[Demographic, clinical and laboratory characteristics of erisypelas in the period 2001-2010].

AIM

to describe demographic and clinical characteristics of erysipelas and to compare the sensitivity of two laboratory tests.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

we studied patients with erysipelas hospitalized in the Dermatological Clinic between 2001 and 2010.

RESULTS

the investigated 140 cases represented 8% of all skin infections hospitalized. Distribution of annual admissions has shown a gradual reduction in the number of admissions in the second half of the decade. A higher frequency was found in the second half of the year. Most patients were from rural areas (55%). The female gender predominated (69.3%). With few exceptions, the patients were adults averaging 59 years. The most common location was the lower leg (91.4%). Most clinical forms were mild and medium. Septic complications were absent. Recurrent erysipelas occurred in 5% of cases. Comorbidity included: chronic venous insufficiency (14.2%), hypertension (10%), obesity (8%), diabetes mellitus (5.7%) or chronic hepatitis (3.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

the "benign" appearance of our cases is contrary to the trend rate of severe cases of cutaneous streptococcal infections in some western areas. From comparing laboratory tests results we observed their frequent mismatch. The ESR and the increase in percentage of polymorphonuclear neutrophils were more significant than the total number of leukocytes. Etiological therapy with penicillin G at a dose of 4 million UI/day was effective. The analysis allows the establishment of demographic and clinical features of erysipelas during the period and given territory.