A retrospective study of lower limb cellulitis in a regional hospital in Ghana

Background: Cellulitis is a non-necrotizing inflammation of the dermis of skin and subcutaneous tissues. Lower limb cellulitis is a common cause of hospitalization in Ghana but scarcely reported. Objective: To document management and outcomes of lower limb cellulitis at the Ashanti Regional Hospital in Ghana. Materials and Methods: Retrospective review of patients admitted to the Ashanti Regional Hospital with a diagnosis of lower limb cellulitis from November 2016 to October 2018. We reviewed patients' clinical records for data on patient demographics, risk factors, clinical presentation, treatment modality and outcome of cellulitis. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: Eighty two (82) patients with lower limb cellulitis were admitted over the study period. There were 47 (57.3%) females and 35 (42.7%) males. The mean age of patients was 38.8 years (standard deviation 21.6065). Among females, the majority, 10 (21.3%) were in the 6th decade whilst the majority, 9 (25.7%) of males were in the 4th decade. All the patients presented with swelling of the lower limb involving the left lower limb in 38(46.3%) and right in 44(53.7%) cases. The leg was the most common location involved 60 (73%). The mean duration of swelling prior to admission was 5. 2 days (SD 3.196). Antibiotics treatment resulted in complete resolution in 29 (35.4%) cases and complications in 53 (54.5%), cases requiring surgical treatment in 31(58.5%) patients. Conclusion: Lower limb cellulitis had a high complication rate influenced by duration of symptoms prior to hospitalization and antibiotic therapy

Superficial Skin Infections and the Use of Topica and Systemic Antibiotics in General Practice

Superficial bacterial infections of the skin are very common. With the increasing burden of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV); this is likely to worsen. Examples of such infections include impetigo; erysipelas; cellulitis; ecthyma; furuncles; carbuncles and subcutaneous abscesses. Common causative organisms are staphylococci and streptococci. Generally; Staphylococcus aureus infections tend to spread locally; causing abscesses and carbuncles; while streptococci are apt to spread along tissue planes; and give rise to either cellulitis or erysipelas. However; this is not always the case. These infections cause a significant morbidity; and have to be diagnosed and treated promptly. Some result in serious complications

Le phlegmon orbitaire : ses origines et complications : a propos de 20 cas

Le phlegmon ou abces orbitaire se presente comme une exophtalmie inflammatoire aigue febrile. En vue d'en etudier les origines et les complications; les auteurs rapportent 20 cas colliges en 4 ans (1989-1993). 65 pour cent (13/20 sujets atteints) ont 20 ans ou moins; les sinusites en sont la premiere cause avec 11/20 cas soit 55 pour cent; les traumatismes suivent avec 25 pour cent (5/20 cas). Les phlegmons orbitaires (surtout d'origine ou traumatismes) se compliquent tres souvent; certaines complications peuvent rapidement engager le pronostic vital ou fonctionnel. tel a ete le cas de 2 deces suite a une thrombophlebite du sinus caverneux et 4 cecites dont 3 par atrophie optique. Pour ces raisons le traitement doit etre institue en urgence; utilisant une antibiotherapie puissante et adaptee associee aux anti-inflammatoires de preference cortisonnes. Le drainage de la collection sinusienne avec lavage a l'aide d'une solution antibiocortisonnee en cas de sinusite est tres efficace et permet d'eviter de nombreuses complications

Facial Cellulitis

Facial cellulitis resulting from spread of infection into the facial planes organisms involved are mainly B-haemolytic streptococci. When these organism which are virulent and invasive find access into the tissue planes; patient is usually moderately ill with a painful firm and brawny swelling of facial soft tissue. There is regional lymph adenitis. Cellulitis presents only a non-specific picture of diffuse acute inflammation. Treatment consists of massive antibiotic therapy with adequate drainage. This should be commenced as soon as possible due to fatal consequences that may result