examine the correlation between DM and odontogenic infections in patients. To this end, this study analyzed 1 million NHIRD individual datasets from 2005, of which 964,182 individuals had medical treatment records. The insurance database also recorded related factors such as age, sex, duration of hospital stays, season, and whether patients were low income. We also analyzed the correlation between urbanization and the studied diseases. The results indicated that the correlation between facial cellulitis and DM patients was confirmed; facial cellulitis was most likely to occur 2 years after the initial DM diagnosis, with a risk occurrence 1.409 times greater than that of the control group. Facial cellulitis is more likely to occur in patients originating from poorer socioeconomic backgrounds, and female DM patients are more likely to experience this condition. These conclusions may facilitate the establishment of clinical guidelines for preventative education and treatment. Oral prevention and health education for high-risk patients, as well as early-stage surgical intervention and antibiotic usage in early-stage odontogenic infections, can prevent disease progression, improve patient recovery rates, and reduce the use and waste of medical resources.

Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Patients With Cellulitis Requiring Intensive Care.

Importance: Cellulitis is a commonly occurring skin and soft tissue infection and one of the most frequently seen dermatological diseases in the intensive care unit (ICU). However, clinical characteristics of patients with cellulitis requiring intensive care treatment are poorly defined. Necrotizing fasciitis is often confused for cellulitis at initial presentation and is considered to be more severe and thus has previously been described in more detail. Objective: To describe the clinical presentation and outcomes of patients with ICU-necessitating cellulitis and to compare them with patients with necrotizing fasciitis. Design, Setting, and Participants: This prospective cohort study includes all ICU admissions from 2 tertiary hospitals in the Netherlands. Of 2562 sepsis admissions, 101 had possible, probable, or definite cellulitis or soft tissue infections. Retrospective review identified severe cellulitis was the reason for ICU admission in 23 patients, necrotizing fasciitis in 31 patients, and other diagnoses in 47 patients. Main Outcomes and Measures: Patient and disease characteristics, cultured pathogens, lengths of stay, and short-term and long-term mortality. Results: Overall, 54 patients with cellulitis (n = 23; mean [SD] age, 57.2 [17.7] years) or necrotizing fasciitis (n = 31; mean [SD] age, 54.3 [13.5]) were included in this study. Patients with cellulitis were found to be less severely ill than patients with necrotizing fasciitis. This is reflected in rates of shock (7 [30.4%] vs 19 [61.3%]; P = .03), need for mechanical ventilation (12 [52.2%] vs 19 [93.5%]; P = .003) and slightly lower mean Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scores (8 vs 10; P = .046). Median (interquartile range [IQR]) Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation IV scores did not differ significantly (82 [75-98] vs 76 [70-96]; P = .16). Patients with cellulitis had more chronic comorbidities than patients with necrotizing fasciitis (20 [87.0%] vs 17 [54.8%]; P = .02), especially cardiovascular insufficiencies (10 [43.5%] vs 4 [12.9%]; P = .02) and immunodeficiencies (9 [39.1%] vs 3 [9.7%]; P = .02). Among patients with cellulitis and patients with patients with necrotizing fasciitis, Staphylococcus aureus (10 [43.5%] vs 4 [12.9%]; P = .02), Streptococcus pyogenes (2 [8.7%] vs 19 [61.3%]; P < .001) and Escherichia coli (4 [17.4%] vs 5 [16.2%]; P = .90) were the most frequently observed pathogens. Median (IQR) length of ICU stay was shorter for patients with cellulitis vs patients with necrotizing fasciitis (3 [2-5] vs 5 [3-11]; P = .01), while median (IQR) hospital length of stay did not differ significantly (22 [10.25-32] vs 36 [14.25-40]; P = .16); and the in-hospital mortality rate (26.1% vs 22.6%, P > .99) and 90-day mortality rate (30.4% vs 22.6%; P = .54) were similar. Conclusions and Relevance: Patients with cellulitis patients are seldom admitted to the ICU. However, while these patients are less critically ill on admission than patients with necrotizing fasciitis, they have more chronic comorbidities and most notably similar short-term and long-term mortality. Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01905033.

