Epidemiology, treatment, and economics of patients presenting to the emergency department for skin and soft tissue infections.

OBJECTIVES: Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) are among the most common bacterial diseases and represent a significant disease burden. The purpose of this study was to describe the real-world management of patients with SSTIs presenting to the emergency department (ED).

METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study. Adult patients identified with a primary diagnosis of SSTI determined by ICD-9 codes were assessed from index presentation for up to 30 days. Records were reviewed 30 days prior to inclusion to ensure index hospitalization was captured. For recurrent visits, a similar strategy was implemented 30 days afterward.

RESULTS: Of 446 encounters screened, 357 were included; 106 (29.7%) were admitted to the hospital and 251 (70.3%) were treated outpatient. Of patients with a Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) score two or greater, 60.9% were treated as inpatients, whereas admission rates were 30.1% and 14.1% for patients with a CCI score of one and zero, respectively. Inpatients had an average length of stay (LOS) of 7.3 ± 7.1 days. No difference was detected in overall re-presentation to the facility 22.6% and 28.3% (p > 0.05) or in SSTI related re-presentation 10.4% and 15.1% (p > 0.05) between inpatient and outpatients. The most common gram-positive organisms identified on wound/abscess culture were MSSA (37.1% inpatients) and MRSA (66.7% outpatients). Mean total cost of care was $13,313 for inpatients and $413 for outpatients.

CONCLUSION: This analysis identifies opportunities to improve processes of care for SSTIs with the aim of decreasing LOS, reducing readmissions, and ultimately decreasing burden on the healthcare system.