The risk factors of lower limb cellulitis: A casecontrol study in a tertiary centre
- Author:
Norazirah Md Nor
;
Khor Inn Shih
;
Adawiyah Jami
;
Azmi Mohd Tamil
;
Azmawati Mohd Nawi
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
cellulitis;
risk factors;
Malaysia
- From:Malaysian Family Physician
2020;15(1):23-29
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction: Lower limb cellulitis is a common superficial skin infection that leads to morbidity
and mortality. Cellulitis risk factors have been well studied in many countries, but to date, not in
Malaysia. Geographical and climate variables may affect risk factors. Early identification of the
preventable risk factors is vital to prevent cellulitis and improve holistic patient care.
Objective: To determine the risk factors of lower limb cellulitis amongst hospitalized patients at
a tertiary center.
Methods: A prospective case-control study of hospitalized patients with a clinical diagnosis
of lower limb cellulitis was conducted at UKM Medical Centre, January–August 2015. Each
patient was compared to two age and gender-matched control patients. All patients were
interviewed and examined for risk factors of cellulitis.
Results: A total of 96 cellulitis patients and 192 controls participated in this study. The cellulitis
patients included 61 males and 35 females with a mean age of 62.07±15.43 years. The majority
of patients were experiencing their first episode of cellulitis. Multivariate analysis showed a
previous history of cellulitis (OR 25.53; 95% CI 4.73–137.79), sole anomalies (OR 16.32; 95%
CI 6.65–40.06), ulceration (OR 14.86; 95% CI 1.00–219.39), venous insufficiency (OR 10.46
95% CI 1.98–55.22), interdigital intertrigo (OR 8.86; 95% CI 3.33-23.56), eczema (OR 5.74;
95% CI 0.96.–34.21), and limb edema (OR 3.95; 95% CI 1.82–8.59) were the significant risk
factors for lower limb cellulitis.
Conclusion: Previous cellulitis and factors causing skin barrier disruption such as sole anomalies,
ulceration, venous insufficiency, eczema, intertrigo, and limb edema were the risk factors for
lower limb cellulitis. Physician awareness, early detection, and treatment of these factors at the
primary care level may prevent hospital admission and morbidity associated with cellulitis.
- Full text:2.2020my0064.pdf
