Clinical response to antibiotic regimens in lower limb cellulitis: a systematic review

There is variation in the treatment of lower limb cellulitis (LLC) with no agreement on the most effective antibiotic regimen. Many patients with cellulitis fail to respond to first‐line antibiotics. This can negatively affect patient care and result in unnecessary hospital admissions. The aim of this systematic review was to determine the clinical response and safety of antibiotic regimens for the management of LLC. A systematic review for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted using OVID MEDLINE, Ovid Embase and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials in January 2019. Outcomes of interest included the clinical response to antibiotic regimens (type, dose, route, duration) and the safety of antibiotics in LLC. Trial quality was identified using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Four RCTs were included. All included studies showed no significant differences between the clinical response to different antibiotic type, administration route, treatment duration or dose. LLC may be overtreated and shorter courses of oral antibiotics, possibly with lower doses, may be more suitable. There is a lack of published data on the clinical response and safety of antibiotics in LLC. Three studies were high risk for bias overall. Further high‐quality studies may help determine whether less intensive antibiotic regimens can effectively treat LLC.     

Lymphatic abnormalities demonstrated by lymphoscintigraphy after lower limb cellulitis

Background Cellulitis is a common cause for admission to hospital, and repeated episodes are thought to damage the lymphatic system. Lymphoedema is recognized as a condition predisposing to cellulitis but there are no data to suggest its prevalence among a population presenting to hospital with acute cellulitis. Objectives To ascertain whether lymphatic abnormalities represent a common problem in patients with lower limb cellulitis. Methods Patients admitted with cellulitis of the lower limb were invited to undergo clinical examination and lymphoscintigraphy. Results Thirty patients agreed to participate in the study. Fifteen underwent lymphoscintigraphy. Thirteen had abnormal scans indicating impaired lymph drainage (seven patients had clinical lymphoedema). Conclusions Lymphatic abnormalities represent an important but unrecognized problem in patients with leg cellulitis.     

Does erysipelas-like rash after hip replacement exist?

BACKGROUND: Orthopaedic implants are known to rarely induce or exacerbate dermatitis in metal-allergic patients. In the late 1990s, hypersensitivity to prosthetic material has been suspected to induce recurrent aseptic localized cellulitis. Patients presented with recurrent eruption of the skin overlying the implant, associated with fever. An aseptic origin of this new syndrome was hypothesized as no evidence of microbial involvement could be found and because antibiotic treatment was apparently inefficient. OBSERVATIONS: We observed 4 similar cases. All patients recovered after suppression of factors predisposing to erysipelas (gluteal portal of entry, anti-inflammatory drugs) and appropriate antibiotic therapy. DISCUSSION: Our conviction is that these manifestations are authentic infectious cellulitis. Delayed thigh erysipelas after hip surgery is a distinctive form of cellulitis, characterized by its unusual topography, its rapid outcome and the possibility to be recurrent.     

Cellulitis after hip surgery: long-term follow-up of seven cases

Cellulitis of the buttock after hip surgery is rarely reported, but raises concern about possible infection of the implant. In view of this we have investigated the frequency of previous hip surgery in patients with cellulitis of the hip and/or buttock and assessed for any predisposing factors. A review was made of the case notes of all patients admitted to our department with infectious cellulitis of the hip and/or buttock between 1981 and 1995. Seven of nine patients previously had had implantation of a hip prosthesis. The interval between skin infection and surgery was 7–9 weeks in two patients and 55–520 weeks in five. No infection of the implant was evident. The assumed portals of entry were gluteal fold intertrigo, tinea pedis, psoriatic plaque and a carbuncle of the buttock. The infection was successfully treated by intravenous antibiotics and, after a follow-up of a mean 64 months, no recurrence of cellulitis has been observed and only one aseptic loosening has occurred. Infectious cellulitis of the hip or buttock following hip surgery can occur secondary to impaired lymphatic drainage, a few weeks up to several years after surgery, without there being any infection of the orthopaedic implant.     

