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Accuracy of a web-based system for monitoring chronic wounds.

This study evaluated the accuracy of a store-and-forward telemedicine system for assessing the status of chronic wounds, including those surgically repaired. Digital photos and other patient and wound data were collected by a nurse using a laptop and transmitted via the Internet to a database, which organized and posted the data onto a web page for access by the telemedicine physician. Two Veterans' Affairs (VA) medical centers and two specialties (plastic surgery, physical medicine and rehabilitation) participated in the study. Study patients included inpatients and outpatients with pressure ulcers of stage II, III, or IV, plus outpatients with diabetic foot ulcers or venous stasis ulcers. All patients were assessed both in-person (the "gold standard") and with the telemedicine system using yes/no responses and a 5-point scale, respectively, on four diagnostic questions concerning wound healing and infection, based on AHCPR guidelines. A total of 70 patients were enrolled, with data collected on 430 visits: up to 6 visits per wound. Percentage agreement for all visits ranged from 67.1 for "not healing" to 88.8 for "cellulitis present." Sensitivity ranged from 0.32 for cellulitis to 0.63 for necrosis; and specificity ranged from 0.80 for necrosis to 0.91 for cellulitis. Although agreement of the telemedicine system was not high, it was not significantly less than interphysician agreement on in-person assessments. A relatively inexpensive store-and-forward telemedicine system for monitoring the status of chronic wounds has the potential to improve access to specialty care for patients who are not currently receiving routine monitoring by specialized nurses or physicians.

Adult↗

Risks and benefits of gastric bypass in morbidly obese patients with severe venous stasis disease.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the risks and benefits of gastric bypass-induced weight loss on severe venous stasis disease in morbid obesity. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Severe obesity is associated with a risk of lower extremity venous stasis disease, pretibial ulceration, cellulitis, and bronze edema. METHODS: The GBP database was queried for venous stasis disease including pretibial venous stasis ulcers, bronze edema, and cellulitis. RESULTS: Of 1,976 patients undergoing GBP, 64 (45% female) met the criteria. Mean age was 44 +/- 10 years. Thirty-seven patients had pretibial venous stasis ulcers, 4 had bronze edema, 23 had both, and 17 had recurrent cellulitis. All had 2 to 4+ pitting pretibial edema. Mean preoperative body mass index (BMI) was 61 +/- 12 kg/m(2) and weight was 179 +/- 39 kg (270 +/- 51% ideal body weight), significantly greater than in patients who underwent GBP without venous stasis disease. Two patients had a pulmonary embolus and four had Greenfield filters in the remote past. Additional comorbidities included obesity hypoventilation syndrome, sleep apnea syndrome, hypertension, gastroesophageal reflux, degenerative joint disease symptoms, type 2 diabetes mellitus, pseudotumor cerebri, and urinary incontinence. Comorbidities were significantly more frequent in the patients with venous stasis disease than for those without. At 3.9 +/- 4 years after surgery, patients lost 55 +/- 21 % of excess weight, 62 +/- 33 kg, reaching 40 +/- 9 kg/m(2) BMI or 176 +/- 41% ideal body weight. Venous stasis ulcers resolved in all but three patients. Complications included anastomotic leaks with peritonitis and death, fatal pulmonary embolism, fatal respiratory arrest, wound infections or seromas, staple line disruptions, marginal ulcerations treated with acid suppression, stomal stenoses treated with endoscopic dilatation, late small bowel obstructions, and incisional hernias. There were six other late deaths. CONCLUSIONS: Severe venous stasis disease was associated with a significantly greater weight, BMI, male sex, age, comorbidity, and surgical risk (pulmonary embolus, leak, death, incisional hernia) than in other patients who underwent GBP. Surgically induced weight loss corrected the venous stasis disease in almost all patients as well as their other obesity-related problems.

Adult↗

Comparison of Tc-99m methylene diphosphonate, Tc-99m human immune globulin, and Tc-99m-labeled white blood cell scintigraphy in the diabetic foot.

