[Epidemiological, clinical, evolutionary and risk factors of erysipelas in three hospitals in Nouakchott-Mauritania]

Erysipelas is an acute non-necrotizing dermohypoderma of bacterial origin, mainly due to streptococcus. Its elective topography is the leg, it is a frequent reason for consultation and hospitalization in medicine. This is a potentially serious medical emergency that can be life threatening. Our study aims to determine the epidemiological and clinical characteristics, as well as the risk and prognosis factors of erysipelas in Mauritania.

This was a cross-sectional descriptive observational study from January 01, 2016 to July 30, 2017. The study population was represented by patients seen for an acute inflammatory placard, hot, painful and feverish.

In the 61 patients, the mean age was 40 years with extremes of 1 and 73 years. A female predominance was observed. The locations were one-sided. In 93.4% of cases, erysipelas was found in the lower limbs. Satellite lymphadenopathy was present in 40 patients, ie 66% of cases. A fever greater than or equal to 38 ° C was observed in 87% of cases, it was associated with chills 10% of cases. Local risk factors are represented by a traumatic wound, acute eczema and intertrigo inter toe. General factors are obesity, taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and artificial depigmentation. The outcome of our patients is favorable in 95% of cases on antibiotics. 9 patients presented with abscess during the course, ie 15%.

In our study, erysipelas was observed mainly in a young housewife in her forties. Clinically, the preferred location was that of the leg found in 93.4%. Several risk factors are associated with erysipelas in our study.