Use of compression therapy for cellulitis

Abstract

INTRODUCTION. Cellulitis is a common infection, especially among the elderly, and compression therapy is often recommended to reduce acute oedema and pain. A previous study showed that compression therapy led to a lower incidence of recurrent cellulitis in lower extremities in patients with chronic oedema. The aim of this study was to describe clinical characteristics of patients with cellulitis. METHODS. This was a retrospective descriptive study reviewing medical records and medicine registrations in patients ≥ 18 years with cellulitis. RESULTS. A total of 104 patients were hospitalised with cellulitis; 13 were excluded. The median age was 75 years (range: 33-103 years), 64% > 70 years. The median admission time was five days (range: 1-24 days). Median antibiotic treatment duration was 11 days (range: 4-56 days). A total of 45% were current or former smokers, 40% were overweight, 48% had preexisting chronic oedema of the affected area, 90% had become infected in the lower extremities and 19% were readmitted within six months. A total of 51% had a new antibiotic treatment prescribed after being discharged, and 66% received compression therapy. CONCLUSIONS. Cellulitis frequently affects older patients, especially smokers, people with overweight and chronic lymphoedema. In all, 66% were treated with compression therapy that did not have a clear effect on their readmission rate, probably because the patients receiving compression therapy had a more severe infection complicated by severe oedema and a higher risk of reinfection. An increased focus on the use of compression therapy in conjunction with health preventive interventions may have a positive impact on the relapse rate. FUNDING. None. TRIAL REGISTRATION. Not relevant.