PURPOSE: The aims of this prospective study were to evaluate the contribution of Tc-99m methylene diphosphonate (MDP), Tc-99m human immune globulin (HIG), and Tc-99m white blood cell (WBC) to the diagnosis of osteomyelitis in the diabetic foot and to evaluate the surgical or medical therapy with Tc-99m HIG and Tc-99m WBC scans. METHODS: Twenty patients (15 men, 5 women) with suspected pedal osteomyelitis were included in the study. All patients had type II diabetics. Three- and four-phase bone scintigraphy (3P-MDP, 4P-MDP), early (e) and late (l) HIG, and WBC scans were completed within 1 week in all patients. The lesion-to-background ratios were calculated for early and late images of the feet for all scans and named as the indices. Eight weeks after the end of medical or surgical therapy, Tc-99m HIG and Tc-99m WBC scans were repeated in 10 patients. The difference in indices between 3P-MDP and 4P-MDP for osteomyelitis and indices for osteomyelitis, cellulitis, and inflammation in Tc-99m HIG and Tc-99m WBC in early and late scans were tested for significance. RESULTS: In 20 patients, 53 lesions were investigated. Among these 53 lesions were 25 sites of proved osteomyelitis, 6 sites of cellulitis, and 22 sites of inflammation confirmed by radiography, microbiologic culture, and clinical evaluation. 4P-MDP was more specific than 3P-MDP for detecting osteomyelitis (50% and 67%, respectively). There was also a significant difference between the mean indices of 3P-MDP and 4P-MDP (P < 0.000). The index values were increased in 4P-MDP scans. There was no significant difference between the indices of early and late Tc-99m HIG scans for inflammation, cellulitis, and osteomyelitis. Early and late Tc-99m WBC scans did not show a significant difference in differentiating osteomyelitis. However, Tc-99m WBC scans could differentiate aseptic inflammation from infection (P < 0.031) in early and late scans. There was a significant difference of index values between pre- and post-treatment Tc-99m HIG and Tc-99m WBC scans. The best combination of scans for detecting osteomyelitis was 4P-MDP with WBC scans, with an accuracy rate of 92%. CONCLUSIONS: These results show that four-phase bone scintigraphy with early Tc-99m WBC scanning is preferred for detecting osteomyelitis of the diabetic foot. To evaluate the response to therapy, Tc-99m WBC scans are the preferred method, but if this is not available, Tc-99m HIG scanning can be used.

Adult↗

Intraoperative antibiotic irrigation as prophylaxis in abdominal hysterectomy: a preliminary report.

A preliminary report regarding the use of an intraoperative, intraperitoneal antibiotic solution in patients having transabdominal hysterectomy reveals that the postoperative morbidity assessed by the diagnosis of cuff cellulitis or pelvic abscess was 4.7%. This morbidity represents a substantial reduction in the incidence of cuff cellulitis (27.0%) noted in a comparison group of 367 patients having abdominal hysterectomy at our institution during a two-year period. These preliminary data strongly suggest that antibiotic solutions given intraperitoneally at the time of abdominal hysterectomy reduce morbidity due to cuff cellulitis.

Abscess↗

[Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteremia associated with hematologic disorders [I]. Predisposing factors and clinical manifestations].

We experienced 57 episodes of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteremia in 55 patients with hematologic disorders in a 16-year period. Ninety-five percent of the patients had hematologic malignancies such as acute leukemia. All but one patient received cytotoxic or immunosuppressive therapy at or prior to the onset of bacteremia. Seventy-seven percent of the episodes occurred during profound granulocytopenia of below 100/mm3. All the patients acquired their infection in the hospital, and 96% had received antibiotic therapy during the preceding two weeks. Periodontal, anorectal, lower respiratory tract, and urogenital infections were the sources of bacteremia in about three-quarters of the episodes. Periodontal infection tended to progress to cellulitis of the face or the floor of the mouth, often resulting in bacteremia of the unimicrobial type, while anorectal infection predisposed to abscess formation, frequently leading to bacteremia of the polymicrobial type. Cellulitis at onset was seen in 35% of the episodes. Most sites of infection did not become apparent until one to three days after the onset of fever, probably because of depressed inflammatory response associated with severe granulocytopenia. The majority of patients complained of gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and abdominal fullness at the onset of bacteremia. Major complications included bacteremic shock (63%), impaired consciousness (25%), ecthyma gangrenosum or hemorrhagic gangrenous cellulitis (18%), and jaundice (12%). Furthermore, there were one case each of endocarditis and disseminated intravascular coagulation. It was thus suggested that the clinical picture of P. aeruginosa bacteremia complicating hematologic disorders is influenced by the predisposing conditions associated with the underlying diseases and their treatment.

Acute Disease↗

Clinical and pharmacokinetic evaluation of parental cefoxitin in infants and children.

Thirty-two infants and children ranging in age from 3 to 151 months (mean, 26 months) were treated with parenteral cefoxitin (150 mg/kg per day). Ten patients with isolates of Haemophilus influenzae (six with cellulitis, two with arthritis, and two with mastoiditis), four with Staphylococcus aureus (one with lymphadenitis, one with septicemia, and two with abscess), and three patients with Streptococcus pneumoniae (one each with cellulitis, abscess, and arthritis), were clinically and bacteriologically cured by therapy. Two additional patients with septic arthritis and facial cellulitis developed meningitis with H. influenzae type b and S. pneumoniae, respectively. Minimal inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations were </=5 mug/ml for 15 isolates. Minimal bactericidal concentrations were >20 mug/ml for one strain of S. aureus and one of H. influenzae type b. The mean peak serum levels were 81.9 and 68.5 mug/ml 15 min after intravenous or intramuscular doses, respectively. The mean elimination half-lives were 42.4 and 40.1 min after intravenous or intramuscular doses, respectively. The mean volumes of distribution were 5,540 and 4,760 ml after intravenous and intramuscular doses, respectively. Mean plasma clearance was 242 and 257 ml/min per m(2) after intravenous and intramuscular doses, respectively. Therapy was discontinued in one patient because of neutropenia, which resolved after cefoxitin was stopped. Eosinophilia and transiently elevated liver function tests occurred in eight and six patients, respectively. These data indicate that cefoxitin may be an effective treatment for infections due to susceptible bacteria in the dosage tested, but its use may be limited because of the occurrence of meningitis during therapy in some patients.

Adolescent↗

Evaluating diabetic foot infection with magnetic resonance imaging: Kuwait experience.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the capability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to depict and characterize the changes seen in diabetic foot infections. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: MRI studies of 29 diabetic patients with suspected foot infection were evaluated. Sagittal and transverse T1-weighted images before and after intravenous gadolinium, and transverse fat-suppressed T2-weighted images were performed on the affected regions. The MRI findings were compared to subsequent clinical and/or histopathological findings. RESULTS: The MRI findings were: osteomyelitis in 14 patients, abscess in 5, cellulitis in 26, tenosynovitis in 4 and neuropathic joint in 8. Three cases were normal. Pathological confirmations were obtained in 19 patients. MRI and histological diagnosis were in concordance in 79% of osteomyelitis cases, 100% of neuropathy cases and 100% of cellulitis cases. The sensitivity and specificity of MRI in diagnosing osteomyelitis were 100 and 63%, respectively. The positive predictive and negative predictive values, and the accuracy were 79, 100 and 84%, respectively. MRI helped surgical planning for limb salvage procedures in 6 of the osteomyelitis cases and in a cellulitis case. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that MRI is a sensitive and accurate imaging modality for the evaluation of foot infections in diabetic patients and for planning proper treatment.

Adult↗

Sinogenic intracranial empyema in children.

