Cellulitis and Soft Tissue Infections

Development and external validation of machine learning-based models to predict patients with cellulitis developing sepsis during hospitalisation

OBJECTIVE

Cellulitis is the most common cause of skin-related hospitalisations, and the mortality of patients with sepsis remains high. Some stratification models have been developed, but their performance in external validation has been unsatisfactory. This study was designed to develop and compare different models for predicting patients with cellulitis developing sepsis during hospitalisation.

DESIGN

This is a retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

This study included both the development and the external-validation phases from two independent large cohorts internationally.

PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS

A total of 6695 patients with cellulitis in the Medical Information Mart for Intensive care (MIMIC)-IV database were used to develop models with different machine-learning algorithms. The best models were selected and then externally validated in 2506 patients with cellulitis from the YiduCloud database of our university. The performances and robustness of selected models were further compared in the external-validation group by area under the curve (AUC), diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic OR.

PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome of interest in this study was the development based on the Sepsis-3.0 criteria during hospitalisation.

RESULTS

Patient characteristics were significantly different between the two groups. In internal validation, XGBoost was the best model, with an AUC of 0.780, and AdaBoost was the worst model, with an AUC of 0.585. In external validation, the AUC of the artificial neural network (ANN) model was the highest, 0.830, while the AUC of the logistic regression (LR) model was the lowest, 0.792. The AUC values changed less in the boosting and ANN models than in the LR model when variables were deleted.

CONCLUSIONS

Boosting and neural network models performed slightly better than the LR model and were more robust in complex clinical situations. The results could provide a tool for clinicians to detect hospitalised patients with cellulitis developing sepsis early.

Integrating new approaches to care in a vascular wound clinic

INTRODUCTION

An evidence-based approach is essential in the treatment of wounds to optimise healing, reduce costs and improve patient outcomes.

AIM

This case study aimed to demonstrate our model of care, which assesses and manages patients with venous disease and complex wounds. In this case, venous leg ulcer (VLU) was treated with TLC-NOSF dressing and therapeutic compression. The wound was serially assessed using a smart App that gave the patient a graphic representation of their progress.

DESIGN

Descriptive Observational Case Study.

CLINICAL CARE

An evidence-based approach for managing a chronic, severe VLU. The patient was initially seen at the Outpatient Vascular Wound Clinic twice weekly, then every two weeks for conservative sharp wound debridement, skin care, dressing change, and compression therapy using a compression (Ready) wrap. Wound progress was monitored by the digital application 'Tissue Analytics', a "purposedesigned digital wound management platform that records, tracks, and analyses wounds".

RESULTS

Week 1: On initial review, ulcer length was 3.15cm, width was 3.1 cm, and total surface area was 6.31 cm2. The wound base was mildly sloughy (<25%), with areas of good granulation tissue on view. Week 12: Length was 1.32 cm, width 1.50 cm, and total surface area of 1.45 cm2, a 77% reduction in wound size. Week 24: The length was 0.48 cm, the width was 0.64 cm, and the total surface area was 0.18 cm2. This represented a 97% reduction in wound size. Week 36: Length was 0.01 cm, the width 0.06 cm, with a total surface area of 0.00 cm2. This represented a 99.99% reduction in wound size.

CONCLUSION

The patient's treatment for a complex venous leg ulcer included the application of TLC-NOSF dressing in combination with individualised therapeutic compression therapy. We found TLC-NOSF was very effective in combination with the best standard of VLU care (i.e. therapeutic graduated compression therapy). The clinician and patient were impressed with the healing rate at 12 weeks, as the wound dimensions were the lowest since the wound started six years ago. This dramatically improved patient concordance and engagement in care. Despite incomplete healing at 36 weeks, the wound-healing journey over the 36 weeks indicated wound closure was close. In addition, using a wound assessment App, the patient could immediately see the benefits of the new treatment, facilitating patient compliance with the treatment.