Incidence of deep vein thrombosis in erysipelas or cellulitis of the lower extremities

The incidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in patients with erysipelas and cellulitis of the lower extremities is unknown. As such, the indication and efficacy of prophylactic anticoagulation for prevention of DVT in these patients is unclear. The main goal of this review is to provide an estimate of the incidence of DVT in erysipelas and cellulitis based on existing literature. A comprehensive search of the electronic sources: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, LILAC and Cochrane without any language limitation was performed from 1950 to April 2011 for articles focused on the occurrence of DVT in cellulitis or erysipelas of the lower extremities. The selected studies were divided into two groups according to presence or absence of systematic investigation for DVT. Those studies in which the patients received prophylactic or therapeutic anticoagulants before a diagnosis of DVT were excluded. The reported incidence rate of DVT in patients with erysipelas or cellulitis of the lower extremities is highly variable, ranging from 0 to 15%. In this review, the overall incidence rates of DVT in studies with and without systematic investigation for thromboembolism were 2.72% (95% CI: 1.71–3.75%) and 0.68% (95% CI: 0.27–1.07%), respectively. Given the low reported overall incidence of DVT, neither routine prophylactic anticoagulation nor systematic paraclinical investigation for DVT is indicated in low risk patients with erysipelas or cellulitis of the lower extremities. DVT should still be considered in patients with high pretest probability or other thromboembolic risk factors.     

Lower limb cellulitis and its mimics: part I. Lower limb cellulitis

An aging population and obesity have both contributed to a rising incidence of lower limb cellulitis; the most important predisposing factors include older age, obesity, venous insufficiency, saphenous venectomy, and edema. Streptococci are the most commonly implicated pathogen, and often reside in the interdigital toes spaces. Any disruption of the skin surface can allow the organism to invade. Effective management requires an appropriate antibiotic and attention to the predisposing factors. This article summarizes the epidemiology and treatment of this common infection.     

Diagnostic accuracy in patients admitted to hospitals with cellulitis

Misdiagnosis of non-infectious conditions such as cellulitis is a common error and can result in unnecessary hospitalization and antibiotic use. We sought to prospectively determine the misdiagnosis rate of cellulitis among hospitalized patients and to determine if a visually-based computerized diagnostic decision support system (VCDDSS, also named VisualDx) could generate an improved differential diagnosis (DDx) for misdiagnosed patients. In two separate institutions, attending dermatologists or infectious disease specialists evaluated all consecutive patients hospitalized for "cellulitis" by the emergency department. Among 145 subjects enrolled, misdiagnosis occurred in 41 (28%) patients. The diagnosis most commonly mistaken as cellulitis was stasis dermatitis (37%). At one center, in cases that were misdiagnosed by the emergency department, the VCDDSS included the correct diagnosis in the DDx more frequently than the admitting team (18/28 cases (64%) compared to 4/28 cases (14%), p=0.0003). These results demonstrate the capability of this VCDDSS to assist primary care physicians with generating a more accurate DDx when confronted with patients presenting with possible skin infections. Misdiagnoses may result in a significant source of healthcare costs and misdiagnosis-related patient harm. Inclusion of decision support tools early in the diagnostic workflow may reduce misdiagnosis and result in more efficient healthcare management.     

Erisipelas y celulitis. Estudio retrospectivo de 122 casos

BackgroundErysipelas and cellulitis are relatively common cutaneous infections that can sometimes be the cause of a prolonged hospital admission. The objective of this study was to determine the most relevant epidemiologic factors and their influence on the length of hospital stay, comparing our results with those of previous studies.Material and methodsWe performed a retrospective, observational, cross-sectional study of 122 patients admitted over a 5-year period to the dermatology department of our hospital with a diagnosis of erysipelas or cellulitis.ResultsPatients with a diagnosis of erysipelas or cellulitis represented 8.6% of all admissions during the study period. The mean age was 58.93 years and the female to male ratio was 1.06:1. The most common site of involvement was on the legs (76.22%). Overweight or obesity was present in 42.6% of patients and tinea pedis was detected in 33.6% of cases. A skin abscess developed in 7.4% of cases. The mean length of admission was 10.20 days; length of stay increased with age and with the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) on admission (P <.01 for both differences).ConclusionsWe confirm general epidemiologic factors such as sex and age distributions, predominant site, past history, and length of hospital stay. In view of their predictive value for the length of hospital stay, we propose that age and the ESR on admission should be considered to be indirect indicators of disease severity.     

