Value of standard laboratory tests for the early recognition of group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal necrotizing fasciitis.

Simonart, T; Simonart, J M; Derdelinckx, I; De Dobbeleer, G; Verleysen, A; Verraes, S; de Maubeuge, J; Van Vooren, J P et al. · Clin Infect Dis · 2001

case_control · Level III

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Abstract

The laboratory data for 17 patients with group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal necrotizing fasciitis (GAS NF) were compared with data for 145 patients hospitalized for cellulitis during the same period. Admission values of C-reactive protein and creatine kinase were higher for patients in the group with GAS NF than for patients in the group with cellulitis (P<.001), suggesting that standard laboratory tests may be useful for the early differential diagnosis of GAS NF and cellulitis.

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