title: Value of standard laboratory tests for the early recognition of group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal necrotizing fasciitis.
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.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Simonart
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Simonart
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Derdelinckx
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: De Dobbeleer
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Verleysen
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Verraes
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: de Maubeuge
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Van Vooren
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Naeyaert
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: de la Brassine
authors.forename: W E
authors.initials: WE
authors.lastname: Peetermans
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Heenen
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D002097:C-Reactive Protein; D003402:Creatine Kinase