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Recurrent erysipelas: Predisposing factors and costs of prophylaxis

Rezidivierendes Erysipel: Prädisponierende Faktoren und Kosten einer Prophylaxe

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Summary

After an average follow-up time of three years, recurrent erysipelas was observed in 29% of 143 patients admitted primarily with erysipelas. Nineteen patients (13%) had two or more recurrences during this period. The predisposing factor with the highest recurrence rate was venous insufficiency. Regular prophylaxis with phenoxymethylpenicillin (or erythromycin in penicillin allergics) after the second recurrence may be cost-effective. This antibiotic prophylaxis is only recommended in patients with predisposing factors who have suffered severe attacks.

Zusammenfassung

Während einer mitteleren Beobachtungszeit von drei Jahren wurde bei 29% von 143 primär mit einem Erysipel stationär aufgenommenen Patienten ein rezidivierender Verlauf beobachtet. 19 Patienten (13%) hatten während dieser Zeit zwei oder mehr Rezidive. Der mit der höchsten Rezidivrate assoziierte prädisponierende Faktor war die venöse Insuffizienz. Eine regelmäßige Prophylaxe mit Phenoxymethylpenicillin (oder Erythromycin bei Patienten mit Penicillinallergie) nach dem zweiten Rezidiv ist möglicherweise kosteneffektiv. Die Antibiotikaprophylaxe wird jedoch nur für Patienten mit prädisponierenden Faktoren, bei denen schwere Formen von Erysipel aufgetreten sind, empfohlen.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Infectious Diseases, Danderyd Hospital, S-182 88, Danderyd

    Christina Jorup-Rönström M.D. &  S. Britton

Authors
  1. Christina Jorup-Rönström M.D.
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  2. S. Britton
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Jorup-Rönström, C., Britton, S. Recurrent erysipelas: Predisposing factors and costs of prophylaxis. Infection 15, 105–106 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01650206

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01650206

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