CKD and Risk for Hospitalization With Infection: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study.

BACKGROUND: Individuals on dialysis therapy have a high risk for infection, but risk for infection in earlier stages of chronic kidney disease has not been comprehensively described. STUDY DESIGN: Observational cohort study. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS: 9,697 participants (aged 53-75 years) in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study. Participants were followed up from 1996 to 1998 through 2011. PREDICTORS: Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urinary albumin-creatinine ratio (ACR). OUTCOMES: Risk for hospitalization with infection and death during or within 30 days of hospitalization with infection. RESULTS: During follow-up (median, 13.6 years), there were 2,701 incident hospitalizations with infection (incidence rate, 23.6/1,000 person-years) and 523 infection-related deaths. In multivariable analysis, HRs of incident hospitalization with infection as compared to eGFRs≥90mL/min/1.73m2 were 2.55 (95% CI, 1.43-4.55), 1.48 (95% CI, 1.28-1.71), and 1.07 (95% CI, 0.98-1.16) for eGFRs of 15 to 29, 30 to 59, and 60 to 89mL/min/1.73m2, respectively. Corresponding HRs were 3.76 (95% CI, 1.48-9.58), 1.62 (95% CI, 1.20-2.19), and 0.99 (95% CI, 0.80-1.21) for infection-related death. Compared to ACRs<10mg/g, HRs of incident hospitalization with infection were 2.30 (95% CI, 1.81-2.91), 1.56 (95% CI, 1.36-1.78), and 1.34 (95% CI, 1.20-1.50) for ACRs≥300, 30 to 299, and 10 to 29mg/g, respectively. Corresponding HRs were 3.44 (95% CI, 2.28-5.19), 1.57 (95% CI, 1.18-2.09), and 1.39 (95% CI, 1.09-1.78) for infection-related death. Results were consistent when separately assessing risk for pneumonia, kidney and urinary tract infections, bloodstream infections, and cellulitis and when taking into account recurrent episodes of infection. LIMITATIONS: Outcome ascertainment relied on diagnostic codes at time of discharge. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing provider awareness of chronic kidney disease as a risk factor for infection is needed to reduce infection-related morbidity and mortality.

[CAUSES AND WAYS OF THE NECK PHLEGMON SPREADING ON MEDIASTINUM WITH A DESCENDING PURULENT MEDIASTINITIS OCCURRENCE].

Results of treatment in 2000-2016 yrs of 183 patients for the neck phlegmon were analyzed. In 60 (32.8%) of them a descending purulent mediastinitis (DPM) was diagnosed. The main causes of the DPM occurrence were tonsilogenic and odontogenous factors. Postoperative lethality in DPM have constituted 25%.

Clinical outcomes of bacteraemia in cellulitis of the leg.

BACKGROUND: Infections of the blood are associated with high mortality and morbidity. In cellulitis, the utility of blood cultures remains controversial because of their relatively low bacterial yield. However, some important but less well studied aspects include risk factors for bacteraemia, the effects of bacteraemia on the length of hospitalization and on morbidity and mortality rates. AIM: To determine the incidence of bacteraemia in cellulitis in an inpatient cohort; to identify risk factors for bacteraemia in cellulitis; and to assess length of hospitalization stay, rate of recurrence of cellulitis, and mortality in patients with cellulitis and bacteraemia. METHODS: Records of 214 patients diagnosed with cellulitis were reviewed. Blood cultures, length of hospitalization stay, rate of recurrence of cellulitis, mortality, coexistent dermatoses and local factors predisposing to cellulitis and comorbidities were analyzed. RESULTS: The incidence of bacteraemia was 10.8%. Mean duration of hospitalization was longer (P < 0.01) and recurrence (P < 0.01) was higher in patients with bacteraemia. There was no difference in mortality between patients with and patients without bacteraemia (P = 0.47). Risk factors for bacteraemia included lymphoedema (P < 0.01), presence of an ipsilateral orthopaedic implant (P < 0.01), total white blood cell (WBC) count > 13.5 × 10(6) µL (P < 0.01, liver cirrhosis (P = 0.02) and chronic kidney disease (P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Blood cultures should be performed for patients with cellulitis who have factors increasing the risk of bacteraemia, such as presence of lymphoedema, ipsilateral orthopaedic device implantation, leucocytosis of > 13.5 × 10(6) µL, liver cirrhosis or chronic kidney disease, and other forms of immunosuppression. Bacteraemia in cases of cellulitis of the leg is a prognostic factor for increased length of hospitalization stay and recurrence of cellulitis.