Necrotizing fasciitis - two case reports and literature review

<b><br>Introduction:</b> Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a rare, rapidly progressing infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissue. NF can lead to massive tissue necrosis, resulting in sepsis, septic shock and death. In this disease, it is important to quickly diagnose and implement appropriate treatment.</br> <b><br>Aim:</b> Analysis of the diagnostic and therapeutic process in two clinical cases and a review of the literature on the methods of diagnosis and treatment of necrotizing fasciitis.</br> <b><br>Material and methods:</b> The medical data of two patients hospitalized in the St Alexander Hospital in Kielce from December 2022 to June 2023 due to necrotizing fasciitis were analyzed. Also literature search across PubMed, Medline and Research Gate databases from 2000 up to 2023 was performed. We reviewed English literature according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. The following keywords were used: necrotizing fasciitis, etiopathogenesis, pathophysiology, management.</br> <b><br>Results:</b> The research group consisted of two male patients with NF after trauma, in different parts of the body. Based on the clinical examination, the results of laboratory and imaging tests, a diagnosis was made and appropriate treatment was initiated. Despite the applied treatment, one patient died as a result of progressive multiple organ failure.</br> <b><br>Conclusions:</b> Despite advances in diagnosis and treatment, including universal access to antibiotics, necrotizing fasciitis still cause high mortality. The microbiological complexity of the majority of cases and non-specific symptoms make the diagnostic and therapeutic process difficult. Taking into account necrotizing fasciitis each time in the differential diagnosis of inflammation of the skin and subcutaneous tissue, especially based on trauma, will allow to reduce morbidity and mortality in this disease.</br>.

Skin and soft tissue infection incidence before and during the COVID-19 pandemic

Skin and Soft Tissue Infections (SSTIs) are common bacterial infections. We hypothesized that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, SSTI rates would significantly decrease due to directives to avoid unneeded care and attenuated SSTIs risk behaviours. We retrospectively examined all patients with an ICD-10 diagnosis code in the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, the second largest U.S. safety net healthcare system between 16 March 2017 and 15 March 2022. We then compared pre-pandemic with intra-pandemic SSTI rates using an interrupted time series analysis. We found 72,118 SSTIs, 46,206 during the pre-pandemic period and 25,912 during the intra-pandemic period. Pre-pandemic SSTI rate was significantly higher than the intra-pandemic rate (3.27 vs. 2.31 cases per 1,000 empanelled patient-months, P < 0.0001). The monthly SSTI cases decreased by 1.19 SSTIs/1,000 empanelled patient-months between the pre- and intra-pandemic periods (P = 0.0003). SSTI subgroups (inpatient, observation unit, emergency department, and outpatient clinics), all had significant SSTI decreases between the two time periods (P < 0.05) except for observation unit (P = 0.50). Compared to the pre-COVID-19 pandemic period, medically attended SSTI rates in our large U.S. safety net healthcare system significantly decreased by nearly 30%. Whether findings reflect true SSTI decreases or decreased health system utilization for SSTIs requires further examination.

Risk stratification system for skin and soft tissue infections after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: PAH risk score

Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) refer to infections involving the skin, subcutaneous tissue, fascia, and muscle. In transplant populations with hematological malignancies, an immunocompromised status and the routine use of immunosuppressants increase the risk of SSTIs greatly. However, to date, the profiles and clinical outcomes of SSTIs in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) patients remain unclear. This study included 228 patients (3.67%) who developed SSTIs within 180 days after allogeneic HSCT from January 2004 to December 2019 in Peking University People's Hospital. The overall annual survival rate was 71.5%. We compared the differences between survivors and non-survivors a year after transplant and found that primary platelet graft failure (PPGF), comorbidities of acute kidney injury (AKI), and hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) were independent risk factors for death in the study population. A PPGF-AKI-HAP risk stratification system was established with a mortality risk score of 1×PPGF+1×AKI+1×HAP. The areas under the curves of internal and external validation were 0.833 (95% CI 0.760-0.906) and 0.826 (95% CI 0.715-0.937), respectively. The calibration plot revealed the high consistency of the estimated risks, and decision curve analysis showed considerable net benefits for patients.

Challenges and innovations in treating chronic and acute wound infections: from basic science to clinical practice

Acute and chronic wound infection has become a major worldwide healthcare burden leading to significantly high morbidity and mortality. The underlying mechanism of infections has been widely investigated by scientist, while standard wound management is routinely been used in general practice. However, strategies for the diagnosis and treatment of wound infections remain a great challenge due to the occurrence of biofilm colonization, delayed healing and drug resistance. In the present review, we summarize the common microorganisms found in acute and chronic wound infections and discuss the challenges from the aspects of clinical diagnosis, non-surgical methods and surgical methods. Moreover, we highlight emerging innovations in the development of antimicrobial peptides, phages, controlled drug delivery, wound dressing materials and herbal medicine, and find that sensitive diagnostics, combined treatment and skin microbiome regulation could be future directions in the treatment of wound infection.

