Kutmanova et al evaluated patients with cutaneous anthrax for risk factors associated with more serious disease. This can help to identify a patient who may require more aggressive management. The authors are from International School of Medicine, Osh State University and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Patient selection: cutaneous anthrax
Outcome: severe disease or meningitis
General predictors for severe anthrax or meningitis:
(1) obesity
(2) hypertension
(3) COPD
(4) tobacco and/or alcohol use
Predictors for meningitis:
(1) fever or chills
(2) nausea or vomiting
(3) severe headache
(4) altered mental status
(5) malignant pustule edema
Number of Meningitis Predictors
Interpretation
>= 3
likely meningitis
2
indeterminate
0 or 1
likely not meningitis
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