Comparison of Loop Drainage Versus Incision and Drainage for Abscesses in Children

Launched by SETON HEALTHCARE FAMILY · May 12, 2015

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

Infections of skin and soft tissue remain one of the more common chief complaints in the pediatric emergency department. With methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus being a prevalent pathogen, abscess development is not uncommon. The emergency department remains the common setting for required therapeutic intervention. However, active investigation exists in regard to the ideal intervention for children and adults.

Incision and drainage of cutaneous abscess has remained the standard of care for years. However this standard has been adopted without robust suppo...

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Physical findings suggestive of skin abscess warranting incision and drainage (determined by treating physician)
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Abscess not suitable for drainage in the ED (eg. \<1 cm induration, \>15 cm induration)
• • Immunocompromised status (eg. diabetic patient or taking immunosuppressive medication)
• • Need for hospitalization following drainage
• • Abscess located above the clavicles or significantly involving genitals/pilonidal region
• • Previous instrumentation to the abscess
• • Primary language not English or Spanish
• • High probability of loss to follow up (parent does not commit to both mandatory follow up appointments)