Giant nontraumatic myositis ossificans in a child: A case report

BACKGROUND

Nontraumatic myositis ossificans is a rare disease whose specific pathogenesis is unclear. Early diagnosis of this disease is very difficult in children because of difficulties in determining medical history and nonspecific early clinical manifestations, which may lead to the failure of timely and effective diagnosis and treatment in some patients. We report the diagnosis and treatment of a child with nontraumatic myositis ossificans and summarize the clinical characteristics and diagnosis and treatment of the disease.

CASE SUMMARY

An 8-year-old girl first came to our hospital for more than a week with pain in the right lower limb. There was no history of trauma or strenuous activities. On physical examination, no mass on the right thigh was found, and the movement of the right lower extremity was limited. Ultrasonography showed synovitis of the hip, and bed rest was recommended. Three days later, the child’s pain persisted and worsened, accompanied by fever and other discomforts. She came to our hospital again and a mass was found on the right thigh with redness and swelling on the surface. The images showed a soft tissue tumor on the right thigh with calcification. Routine blood tests revealed that the inflammation index was significantly increased. In case of infection, the patient was given antibiotics, and the pain was relieved soon after, without fever. However, the right thigh mass persisted and hardened. The patient underwent incision biopsy more than 1 mo later, and the postoperative pathology showed nontraumatic myositis ossificans. After approximately 9 mo of observation, the tumor still persisted, which affected the life of the child, and then resection was performed. Since follow-up, there has been no recurrence.

CONCLUSION

Due to the difficulty in discerning a child's medical history and the diverse early manifestations, it is difficult to diagnose nonossifying muscle disease in children in its early stage. Measures such as timely follow-up and periodic image monitoring are conducive to early diagnosis of the disease. The disease has a certain degree of self-limitation, and it can be observed and treated first. If the tumor persists in the later stage or affects functioning, then surgery is considered.

Giant nontraumatic myositis ossificans in a child: A case report

BACKGROUND

Nontraumatic myositis ossificans is a rare disease whose specific pathogenesis is unclear. Early diagnosis of this disease is very difficult in children because of difficulties in determining medical history and nonspecific early clinical manifestations, which may lead to the failure of timely and effective diagnosis and treatment in some patients. We report the diagnosis and treatment of a child with nontraumatic myositis ossificans and summarize the clinical characteristics and diagnosis and treatment of the disease.

CASE SUMMARY

An 8-year-old girl first came to our hospital for more than a week with pain in the right lower limb. There was no history of trauma or strenuous activities. On physical examination, no mass on the right thigh was found, and the movement of the right lower extremity was limited. Ultrasonography showed synovitis of the hip, and bed rest was recommended. Three days later, the child’s pain persisted and worsened, accompanied by fever and other discomforts. She came to our hospital again and a mass was found on the right thigh with redness and swelling on the surface. The images showed a soft tissue tumor on the right thigh with calcification. Routine blood tests revealed that the inflammation index was significantly increased. In case of infection, the patient was given antibiotics, and the pain was relieved soon after, without fever. However, the right thigh mass persisted and hardened. The patient underwent incision biopsy more than 1 mo later, and the postoperative pathology showed nontraumatic myositis ossificans. After approximately 9 mo of observation, the tumor still persisted, which affected the life of the child, and then resection was performed. Since follow-up, there has been no recurrence.

CONCLUSION

Due to the difficulty in discerning a child's medical history and the diverse early manifestations, it is difficult to diagnose nonossifying muscle disease in children in its early stage. Measures such as timely follow-up and periodic image monitoring are conducive to early diagnosis of the disease. The disease has a certain degree of self-limitation, and it can be observed and treated first. If the tumor persists in the later stage or affects functioning, then surgery is considered.