The red leg dilemma: a scoping review of the challenges of diagnosing lower-limb cellulitis

Cellulitis is a common skin infection seen in the UK, with most cases affecting the lower limbs. It can be a challenging diagnosis to make, with one in three cases initially suspected as being cellulitis then being diagnosed as something different after further assessment. This can lead to unnecessary antibiotics being given and unnecessary hospital stays. Making a correct diagnosis at the outset is important both to patients and clinicians. This study aimed to identify the challenges of, and help available for, diagnosing cellulitis on the lower limb. The authors, based in Nottingham, UK, carried out a review of existing research and grouped the results into key topics. These topics were: 1) alternative diagnoses of suspected cellulitis 2) aids that have been developed to help diagnosis and 3) services that have been developed to help diagnosis. The authors identified multiple alternative final diagnoses for patients who were investigated for suspected cellulitis. The symptoms in these patients overlapped with typical features of cellulitis. Four studies looked at blood tests, scans or a set of rules to help detect cellulitis and two services had been developed to help reduce an inaccurate diagnosis. The present study showed the range of other diagnoses that clinicians need to consider when a patient presents with possible cellulitis. Future work is needed to further assess the efficacy of aids and services that have been developed. Interviews both with patients and clinicians on ways to make an initial diagnosis more accurate would be a beneficial part of further research.     

Severe lower limb cellulitis is best diagnosed by dermatologists and managed with shared care between primary and secondary care

Background Cellulitis is responsible for over 400 000 bed days per year in the English National Health Service (NHS) at the cost of £96 million. Objectives An audit following transfer of care of lower limb cellulitis managed in secondary care from general physicians to dermatologists. Methods Review of patient details and work diaries from the first 40 months of implementation of the new model of care. Results Of 635 patients referred with lower limb cellulitis 33% had other diagnoses which did not require admission. Four hundred and seven of 425 patients with cellulitis were managed entirely as outpatients, many at home. Twenty‐eight per cent of patients with cellulitis had an underlying skin disease identified and treated, which is likely to have reduced the risk of recurrent cellulitis, leg ulceration and lymphoedema. Only 18 of 635 patients referred with lower limb cellulitis required hospital admission for conventional treatment. Conclusions This new way of managing suspected lower limb cellulitis offered substantial savings for the NHS, and benefits of early and accurate diagnosis with correct home treatment for patients.     

Gonorrhea

This review presents the epidemiologic, diagnostic, and office management of the gonorrhea patient. Better techniques in obtaining specimens from various sites are reviewed. For example, an effective method for obtaining specimens without the use of an anoscope and the utility of the Gram stain in the laboratory diagnosis of gonorrhea are described. Complications, diagnosis and predisposing factors of disseminated gonococcal infections are also discussed. Follow-up management of patients with gonorrhea with emphasis placed on test-of-cure cultures and testing for penicillinase producing Neisseria gonorrhoeae (PPNG) strains in all treatment failure cases is also presented. The cooperation between public and private health professionals and screening programs have lessened the gonorrhea reservoir in the United States. Therefore, early treatment through targeted screening, and epidemiologic treatment to sexual partners are important guidelines in gonorrhea control.     

Risk factors for abscess formation in patients with superficial cellulitis (erysipelas) of the leg

Background Superficial cellulitis of the leg (erysipelas) is a frequent skin infection. Abscess formation is the most frequent local complication. Determinants of abscess formation in patients with leg cellulitis have not yet been clearly established. Objective To assess the risk factors for abscess formation in patients with leg cellulitis. Methods The clinical, biological and bacteriological records of all patients referred to the dermatology department of a university hospital for superficial cellulitis of the leg during a 3‐year period were retrospectively reviewed. Using univariate and multivariate analysis, patients’ main characteristics at baseline were compared between the group of patients who developed abscess and the group who did not. Results A total of 164 patients (93 female, 71 male), mean age 65 ± 18 years, were included. Abscess occurred in 13 cases (8%). The following general factors were positively associated with abscess formation: male sex, smoking, alcohol abuse and delayed introduction of antibiotic treatment. Based on multivariate analysis, only chronic alcohol abuse [odds ratio (OR) 4·3, 95% confidence interval (CI)1·08–20·57] and delayed antibiotic treatment initiation (OR 1·4, 95% CI 1·02–2·04) remained independently associated with abscess formation. Conclusions Alcohol abuse and delayed initiation of antibiotic treatment are risk factors for abscess formation in patients with cellulitis of the leg. Patients with these predictors must be monitored carefully for abscess formation.     

