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Cellulitis

Prevalence
Clinical features
Differential Diagnosis
Investigations
Therapy
Prevention
Prognosis
Clinical features

If necrotising fasciitis is possible, ask about  c
  • history of iv drug misuse or recent illicit drug injection
  • history of hepatitis

Why?

Intravenous drug misuse and a history of hepatitis can help diagnose necrotising fasciitis.

Patient c Target Disorder and
Reference Standard		 Diagnostic Test LR+
(95% CI) 		Post-test Probability LR-
(95% CI) 		Post-test Probability
admitted to hospital with soft tissue infection 
(pre-test probability:9%) 		necrotising fasciitis
(surgery, follow-up) 		history of iv drug misuse 2.4
(1.8 to 3.1) 		18% 0.41
(0.24 to 0.72) 		4%
    recent illicit drug injection 2.4
(1.8 to 3.3) 		21% 0.45
(0.27 to 0.75) 		4%
    history of hepatitis 2.8
(1.2 to 6.3) 		21% 0.87
(0.73 to 1.03) 		8%
 

Expiry date: January 2004
Levels of Evidence used in grading these guides

Authors   J   Epling , CM   Ball
Reviewer   C   Conlon
CAT Writers   J   Epling , CM   Ball