Value of standard laboratory tests for the early recognition of group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal necrotizing fasciitis.
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.
Simonart
T
T
Simonart
J M
JM
Derdelinckx
I
I
De Dobbeleer
G
G
Verleysen
A
A
Verraes
S
S
de Maubeuge
J
J
Van Vooren
J P
JP
Naeyaert
J M
JM
de la Brassine
M
M
Peetermans
W E
WE
Heenen
M
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000032:analysis; D002481:Cellulitis / Q000175:diagnosis; D003402:Creatine Kinase / Q000032:analysis; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D019115:Fasciitis, Necrotizing / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012016:Reference Values; D012307:Risk Factors; D013297:Streptococcus pyogenes
D002097:C-Reactive Protein; D003402:Creatine Kinase