Practicability of the German guidelines on skin and soft tissue infections

Abstract

The guidelines on calculated parenteral initial treatment of bacterial infections in adults from 2018 were the first German language S2k guidelines for these infections. This article summarizes the experiences with respect to their practicality in the clinical routine and the resulting supplementations and comments. In view of the many different terms for soft tissue infections, the guidelines had to first establish some definitions and diagnostic criteria. Among others, the guidelines introduced the provisional term limited phlegmons (phlegmons are usuallytermedcellulitis in Angloamerican literature) for the frequent initially superficial soft tissue infections with Staphylococcus aureus, which do not always extend to the fascia, in order to differentiate them from erysipelas caused by Streptoccocus, which in contrast to phlegmons always respond to penicillin. The general symptoms present in erysipela are a practical differential criterion. Somewhat more complex are the definitions and recommendations for the severe forms of phlegmon, which involve the fascia and are accompanied by necrosis, so that here the practicality of the guidelines needs to prove its worth over time. The guidelines also give recommendations how to proceed in case of alleged or confirmed hypersensitivity to beta-lactam antibiotics. Currently, relevant guidelines recommend, and it is correspondingly here elaborated, that in acute cases a beta-lactam antibiotic with side chains other than those in the suspected drug may present an alternative without prior testing. Therefore, cefazolin, that does not share any side chains with other beta-lactam antibiotics, could be administered under appropriate precautionary measures. The term cellulitis is avoided in the guidelines. Since it is used frequently, and also for non-infectious dermatoses, the various meanings are discussed and distinguished from each other.