BACKGROUND: Sinogenic intracranial empyema (SIE) is an uncommon complication of sinusitis that can lead to devastating neurologic sequelae. Early recognition of the clinical findings is critical so that proper management can be instituted. OBJECTIVE: To describe the symptoms, signs, and laboratory and imaging findings from one of the largest pediatric SIE case series reported. METHODS: Descriptive study of a retrospective cohort of all children admitted to Primary Children's Medical Center with SIE between June 2000 and February 2004. Children were identified by a computerized search of Primary Children's Medical Center medical records using the terms "sinusitis" and "brain/subdural/epidural empyema." Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) values of children with SIE were compared with a group of children with uncomplicated sinusitis cared for in the same health care system as outpatients. The medical records of the uncomplicated sinusitis group were not reviewed for any clinical or radiographic data other than CRP and ESR values. RESULTS: Twelve children with SIE were identified. The median age of children with SIE was 11.5 years. Symptoms were usually present 10 days (median) before diagnosis and included headache (10), fever (11), nausea/vomiting (7), mental-status changes (5), and seizures (3). Physical findings included abnormal neurologic examination (9), Pott's puffy tumor (4), and orbital cellulitis (3). Using the Intermountain Health Care system's computerized database, 142 children with uncomplicated sinusitis treated as outpatients were identified. Children with SIE had markedly higher CRP levels (median: 10.05 mg/dL) and ESRs (median: 87 mm/hour) than those with uncomplicated sinusitis (median CRP: 0.7 mg/dL; median ESR: 6 mm/hour). Four children had hyperglycemia. Four children had a lumbar puncture at presentation, and the findings were normal for all of them. Craniofacial imaging included computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). SIE was not detected in 4 patients who had nonenhanced CT. Axial imaging alone was unable to demonstrate SIE in 1 child with sphenoid and ethmoid sinusitis, and coronal images were needed to demonstrate its presence and extent. The initial facial/orbital imaging studies in 2 patients with physical signs of complicated sinusitis (orbital cellulitis and Pott's puffy tumor) were not adequate to detect SIE. Using contrast-enhanced head CT or MRI, SIE was diagnosed in all 12 children. CONCLUSIONS: Children with sinusitis and any neurologic finding, signs of complicated sinusitis such as Pott's puffy tumor or orbital cellulitis, or persistent headache, fever, or nausea and vomiting after antibiotic therapy should have additional evaluation for SIE. Children with hyperglycemia or diabetes may be at increased risk for SIE. The ESR and CRP levels are markedly elevated in children with SIE and may be useful screening tools. MRI with gadolinium is the preferred method to diagnose SIE. If MRI is unavailable, a contrast-enhanced head CT with axial and coronal planes should be obtained. Nonenhanced CT alone lacks sensitivity, and a normal study may be falsely reassuring.

Adolescent↗

Children hospitalized with skin and soft tissue infections: a guide to antibacterial selection and treatment.

Skin and soft tissue infections in children are an important cause for hospitalization. A thorough history and physical examination can provide clues to the pathogens involved. Collection of purulent discharge from lesions should be completed prior to initiating antimicrobial therapy, and results of bacteriologic studies (Gram stain and culture) should guide therapeutic decisions. The main pathogens involved in these infections are Staphylococcus aureus and group A beta-hemolytic streptococci, but enteric organisms also play a role especially in nosocomial infections. Increasing antibacterial resistance is becoming a major problem in the treatment of these infections worldwide. Specifically, the rise of methicillin-resistant S. aureus and glycopeptide-resistant S. aureus pose challenges for the future. Infections of the skin and soft tissues can be broadly classified based on the extent of tissue involvement. Superficial infections such as erysipelas, cellulitis, bullous impetigo, bite infections, and periorbital cellulitis may require hospitalization and parenteral antibacterials. Deeper infections such as orbital cellulitis, necrotizing fasciitis, and pyomyositis require surgical intervention as well as parenteral antibacterial therapy. Surgery plays a key role in the treatment of abscesses and for the debridement of necrotic tissue in deep infections. Intravenous immunoglobulin, as an adjunctive therapy, can be helpful in treating necrotizing fasciitis. For most infections an antistaphylococcal beta-lactam antibacterial is first-line therapy. Third-generation cephalosporins and beta-lactam/beta-lactamase inhibitor antibacterials as well as clindamycin or metronidazole are often required to provide broad-spectrum coverage for polymicrobial infections.Special populations, such as immunocompromised children, those with an allergy to penicillins, and those that acquire infections in hospitals, require specific antibacterial strategies. These usually involve broader antimicrobial coverage with increased Gram-negative (including antipseudomonal) and anerobic coverage. In patients with a true allergy to penicillins, clindamycin and vancomycin play an important role in treating Gram-positive infections. Newer antibacterial agents, such as linezolid and quinupristin/dalfopristin, are increasingly being studied in children for the treatment of skin and soft tissue infections. These agents hold promise for the future especially in the treatment of highly resistant, Gram-positive organisms such as methicillin-resistant S. aureus, vancomycin-resistant S. aureus, and vancomycin-resistant enterococci.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

Osteomyelitis of the foot in diabetic patients: evaluation with plain film, 99mTc-MDP bone scintigraphy, and MR imaging.

