Outcomes of Early Dermatology Consultation for Inpatients Diagnosed With Cellulitis.

ABSTRACT:

Importance

Many inflammatory skin dermatoses mimic cellulitis (pseudocellulitis) and are treated with antibiotics and/or hospitalization, leading to unnecessary patient morbidity and substantial health care spending.

Objective

To evaluate the impact of early dermatology consultation on clinical and economic outcomes associated with misdiagnosed cellulitis.

Design, setting, and participants

This prospective cohort study enrolled patients with presumed diagnosis of cellulitis in the emergency department, in the emergency department observation unit, or within 24 hours of admission to an inpatient unit of a large urban teaching hospital between February and September 2017. Patients were provided with telephone and clinic follow-up during the 30-day postdischarge period.

SUBMITTER: Li DG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5876861 | biostudies-literature | 2018 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature