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Cellulitis

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Clinical features
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Investigations

In suspected cases of necrotising fasciitis, consider: 
  • an X-ray of the affected limb - look for gas in the soft tissues c

Why?

A normal white cell count and serum sodium make necrotising fasciitis less likely

Patient 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 c
(pre-test probability:9%) 		necrotising fasciitis
(surgery, follow-up) 		a 'hard' sign: bullae, hypotension, necrotic sign, gas on X-ray 3.7
(3.0 to 4.6) 		26% 0.13
(0.044 to 0.38) 		1.2%

 

 

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