Diagnosis of osteomyelitis of the foot in diabetic patients may be difficult because of the coexistence of chronic cellulitis, vascular insufficiency, and peripheral neuropathy. This study compared the diagnostic accuracies of plain films, bone scans, and MR imaging studies in diabetic patients with suspicion of osteomyelitis of the foot. Twenty-nine plain radiographs, 20 bone scans, and 30 MR studies were obtained in 24 patients. Twenty-nine bones from 14 patients were pathologically proved either positive (25 bones) or negative (four bones) for osteomyelitis. Another 15 bones (10 patients) studied with MR had no pathologic proof, but the bones healed with only local wound care and/or a short course of oral antibiotics. These patients had trauma, cellulitis, or unhealed ulcers. The sensitivity and specificity of plain films were both 75%. Bone scans had a very low specificity (100% false-positive rate). A negative bone scan should strongly exclude the probability of osteomyelitis. Unlike the findings in previous reports, MR had much higher sensitivity and specificity than bone scans in detecting osteomyelitis in diabetic patients. When the 10 patients without pathologic proof (those who presumably had neuroarthropathy, vascular insufficiency, and/or cellulitis) were included, the sensitivity and specificity of all three techniques decreased. Our experience with this small group of patients suggests that MR is a useful imaging technique for diagnosing osteomyelitis of the foot in diabetic patients.

Adult↗

Radiologic gastrostomy placement: pigtail- versus mushroom-retained catheters.

OBJECTIVE: Two different types of percutaneous fluoroscopic gastrostomy procedures were prospectively evaluated. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Between January 1, 1998, and August 10, 1999, 127 percutaneous gastrostomy catheters were placed in 128 patients in 128 attempts. Seventy-five 12- or 14-French pigtail-retained catheters and fifty-two 20-French mushroom-retained catheters were inserted. Catheters were generally placed on the basis of operator preference except pigtail-retained tubes were preferentially placed in patients with head and neck or esophageal malignancies and mushroom-retained catheters were preferentially placed in neurologically compromised or combative patients. The technical success, procedural complications, and catheter complications were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS: Ninety-nine percent (127/128) of the procedures were successful, and there were no procedural complications. One catheter was not placed because the colon intervened between the abdominal wall and stomach. In patients who received pigtail-retained catheters, the major complication rate was 3% (2/75), the minor complication rate was 8% (6/75), and the tube complication rate was 36% (27/75). The following complications were seen: tube occlusion (n = 12), inadvertent catheter removal (n = 8), peristomal tube leakage (n = 7), superficial cellulitis (n = 4), aspiration pneumonia (n = 2), and T-fastener cellulitis (n = 2). In patients who received mushroom-retained catheters, the major complication rate was 0%, the minor complication rate was 2% (1/52), and the tube complication rate was 2% (1/52). Complications were superficial cellulitis (n = 1) and partial catheter fracture (n = 1). There were no significant differences in major and minor complications between procedures. Pigtail-retained catheters had a significantly higher rate of tube complications (p < 0.001) CONCLUSION: Compared with pigtail-retained catheters, mushroom-retained gastrostomy catheters are more durable and secure and are less prone to tube dysfunction. These catheters should be preferentially placed when possible.

Adolescent↗

[Epidemiological characteristics and mortality risk factors in patients admitted in hospitals with soft tissue infections. A multicentric STIMG (Soft Tissue Infections Malacitan Group) study results].

