Persistent Cellulitis Challenges
27 years old, residing in the UK. Since 2022, I’ve been battling recurring cellulitis in my right leg. It seemed to subside for about eighteen months, but in the past seven weeks, the infection has not fully resolved, even after multiple rounds of antibiotics. Here's what treatment I've undergone so far: - **Clarithromycin:** This was effective for me previously. - **Linezolid:** While the redness improved, I still experience notable swelling and discomfort. - **Co-trimoxazole:** This reduced infection markers, yet the redness and flaky skin persisted. I was advised to discontinue this antibiotic. - **Intravenous antibiotics during hospital stays.** - Currently, I am back on Clarithromycin, switching between topical treatments of Fusidic acid and Mupirocin for my leg, which flared up again a week after stopping Co-trimoxazole. I’ve undergone several tests: - **X-ray** - **Doppler scan for the veins** - **CT scan** to exclude any abscesses - I have also been referred for an **MRI** to check for any additional complications. I have consulted with the following departments: - Vascular - Orthopedic - Infectious Diseases To help manage the skin condition, I was prescribed Hydromol for moisturizing, but I have paused its use to focus on the Clarithromycin and the topical antibiotic applications. I’m feeling quite disheartened at this point, as it seems like every avenue has been explored or perhaps something has been overlooked? I'm reaching out in hopes that anyone who has faced a similar situation might share what worked for them? I’ve posted the most recent update in the comments.
Answers (1)
8/28/2025, 6:21:20 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’ve been through a lot with your recurring cellulitis and can understandably feel discouraged given the length and complexity of your situation. The key points in your case are the persistence of symptoms despite various treatments and the involvement of multiple specialists. Let's break it down and outline some steps you can take to improve your management of this issue.
Explanation of Your Situation
Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection that can be challenging to treat, especially when it recurs. The fact that you've had multiple courses of antibiotics and have sought advice from several specialist departments indicates that you are actively managing your health. The combination of swelling, discomfort, and persistent skin issues can be frustrating. Your current treatment regimen with Clarithromycin and topical antibiotics is an ongoing attempt to combat the infection.
Prioritized Next Steps
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Continue the Current Treatment: Stick with Clarithromycin and the topical antibiotics (Fusidic acid or Mupirocin) as advised by your healthcare provider. Complete the full course to ensure the infection is appropriately targeted.
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Regular Skin Care:
- Reintroduce the use of Hydromol, as moisturization can help your skin barrier, potentially reducing irritation and fostering healing. Apply it at least twice daily, especially after washing and before bed.
- Keep the infected area clean and dry to prevent additional complications.
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Monitor Symptoms:
- Keep a detailed diary of any changes in your symptoms, including size of the swollen area, any pain levels, changes in skin appearance, and any other relevant information. This can help your healthcare providers make informed decisions about next steps.
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Identify Triggers:
- Consider factors that may predispose you to recurrent cellulitis (e.g., skin injuries, moisture, diabetes, or lymphatic issues). Addressing these might be crucial for prevention.
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Consult with Your Healthcare Provider:
- Since you’ve seen multiple specialists, ensure that you’re able to communicate any new findings from your symptom diary during your next appointment (especially after the MRI results). Discuss the possibility of long-term preventive antibiotics or referral to an advanced wound care specialist if necessary.
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Explore Holistic Approaches:
- Alongside medical treatment, strategies such as a balanced diet, hydration, and stress management (such as mindfulness or gentle exercise if tolerated) may help your overall wellbeing and immune response.
Don’t hesitate to reach out for support, whether it’s from a counselor, support group, or community resources. Engaging with others who have similar experiences can provide both emotional support and practical advice. Remember, you are not alone in this journey; leaning on your support system can be tremendously helpful.
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# 7-Month-Old Child with Abernethy Malformation - Exploring Treatment Options ## [7-Month-Old] Identified with Abernethy Malformation (Congenital Portosystemic Shunt) - Treatment Methods? **Age:** 7 months **Gender:** Female **Height:** Age-appropriate **Weight:** Currently 9 kg, was 2.8 kg at birth **Ethnicity:** Asian **Duration of Symptoms:** Present since birth **Location:** Uzbekistan **Pre-existing Health Issues:** Abernethy malformation (congenital portosystemic shunt), liver hemangiomas, chronic jaundice, anemia **Current Treatments:** Supportive management --- ## INITIAL PRESENTATION (June 2025 - July 2025) Our daughter arrived on **June 27, 2025**, presenting with: - Birth weight: **2.8 kg** - Marked jaundice (yellowing of skin and sclera) - Pale or clay-colored stools - **Bilirubin level: 245 μmol/L** (typically <20) An immediate ultrasound indicated multiple liver anomalies, initially thought to be hemangiomas. --- ## FIRST COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT (August 1, 2025 - 1 Month Old) ### Multislice Computed Tomography (MSCT) with 3-Phase Contrast (August 1, 2025): **RESULTS:** - **Portocaval shunt size: 9.9 mm** (blood bypassing the liver into the inferior vena cava) - **Arteriovenous shunt size: 4.4 mm** - **Portal vein size: 6.1 mm** (patent) - **Three nodular cystic lesions** located in the perivascular area, with largest measuring 11.6×20.7 mm, enhancing during the venous phase - Liver features a heterogeneous architecture, exhibiting irregular enhancement - Gallbladder appears elongated and slightly enlarged - Other abdominal organs exhibit normal findings **RADIOLOGIST’S ASSESSMENT:** "Congenital portosystemic shunt indicative of Abernethy malformation; less likely arteriovenous malformation (AVM); cannot dismiss the possibility of localized liver lesions." **ADVICE:** Seek consultations with an abdominal and vascular surgeon. ### Blood Tests (August 1, 2025): **Complete Blood Count:** - WBC: 10.44 × 10⁹/L (normal range) - **RBC: 2.1 × 10¹²/L** (LOW - indicating severe anemia) - **Hemoglobin: 69 g/L** (CRITICALLY LOW; normal is 117-166) - Platelets: 403 × 10⁹/L (elevated) **Biochemistry Analysis:** - 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WBC: 5.8 × 10⁹/L (SHOWS IMPROVEMENT) - **RBC: 2.93 × 10¹²/L** (IMPROVED but still low) - **Hemoglobin: 72 g/L** (SHOWS IMPROVEMENT but still low) - Platelets: 223 × 10⁹/L (BACK TO NORMAL) - Neutrophils: 30.0% - Lymphocytes: 64.8% - Monocytes: 4.6% ### Biochemistry (January 28, 2026): - Total protein level: 67 g/L (slightly deficient) - Creatinine: 20.7 μmol/L - **Total Bilirubin: 242 μmol/L** (STILL HIGH - unchanged) - **Direct Bilirubin: 142 μmol/L** (VERY HIGH) - **ALT: 50 IU/mL** (DRASTICALLY LOWER from >1000!) --- ## OVERVIEW OF PROGRESS OVER 6 MONTHS | Parameter | August 2025 | January 2026 | Change | |------------------|-------------|---------------|--------------------------| | **Hemoglobin** | 69 g/L | 72 g/L | ↗ Slight improvement | | **RBC** | 2.1 | 2.93 | ↗ Improved | | **ALT** | >1000 | 50 | ✓✓ MAJOR IMPROVEMENT | | **Bilirubin** | 245 | 242 | → Unchanged (still elevated) | | **Portal vein** | 6.1 mm | 3.9 mm (US) | ↗ Decreased | | **Platelets** | 403 | 223 | ↘ Normalized | | **Shunt size** | 9.9 mm | 9.9 mm | → No Change | --- ## CURRENT SITUATION (February 2026 - 7 Months Old) - **Weight:** 9 kg (good growth rate in spite of condition) - **Jaundice:** Continues to be present (yellow skin) - **Stools:** Remain pale/clay-colored - **Development:** Achieving appropriate milestones - **Energy:** Appears to have a good energy level - **Feeding:** Normal appetite --- ## QUESTIONS FOR r/AskDocs We have been informed this is **Type 2 Abernethy malformation** (portal vein present). **Three treatment avenues have been proposed:** ### Option 1: **Endovascular Coil Embolization** (minimally invasive approach) - A catheter is inserted via the leg vein to access the shunt and deploy coils/plugs to close the abnormal vessels - Pros: No surgical incision, minimal discomfort, short hospital stay (2-4 days), no scars, enhanced safety - Duration: 1-2 hours - Recovery: 2-4 weeks for jaundice to show improvement ### Option 2: **Open Surgical Intervention** - An incision in the abdomen to ligate abnormal vessels and redirect blood to the liver - Pros: Direct visualization, effective results - Cons: Surgical scar, longer recovery time (7-14 days in hospital) - Duration: 2-4 hours ### Option 3: **Liver Transplantation** - We have been advised this is not necessary as the portal vein is functional and liver health is improving. --- ## SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER: 1. **With a functional portal vein (6.1 mm) and improving liver function (ALT normalized), is it advisable to pursue endovascular closure as the preferred treatment?** 2. **Despite ALT levels improving, the bilirubin remains consistently high (242). Should this be a cause for concern? Is there a prospect for it to normalize post shunt closure?** 3. **Are the hemangiomas/nodules (11.6×20.7 mm) linked to the shunt? Will they likely resolve following shunt repair?** 4. **How urgent is the proposed intervention? Is immediate action required, or is there flexibility to wait a few months?** 5. **What complications should we be vigilant for during the waiting period?** 6. **Regarding endovascular closure - what is the average success rate for infants aged 7 months? Are there concerns regarding the shunt size (9.9 mm)?** 7. **The measurement of the portal vein has shown improvement from 6.1 mm to 3.9 mm; should this be perceived as a positive sign or a reason for concern?** 8. **Are there special directives (diet modifications, medications) we should consider while awaiting the procedure?** 9. **Post-procedure, how long should we expect it might take for:** - Normalization of bilirubin levels? - Return of stool color to normal? - Resolution of jaundice? - Regression of hemangiomas? 10. **Can you recommend any specialized centers for pediatric Abernethy malformation treatments? We are located in Uzbekistan but are prepared to travel (to Turkey, Russia, South Korea, etc.)** --- ## ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - No family history of hepatic diseases - Pregnancy and delivery were normal - No additional congenital defects identified - Immunizations up to date - No history of bleeding disorders - No signs indicative of encephalopathy - Child is alert and engaged --- **I can supply actual MSCT images and comprehensive lab reports if they would be of assistance.** We sincerely appreciate any insights you can provide. We are striving to make the most informed decision regarding our daughter’s care and highly value expert medical opinions. **TL;DR:** 7-month-old diagnosed with Abernethy Type 2 malformation (9.9 mm portocaval shunt, patent portal vein). Liver functionality is improving (normalized ALT) while bilirubin remains elevated (242). Evaluating options between endovascular coil embolization and open surgery. Seeking expert advice on optimal treatment strategy and timing.