Hospitalizations for cellulitis in Canada: a database study.

BACKGROUND: Cellulitis is the skin disease most commonly responsible for emergency department visits and inpatient admissions. OBJECTIVE: To determine factors associated with prolonged admissions and mortality in inpatients with cellulitis. METHODS: Data on patients with an admission diagnosis of cellulitis from 2004 to 2008 in the Canadian Discharge Abstract Database were analyzed. Factors associated with mortality and prolonged hospital stay (> 7 days) were analyzed in univariate and multivariate analysis through logistic regression. RESULTS: During the study period, 65,454 patients were hospitalized for cellulitis. Factors associated with prolonged admission included admission to or consultation by a surgical service (OR 2.30, 95% CI 2.17-2.43) and dermatology consultation (OR 4.50, 95% CI 3.92-5.17). Factors associated with mortality included surgical (OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.03-1.76) or infectious disease (OR 1.75, 95% CI 1.39-2.21) consultation. CONCLUSION: Misdiagnosis of cellulitis, suggested by the use of consulting services, may play a role in the morbidity and mortality of cellulitis patients.

Mortality from nonneoplastic skin disease in the United States.

BACKGROUND: The mortality burden from nonneoplastic skin disease in the United States is unknown. OBJECTIVE: We sought to estimate mortality from nonneoplastic skin disease as underlying and contributing causes of death. METHODS: Population-based death certificate data detailing mortality from nonneoplastic skin disease for years 1999 to 2009 were used to calculate absolute numbers of death and age-adjusted mortality by year, patient demographics, and 10 most commonly reported diagnoses. RESULTS: Nonneoplastic skin diseases were reported as underlying and contributing causes of mortality for approximately 3948 and 19,542 patients per year, respectively. Age-adjusted underlying cause mortality (per 100,000 persons) were significantly greater (P < .0001) for patients who were black/African American (3.4), women (1.4), and residing in the South (1.6). Most deaths occurred in patients ages 65 years and older (34,248 total deaths). Common underlying causes of death included chronic ulcers (1789 deaths/y) and cellulitis (1348 deaths/y). LIMITATIONS: Errors in death certificate data and inability to adjust for patient-level confounders may limit the accuracy and generalizability of our results. CONCLUSION: Mortality from nonneoplastic skin disease is uncommon yet potentially preventable. The elderly bear the greatest burden of mortality from nonneoplastic skin disease. Chronic ulcers and cellulitis constitute frequent causes of death.

Pediatric erythromelalgia: a retrospective review of 32 cases evaluated at Mayo Clinic over a 37-year period.