OBJECTIVES: To describe the characteristics of patients admitted in hospitals with soft tissue infections, and analyse the variables whose died, in order to define risk groups. METHOD: retrospective analysis of medical reports of all patient admitted during 2002 year for soft tissue infections in public malacitans hospitals. We excluded the patient with soft tissue infections associated with burns, surgery, pressure ulcers, and orbit cellulitis. We analysed clinical, biochemical variables and indications for yields and imaging tests, so the empiric antibiotic treatment established and its correlations with practice guidelines. RESULTS: We analysed 391 admissions of 374 patients. Cellulitis was the most frequent diagnosis (69.3%). We did imaging tests in 51.6%. In 94.3% of cases were treated with empirics antibiotics. The most prescribed drug was amoxiciline plus clavulanate (39%). 27 patients died, 40.7% of them for septic cause. All deceased patients had chronic diseases. The only biochemical parameters associated with mortality were serum proteins and albumina (55 +/- 9 g/L vs. 63 +/- 8 g/L; p = 0.0231) and (22 +/- 7 g/L vs. 29 +/- 7 g/L; p = 0.0125) respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Cellullitis are the most frequent soft tissue infections that requires admissions in hospitals. We overuse imaging test and don t follow the practice guidelines recommendations in antibiotic therapy. Primary soft issue infection s mortality is low and it s restricted to people with chronic illness, deep infections and bad nutritional status.

Adolescent↗

Cutaneous manifestations of disseminated cryptococcosis.

Five patients with disseminated cryptococcosis had lesions on the extremities resembling cellulitis, which evolved into areas of blistering and ulceration in three patients. All had underlying disease and were medically immunosuppressed. Disseminated cryptococcosis appears to present with cellulitis or herpes-like vesiculation more commonly than is currently appreciated. India ink preparations of aspirates from areas of cellulitis or Tzanck preparations from blisters may show characteristic organisms, and make possible an immediate diagnosis of cutaneous cryptococcosis. If cutaneous infection is confirmed by performing biopsies and growing cultures, dissemination must be presumed and the patient treated with a full course of systemic antifungal therapy. With increasing awareness of cutaneous involvement, some cases of disseminated cryptococcosis will be diagnosed sooner, leading to earlier therapy and improved prognosis.

Adolescent↗

Necrotizing fasciitis caused by Serratia marcescens in two patients receiving corticosteroid therapy.

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF), a devastating soft tissue infection, is rarely attributed to Serratia marcescens. We here report two patients with S. marcescens NF, both of whom had underlying renal disease and had been receiving corticosteroid therapy. The first patient, a 40-year-old man with systemic lupus erythematosus and uremia on prednisolone therapy, developed fulminant cellulitis and septic shock 1 month after a skin biopsy for cutaneous vasculitis of the left foot. The cellulitis evolved to NF, and blood and necrotic tissue cultures both grew S. marcescens. The patient completely recovered after debridement and ceftazidime therapy. The second patient, a 73-year-old man receiving prednisolone therapy for nephrotic syndrome, developed right leg cellulitis that evolved to NF. Blood and necrotic tissue cultures both grew S. marcescens. After aggressive debridement and ciprofloaxcin therapy, the NF improved. However, the patient died of aspiration pneumonia and massive gastrointestinal bleeding 1 month later. These findings illustrate that S. marcescens should be considered as a potential pathogen causing NF in susceptible hosts.

Adult↗

Imaging of human infection with (131)I-labeled recombinant human interleukin-8.

UNLABELLED: The chemotactic cytokine interleukin-8 (IL-8) plays an important role in attraction and activation of polymorphonuclear leukocytes in infection and inflammation. A pilot study was conducted to determine if radiolabeled IL-8 would depict infection in humans. METHODS: Human recombinant IL-8 (rhIL-8) labeled with (131)I (specific activity, 0.4-0.7 MBq [11-18 microCi] (131)I/microg IL-8) was injected intravenously into 8 diabetic patients with active foot infections and evidence of osteomyelitis, 2 patients with successfully treated osteomyelitis, and 1 patient with cellulitis of the thumb. RESULTS: Focal accumulation of (131)I-rhIL-8 was seen in 8 of 8 patients with active foot infection and diffuse uptake was seen in the thumb of the 1 patient with cellulitis. In the 2 patients with successfully treated bone infection, multiphase (99m)Tc-hydroxyethylene diphosphonate bone scans were negative early, but late-phase (>3 h) uptake depicted degenerative lesions that did not image with (131)I-rhIL-8. CONCLUSION: (131)I-rhIL-8 accumulates rapidly within infected foci in osteomyelitis and cellulitis but not in successfully treated infections or degenerative joint disease.

