Karppelin M, Siljander T, Aittoniemi J, Hurme M, Huttunen R, Huhtala H, Kere J, Vuopio J, Syrjänen J
J. Infect. 70 (5) 467-473 [2015-05-00; online 2014-11-15]
To identify risk factors for recurrence of cellulitis, and to assess the predictive value of pentraxin 3 (PTX3) and C-reactive protein (CRP) measured at baseline. A follow up study of 90 hospitalised patients with acute non-necrotising cellulitis was conducted. Clinical risk factors were assessed and PTX3 and CRP values were measured at baseline. Patients were contacted by phone at a median of 4.6 years after the baseline episode and the medical records were reviewed. Overall, 41% of the patients had a recurrence in the follow up. Of the patients with a history of a previous cellulitis in the baseline study 57% had a recurrence in five year follow up as compared to 26% of those without previous episodes (p = 0.003). In multivariate analysis, only the history of previous cellulitis was identified as an independent predicting factor for recurrence. The levels of pentraxin 3 (PTX3) or C-reactive protein (CRP) in the acute phase did not predict recurrence. Risk of recurrence is considerably higher after a recurrent episode than after the first episode. Clinical risk factors predisposing to the first cellulitis episode plausibly predispose also to recurrences.
PubMed 25447714
DOI 10.1016/j.jinf.2014.11.002
Crossref 10.1016/j.jinf.2014.11.002
pii: S0163-4453(14)00346-6