Risk stratification for cellulitis versus noncellulitic conditions of the lower extremity: a retrospective review of the NEW HAvUN criteria.

Scholarly consensus is lacking for the risk stratification of patients who present with acute or subacute dermatologic conditions of the lower extremity, particularly cellulitis and its mimickers. This lack of consensus leads to overconsumption of hospital resources and may result in delayed recognition and treatment, adversely affecting patient outcomes. In this retrospective chart review, our aim was to test a set of clinical criteria-acute onset, erythema, pyrexia, history of associated trauma, tenderness, unilaterality (presence on 1 limb only), and leukocytosis-in patients with a known diagnosis of cellulitis or noncellulitis, as determined by dermatology consultation. We hope that these criteria can help clinicians better quantify risk based on history, physical examination, and risk factors, and thus help differentiate emergent and nonemergent dermatologic conditions of the lower extremity.