Adult↗

Allergic rhinitis as a risk factor for orbital complication of acute rhinosinusitis in children.

The purpose of this article is to determine allergic rhinitis and age as potential risk factors for the development of orbital complications of acute rhinosinusitis in children. One hundred two children presenting with orbital swelling were investigated by computed tomography (CT) of the paranasal sinuses and the orbit as well as for underlying allergic rhinitis. Sixty (58.8%) patients had orbital complications of clinical and radiological acute rhinosinusitis. They were grouped accordingly: preseptal cellulitis (n = 24), periostitis (n = 10), and subperiosteal abscess (n = 26). No abscess within the orbit or cavernous sinus thrombosis was found. Thirty-four (56.7%) of the 60 patients underwent allergy investigation. Allergic rhinitis was found in 9 (64.3%) of 14 children with preseptal cellulitis, in 1 (25%) out of 4 children with periostitis, and in 13 (76.5%) out of 17 children with subperiosteal abscess. The prevalence of allergic rhinitis was significantly higher in patients presenting in pollen season from February to August (17:4) than in patients presenting in the period between September and January (6:7). Thus, allergic rhinitis may be a cofactor in the pathogenesis of orbital complications of acute rhinosinusitis. According to our study population, age only influences the type of orbital complication of acute rhinosinusitis in the sense that older children are more likely to develop subperiosteal abscess, whereas younger children develop preseptal cellulitis.

Acute Disease↗

Common dental emergencies.

Dental caries, a bacterial disease of teeth characterized by destruction of enamel and dentine, is often the underlying cause of dental pain. When a carious lesion impinges on the dental pulp, pulpitis follows and, ultimately, necrosis of the pulp occurs. Untreated necrosis may lead to a localized abscess or a spreading infection into the surrounding soft tissue that results in cellulitis. Immediate treatment involves antibiotic therapy for cellulitis, perhaps with drainage of abscesses, while definitive treatment requires root canal therapy or extraction of the involved tooth. Pericoronitis is an inflammation of the soft tissue overlying a partially erupted tooth. Localized cases respond to irrigation. Secondary cellulitis can develop. Definitive treatment may require surgical extraction of the underlying tooth or excision of the gum flap. Avulsion of a permanent tooth secondary to trauma is a true dental emergency. The tooth should be reimplanted on the spot, and the patient should be seen immediately by a dentist for splinting and antibiotic prophylaxis. Most dental problems can be prevented with regular dental care and steps to minimize risks of oral trauma.

Abscess↗

Reactivation in post-traumatic chronic osteomyelitis: ultrasonographic findings.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the ultrasound (US) features of reactivation in post-traumatic chronic osteomyelitis in adults. METHODS: Twelve patients with clinical suspicion of reactivation of chronic osteomyelitis, secondary to trauma, surgery, and who were investigated with US were selected for the study. The following US features were assessed: periosseous fluid collection, bone changes (periosteal reactions, cortical irregularity, callus, sequestrum and cloaca) and soft-tissue changes (cellulitis and sinus tracts). US findings were correlated with plain radiography (n = 11), computed tomography (n = 3) and magnetic resonance imaging (n = 2). RESULTS: US detected fluid collections in all patients (12 periosseous and 3 in soft tissues), bone changes in 10 and sinus tracts and cellulitis in 5 patients each. Bone changes detected were cortical irregularity (n = 10), discontinuity of cortex (n = 7), sequestrum (n = 2), callus (n = 2), periosteal reaction (n = 1) and cloaca (n = 1). Cellulitis was seen in 5 patients and sinus tracts in 5. Reactivation was confirmed at surgery in all patients. CONCLUSION: US is a reliable noninvasive imaging modality for the diagnosis of reactivation of post-traumatic chronic osteomyelitis in adults.

Adult↗