BACKGROUND: Erythromelalgia has not been well characterized in the pediatric population. OBJECTIVE: We sought to review our experience of erythromelalgia in the pediatric age group. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of patients 18 years of age and younger with a diagnosis of erythromelalgia who were examined at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, from 1970 to 2007. RESULTS: The records of 32 patients (girls, 22 [69%]) were evaluated. Mean age was 14.1 years (range, 5-18 years) and mean time to diagnosis was 5.2 years. Seven patients (22%) had a first-degree relative with erythromelalgia; 4 were from the same family. Physical activity was limited because of discomfort in 21 patients (66%) and school attendance was affected in 11 patients (34%). Noninvasive vascular studies, which compared temperature, laser Doppler flow, and transcutaneous oximetry in the toes, identified vascular abnormalities in 13 (93%) of 14 patients. Neurophysiologic studies with autonomic reflex screening (including quantitative sudomotor axon reflex test and thermoregulatory sweat testing) showed evidence of a small-fiber neuropathy involving the skin in 10 (59%) of 17 patients studied; there was no evidence of large-fiber neuropathy in 20 patients in whom electromyographic and nerve conduction studies were performed. Topical lidocaine was the most commonly prescribed treatment (44%). Fifteen patients were monitored for an average of 9.1 years (median, 5.0 years; range, 0.4-23.7 years). At last follow-up, 5 patients had stable disease, 4 showed improvement, two had resolution, one reported worsening of symptoms, and 3 had died (one suicide). LIMITATIONS: Conclusions are limited because this was a retrospective chart review. CONCLUSION: Erythromelalgia in pediatric patients is associated with substantial morbidity and even death. The majority of cases are not inherited. Most patients studied have associated small-fiber neuropathy. The disease course is variable. A reliable and safe treatment has not been determined.

Type I interferon production induced by Streptococcus pyogenes-derived nucleic acids is required for host protection.

Streptococcus pyogenes is a Gram-positive human pathogen that is recognized by yet unknown pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). Engagement of these receptor molecules during infection with S. pyogenes, a largely extracellular bacterium with limited capacity for intracellular survival, causes innate immune cells to produce inflammatory mediators such as TNF, but also type I interferon (IFN). Here we show that signaling elicited by type I IFNs is required for successful defense of mice against lethal subcutaneous cellulitis caused by S. pyogenes. Type I IFN signaling was accompanied with reduced neutrophil recruitment to the site of infection. Mechanistic analysis revealed that macrophages and conventional dendritic cells (cDCs) employ different signaling pathways leading to IFN-beta production. Macrophages required IRF3, STING, TBK1 and partially MyD88, whereas in cDCs the IFN-beta production was fully dependent on IRF5 and MyD88. Furthermore, IFN-beta production by macrophages was dependent on the endosomal delivery of streptococcal DNA, while in cDCs streptococcal RNA was identified as the IFN-beta inducer. Despite a role of MyD88 in both cell types, the known IFN-inducing TLRs were individually not required for generation of the IFN-beta response. These results demonstrate that the innate immune system employs several strategies to efficiently recognize S. pyogenes, a pathogenic bacterium that succeeded in avoiding recognition by the standard arsenal of TLRs.

Limb-threatening and life-threatening diabetic extremities: clinical patterns and outcomes in 56 patients.

Limb- and life-threatening hand and foot infections in diabetic patients account for a large proportion of amputations and a substantial number of deaths. Between August 2006 and the end of July 2008, we conducted a prospective cohort study of consecutive diabetic patients with serious hand or foot infections, in an effort to identify clinical patterns and outcomes related to the treatment of these infections. Infections were categorized as dry, gas, and wet gangrene; necrotizing fasciitis or cellulitis; acute extensive osteomyelitis; and any of these infections involving the hand. All of the patients underwent a standard examination and treatment protocol, although none of the patients received vascular surgical care. End points included healing following debridement or minor amputation, major (transtibial or more proximal) amputation, or death. A total of 56 patients were included in the final analyses, and their mean age was 70 (range 51 to 86) years. Of the patients, 17 (30.36%) had necrotizing cellulitis, 12 (21.43%) had wet gangrene, 9 (16.07%) had acute extensive osteomyelitis, 5 (8.93%) had dry gangrene, 5 (8.93%) had gas gangrene, 4 (7.14%) had necrotizing fasciitis, and 4 (7.14) had diffuse hand infections. Five (8.93%) patients died (2 after prior amputation), 26 (46.43%) underwent debridement and/or minor amputation, and 27 (48.21%) required major amputations. Based on our findings, we concluded that 7 patterns of serious limb- or life-threatening infection were identified and, in the absence of vascular surgical intervention, mortality can be reduced at the expense of more amputations.