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Long-term antimicrobial therapy in the prevention of recurrent soft-tissue infections
M Kremer1, R Zuckerman, Z Avraham
1Department of Dermatology, Zvulum Outpatient Clinic, Kyriat Motzkin, Israel.
Abstract:
Thirty-six patients who had suffered two or more episodes of erysipelas or cellulitis during the previous year were randomly divided into two equal groups; one group received erythromycin base 250 mg b.i.d. for 18 months, while the other group received no prophylaxis for a similar period. No patients in the treated group developed infection during the 18 months' follow-up but eight of the control group (50%) relapsed and required antibiotic treatment. Prolonged antimicrobial prophylaxis is effective and safe in preventing recurrent episodes of soft-tissue infections.
Insights
Preventing recurrent skin infections like erysipelas and cellulitis is possible with long-term antibiotic prophylaxis. A study showed erythromycin prevented infections in patients with a history of recurrent soft-tissue infections.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Dermatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Recurrent erysipelas and cellulitis pose significant health challenges.
- Previous infections increase the risk of subsequent episodes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of prolonged antimicrobial prophylaxis in preventing recurrent soft-tissue infections.
- To assess the effectiveness of erythromycin in patients with a history of recurrent erysipelas or cellulitis.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 36 patients with a history of two or more erysipelas/cellulitis episodes in the prior year.
- Patients were divided into two groups: one received erythromycin base 250 mg twice daily for 18 months, while the control group received no prophylaxis.
- Follow-up was conducted for 18 months to monitor for infection recurrence.
Main Results:
- None of the patients in the erythromycin prophylaxis group experienced a recurrence of infection.
- Eight patients (50%) in the control group relapsed and required antibiotic treatment.
- Erythromycin prophylaxis demonstrated a 100% prevention rate for recurrent soft-tissue infections in this cohort.
Conclusions:
- Prolonged antimicrobial prophylaxis, specifically with erythromycin, is highly effective in preventing recurrent episodes of erysipelas and cellulitis.
- The prophylactic regimen was found to be safe, with no infections reported in the treated group.
- Long-term antibiotic use is a viable strategy for managing patients prone to recurrent soft-tissue infections.