Erysipelas: recognition and management

Erysipelas is an acute bacterial infection of the dermis and hypodermis that is associated with clinical inflammation. It is a specific clinical type of cellulitis and, as such, it should be studied as a specific entity. Erysipelas is generally caused by group A streptococci; it is highly probable that streptococcal toxins also play a role, which could, in part, help explain the clinical inflammation. Erysipelas of the leg is the main clinical type encountered. The face, arm, and upper thigh are the other most common sites for the occurrence of erysipelas. After a sudden onset, areas of erythema and edema characteristically enlarge with well-defined margins. Athlete's foot is the most common portal of entry for the disease. Erysipelas is generally associated with high fever, and adenopathy and lymphangitis are sometimes present. At the time of diagnosis, it is important to look for clinical markers of severity (local signs and symptoms, general signs and symptoms, co-morbidity, social context) which would necessitate hospitalization. There are many differential diagnoses, particularly in the case of atypical dermo-hypodermitis. Some bacterial infections may have specific clinical aspects or may lead to a diagnosis of cellulitis. Necrotizing cellulitis or fasciitis are life-threatening diseases and a rapid diagnosis is important. Other noninfectious types of cellulitis have been reported in many diseases, both localized or generalized. The biology of typical erysipelas is of little value in diagnosis and a laboratory workup is usually not required. There are few local complications associated with erysipelas; abscess can occur in some patients and septicemia is rare. Recurrence is the more distressing complication. Treatment of patients with erysipelas has been evaluated in a small number of studies. In most of them, erysipelas has been included in therapeutic studies of 'severe cutaneous infections'. This is not justified as in fact erysipelas is usually sensitive to penicillin G. Amoxicillin and macrolides are also effective. However, comparative, cost-analysis studies need to be performed to determine the best therapeutic option. Bed rest with the leg elevated is also important. Anticoagulants are indicated in patients at risk of venous thromboembolism. The portal of entry will also require treatment. Long-term antibacterial therapy is required for patients with recurrence.     

Two cases of cellulitis in the course of African tick bite fever: a fortuitous association?

In African tick bite fever (ATBF), inoculation eschar - resulting from disruption of the cutaneous barrier - may be a risk factor for cellulitis. We report 2 cases of ATBF associated with cellulitis. A 77-year-old woman was referred for severe leg cellulitis upon returning from sub-Saharan Africa. She developed erythematous macules. Rickettsia africae was detected by PCR assay from a skin biopsy specimen, and ATBF diagnosis was confirmed. A 75-year-old man was hospitalized after his return from Zimbabwe for a maculopapular exanthema and erysipelas-like rash of the leg. The diagnosis of cellulitis associated with ATBF was confirmed by PCR and serological methods. Both patients were treated for ATBF and cellulitis by a combination of doxycycline and beta-lactam antibiotics, and both had a good recovery. Inoculation eschar may be a risk factor for cellulitis; thus, we hypothesize a non-fortuitous association between ATBF and cellulitis.     

Ethnicity and other risk factors for acute lower limb cellulitis: a U.K.-based prospective case-control study

Background Acute lower limb cellulitis is a common yet potentially serious condition. Previous studies have identified risk factors in the non‐U.K. population. Ethnicity has been postulated as a possible risk factor but has not previously been investigated. Objectives To identify risk factors for acute lower limb cellulitis in the U.K. population. Methods One hundred and fifty consecutive patients with cellulitis requiring hospital admission and 300 controls were recruited to this prospective case–control study. Controls were matched for age and sex. Results Strongly predictive risk factors for acute lower limb cellulitis in the U.K. include being of white ethnicity and preceding episodes of injury to the affected leg. No systemic illnesses were identified as increasing an individual’s risk of presenting with cellulitis. Conclusions This study has identified that patients of white ethnicity are at higher risk of developing acute lower limb cellulitis compared with other ethnic groups. The importance of local risk factors has also been shown in the U.K. population.     

