Diagnosis and management of skin and soft tissue infections in the intensive care unit: a review.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

To review the salient features of the diagnosis and management of the most common skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI). This review focuses on severe SSTIs that require care in an intensive care unit (ICU), including toxic shock syndrome, myonecrosis/gas gangrene, and necrotizing fasciitis.

Methods

Guidelines, expert opinion, and local institutional policies were reviewed.

Results

Severe SSTIs are common and their management complex due to regional variation in predominant pathogens and antimicrobial resistance patterns, as well as variations in host immune responses. Unique aspects of care for SSTIs in the ICU are discussed, including the role of prosthetic devices, risk factors for bacteremia, and the need for surgical consultation. SSTI mimetics, the role

SUBMITTER: Burnham JP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6276373 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature