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Published on: October 29, 2019
Cellulitis incidence in a defined population
S M Ellis Simonsen1, E R van Orman, B E Hatch
1Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA.
Insights
Cellulitis is common, affecting 24.6 per 1000 person-years, primarily the lower leg. Most cases are treated outpatient and rarely lead to severe complications like necrotizing fasciitis.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Cellulitis is a common bacterial skin infection.
- Understanding its incidence and outcomes is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence, anatomical distribution, and recurrence of cellulitis.
- To identify complicating diagnoses and healthcare utilization patterns.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a population-based insurance claims database.
- Analyzed ICD-9-CM codes for cellulitis (681.0-682.9) and complications.
- Examined data over a 5-year period.
Main Results:
- Cellulitis incidence was 24.6 per 1000 person-years.
- Higher incidence observed in males and those aged 45-64.
- Lower extremity was the most common infection site (39.9%).
- Most cases (73.8%) were treated in outpatient settings.
- Recurrence was low (82.0% had one episode).
- Complications, including necrotizing fasciitis, were infrequent.
Conclusions:
- Cellulitis is a prevalent condition, predominantly managed in outpatient settings.
- The risk of severe complications from cellulitis is low.
- Further research into prevention and management strategies is warranted.
Abstract:
A population-based insurance claims database was used to examine cellulitis incidence, anatomical sites of infection, complicating diagnoses, source of health service, and recurrence rates. Insurance claim files were searched for cellulitis ICD-9-CM codes 681.0-682.9. Complications of cellulitis including erysipelas, lymphadenitis, lymphangitis, and necrotizing fasciitis were also identified by ICD-9-CM codes. We found a cellulitis incidence rate of 24.6/1000 person-years, with a higher incidence among males and individuals aged 45-64 years. The most common site of infection was the lower extremity (39.9%). The majority of patients were seen in an outpatient setting (73.8%), and most (82.0%) had only one episode of cellulitis during the 5-year period studied. There was a very low incidence of cellulitis complications, including necrotizing fasciitis. Cellulitis is fairly common, usually treated in outpatient settings, and is infrequently complicated by erysipelas, lymphadenitis, lymphangitis, or necrotizing fasciitis.
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