CDKN2A gene mutation and loss of p16 protein activity in a patient on levodopa presenting sporadic multiple primary melanoma

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous melanoma is a complex disease involving genetic and environmental factors. Levodopa has been incriminated in the development and/or progression of melanoma. OBSERVATION: We report the case of a man treated with levodopa and a dopadecarboxylase inhibitor for Parkinson's disease and presenting 22 cutaneous melanomas over a 4-year period. The patient is of phototype II and presents multiple nevi. Genetic analysis of predisposing genes demonstrated a CDKN2A mutation with loss of p16 activity. DISCUSSION: Multiple melanomas may be associated with genetic predisposition, and screening for the latter should be performed. The exceptionally high number of melanomas developed by our patient raised suspicions about levodopa, a precursor in melanin synthesis, as a potential inducer. Increased dermatologic controls and screening for predisposing genetic factors appear to us to be warranted in the event of melanoma development in patients on levodopa.     

Oedema as a risk factor for multiple episodes of cellulitis/erysipelas of the lower leg: a series with community follow-up

BACKGROUND: Cellulitis of the lower leg is a common problem with considerable morbidity. Risk factors are well identified but the relationship between consequences of cellulitis and further episodes is less well understood. OBJECTIVES: To review risk factors, treatment and complications in patients with lower leg cellulitis, to determine the frequency of long-term complications and of further episodes, and any relationship between them, and to consider the likely impact of preventive strategies based on these results. METHODS: Patients with ascending, presumed streptococcal, cellulitis of the lower leg were identified retrospectively from hospital coding. Hospital records, together with questionnaires to both general practitioners and patients, were used to record subsequent complications and identifiable risk factors for further episodes. RESULTS: Of 171 patients, 81 (47%) had recurrent episodes and 79 (46%) had chronic oedema. The concurrence of these two factors was strongly correlated (P < 0.0002). Based on 143 completed questionnaires, oedema was apparently due to or persistently asymmetrical after the cellulitic episode in 52 (37%), and 19 (13%) had ulceration attributed to, rather than causing, cellulitis. Of those with three or more episodes, half did not lead to hospital admission. Toeweb maceration was reported in only 15% of questionnaires. Use of antibiotic treatment for more than 28 days was associated with a reduced risk of leg ulceration or of prolonged oedema compared with shorter courses, but neither difference was statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that the true frequency of postcellulitic oedema, as well as that of further episodes, is probably underestimated. Furthermore, there is a strong association between these factors, each of which is both a risk factor for, and a consequence of, each other, and for which intervention (reduction of oedema or more prolonged antibiotic therapy) may reduce the risk of recurrent infection. By contrast, self-reporting of toeweb maceration is low, so attempts to reduce the risk of recurrent cellulitis by treatment of tinea pedis or bacterial intertrigo may fail.     

Dermoscopic findings in pyogenic granuloma

BACKGROUND: To the best of our knowledge, no specific dermoscopic criteria have been described in the medical literature for the diagnosis of pyogenic granuloma. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the morphological findings of pyogenic granuloma under dermoscopic observation. METHODS: Dermoscopic examination (using the DermLite Foto; 3Gen, LLC, Dana Point, CA, U.S.A.) of 13 patients with pyogenic granulomas was performed to evaluate specific dermoscopic criteria. RESULTS: The most frequently occurring dermoscopic features were found to be: reddish homogeneous area (92%), white collarette (85%), "white rail" lines that intersect the lesion (31%) and ulceration (46%). The results of our study reveal that the absence of specific dermoscopic criteria for other skin tumours and a reddish homogeneous area surrounded by a white collarette are the most frequent dermoscopic pattern in pyogenic granulomas (85%). CONCLUSIONS: Dermoscopy is a useful tool for improving the recognition of pyogenic granuloma.     

Pyomyositis

Four patients were admitted to Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center for evaluation of lower extremity pain and swelling. Three patients were initially misdiagnosed with cellulitis and one patient underwent evaluation for dermatomyositis. After consultation by the dermatologist, a correct diagnosis of pyomyositis was made clinically and confirmed by imaging, surgery, or an interventional procedure. Wound, blood, and urine cultures were positive for methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus in 100%, 50%, and 25% of patients, respectively. After the appropriate diagnosis and treatment, all patients experienced rapid resolution of symptoms and a favorable outcome.