Endogenous Endophthalmitis-The Clinical Significance of the Primary Source of Infection

Endophthalmitis is a severe form of ocular inflammation. The source of pathogens in endogenous endophthalmitis is located inside the body, and infection spreads hematogenously. Although rare, endogenous endophthalmitis is a very serious condition, as this type of inflammation is very devastating for ocular tissues. Prognosis is very poor, and the patients are often in a serious general condition, so they require special care and an individual approach in the treatment process. Thanks to the knowledge of the risks associated with infections of individual tissues and organs as well as potential pathogens and the clinical picture, it is possible to make a correct diagnosis faster and implement the correct treatment. In the case of endogenous endophthalmitis, reaction time is absolutely crucial for prognosis. In this review, we focus primarily on the importance of the primary source of infection for the course of the disease and prognosis.

Approach to the Patient with a Skin and Soft Tissue Infection

The diagnosis of a skin and soft tissue infection (SSTI) requires careful attention to a patient's history, physical examination, and diagnostic test results. We review for many bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic pathogens that cause SSTIs the clues for reaching a diagnosis, including reported past medical history, hobbies and behaviors, travel, insect bites, exposure to other people and to animals, environmental exposures to water, soil, or sand, as well as the anatomic site of skin lesions, their morphology on examination, and their evolution over time. Laboratory and radiographic tests are discussed that may be used to confirm a specific diagnosis.

Cellulitis

Cellulitis is a common infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissue caused predominantly by gram-positive organisms. Risk factors include prior episodes of cellulitis, cutaneous lesions, tinea pedis, and chronic edema. Cellulitis is a clinical diagnosis and presents with localized skin erythema, edema, warmth, and tenderness. Uncomplicated cellulitis can be managed in the outpatient setting with oral antibiotics. Imaging often is not required but can be helpful. Recurrent cellulitis is common and predisposing conditions should be assessed for and treated at the time of initial diagnosis. For patients with frequent recurrences despite management of underlying conditions, antimicrobial prophylaxis can be effective.

A Structured Approach to Skin and Soft Tissue Infections (SSTIs) in an Ambulatory Setting

The skin is the largest, and arguably, the most vulnerable organ in the human body. Scratches and scrapes, bites and puncture wounds, impetigo and erysipelas-all these disruptions can lead to pain, swelling, and/or systemic symptoms. In this article, which is based on the Infectious Diseases Society of America's 2014 guidelines and the World Society of Emergency Surgery and Surgical Infection Society of Europe's 2018 consensus statement, a structured approach to skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) is reviewed, comparing treatment for suppurative and non-suppurative infections, and then discussing specific conditions commonly seen in Primary Care and Urgent Care facilities.

Characteristics of Lymphedema in Patients Treated with Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Inhibitors

Purpose: To investigate the characteristics of lymphedema in patients treated with mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors and delineate complex decongestive therapy (CDT) outcomes. Methods and Results: We retrospectively analyzed 24 patients with mTOR inhibitor-induced lymphedema and 7 lymphedema patients (control) not treated with mTOR inhibitors, who visited the lymphedema clinic of the department of rehabilitation medicine from March 2016 to December 2019. We comprehensively reviewed clinical features, medication history, associated diseases, lymphoscintigraphy, lower extremity computed tomography venography (LE CTV), and the effect of CDT. By using ImageJ program, we measured the cross-sectional area (CSA) of muscle and subcutaneous fat of mid-thigh image in LE CTV and compared them to a control group not treated with mTOR inhibitors. Seventeen patients on sirolimus and seven patients on everolimus were included, with an approximately equal distribution of stages 2 and 3 lymphedema, and most with pitting edema. Ten patients had breast or gynecological cancer and underwent lymph node dissection. Lymphedema developed after mTOR inhibitor initiation, not postoperatively. Lymphoscintigraphy revealed decreased lymph node uptake and dermal backflow. LE CTV revealed subcutaneous honeycomb-shaped trabecular areas in the affected limbs of seven patients. Patients treated with mTOR inhibitors had a larger mean subcutaneous fat CSA and a smaller mean muscular CSA than controls. Lymphedema improved or remained unchanged after initial CDT. Daily CDT adequately controlled 11 cases, but exacerbation occurred in 5 of 7 poorly compliant patients, and cellulitis occurred in 6 patients. Conclusion: Physicians should identify mTOR inhibitor-related lymphedema early and discuss medication alternatives and CDT with patients.

Effectiveness of Implementing a Locally Developed Antibiotic Use Guideline for Community-Acquired Cellulitis at a Large Tertiary Care University Hospital in Thailand

Background

To determine the effectiveness of implementing a locally developed clinical practice guideline (CPG) for antibiotic treatment in adults with community-acquired cellulitis at Siriraj Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand.

Methods

The CPG for antibiotic treatment of community-acquired cellulitis was developed based on local data during June to December 2016. The CPG was introduced by multifaceted interventions, including posters, brochures, circular letters, social media, conference, classroom training, and interactive education during January to September 2018.

Results

Among 360 patients with community-acquired cellulitis, 84.4% were ambulatory and 15.6% were hospitalized. The median age of patients was 62 years, and 59.4% were female. Antibiotic prescription according to CPG (CPG-compliant group) was observed in 251 patients (69.7%), and CPG noncompliance was found in 109 patients (30.3%) (CPG-noncompliant group). The demographics and characteristics of patients were comparable between groups. Patients in the CPG-compliant group had a significantly lower rate of intravenous antibiotics (18.7% vs 33.9%, P = .007), lower prescription rate of broad-spectrum antibiotics (14.7% vs 78.9%, P &lt; .001) and antibiotic combination (6.4% vs 13.8%, P = .022), shorter median duration of antibiotic treatment (7 vs 10 days, P &lt; .001), lower median cost of antibiotic treatment (US $3 vs $7, P &lt; .001), and lower median hospitalization cost (US $601 vs $1587, P = .008) than those in the CPG-noncompliant group. Treatment outcomes were not significantly different between groups.

Conclusions

Adherence to CPG seems to reduce inappropriate prescription of broad-spectrum antibiotic or antibiotic combination and treatment costs in adults with community-acquired cellulitis without differences in favorable outcomes or adverse events.

Necrotizing fasciitis: A comprehensive review

Necrotizing soft-tissue infections (NSTIs) are rare but rapidly progressive, life-threatening bacterial infections with high morbidity and mortality. NSTIs include necrotizing forms of fasciitis, myositis, and cellulitis. This article focuses on necrotizing fasciitis (NF) and discusses NF classifications, clinical features, diagnostic approaches, evidence-based treatments, and nursing interventions.

Factors associated with sepsis development in 606 Spanish adult patients with cellulitis

Background

Cellulitis, a frequent cause of admission of adult patients to medical wards, occasionally evolves to sepsis. In this study we analyze the factors related to sepsis development.

Methods

Prospective and observational study of 606 adult patients with cellulitis admitted to several Spanish hospitals. Comorbidities, microbiological, clinical, lab, diagnostic, and treatment data were analyzed. Sepsis was diagnosed according to the criteria of the 2016 International Sepsis Definitions Conference. Multiple logistic regression modelling was performed to determine the variables independently associated with sepsis development.

Results

Mean age was 63.4 years and 51.8% were men. Overall 65 (10.7%) patients developed sepsis, 7 (10.8%) of whom died, but only 4 (6.2%) due to cellulitis. Drawing of blood (P < 0.0001) or any (P < 0.0001) culture, and identification of the agent (P = 0.005) were more likely among patients with sepsis. These patients had also a longer duration of symptoms (P = 0.04), higher temperature (P = 0.03), more extensive cellulitis (P = 0.02), higher leukocyte (P < 0.0001) and neutrophil (P < 0.0001) counts, serum creatinine (P = 0.001), and CRP (P = 0.008) than patients without sepsis. Regarding therapy, patients with sepsis were more likely to undergo changes in the initial antimicrobial regimen (P < 0.0001), received more antimicrobials (P < 0.0001), received longer intravenous treatment (P = 0.03), and underwent surgery more commonly (P = 0.01) than patients without sepsis. Leukocyte counts (P = 0.002), serum creatinine (P = 0.003), drawing of blood cultures (P = 0.004), change of the initial antimicrobial regimen (P = 0.007) and length of cellulitis (P = 0.009) were independently associated with sepsis development in the multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

Increased blood leukocytes and serum creatinine, blood culture drawn, modification of the initial antimicrobial regimen, and maximum length of cellulitis were associated with sepsis in these patients.