View source for Template:Abscess evidence overview

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus ([[MRSA]]) is a well known cause of many abscesses in the ED being the most common cause of purulent skin and soft-tissue infections.<ref>Maligner D et al. The prevalence of community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) in skin abscesses presenting to the pediatric emergency department. N C Med J. 2008 Sep-Oct;69(5):351-4.</ref><ref>Pickett A et al. Changing incidence of methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus skin abscesses in a pediatric emergency department. Pediatr Emerg Care. 2009 Dec;25(12):831-4.</ref><ref>Bradley W. Frazee et al. High Prevalence of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Emergency Department Skin and Soft Tissue Infections http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.annemergmed.2004.10.011</ref> Treatment for cutaneous abscesses has been [[incision and drainage]] with antibiotics generally reserved for those that also had associated cellulitis. This multicenter, double-blind, randomized Controlled Trial of 5 US EDs with >1200 patients challenges the traditional dogma of no antibiotics for simple small uncomplicated abscesses that can be drained.  For abscess of median size, 2.5 x 2.0 x 1.5cm that underwent I&D and co-administration of 5 days of [[TMP/SMX]], cure rates were 80.5% vs 73.6% with placebo and I&D.<ref>Talan DA et al.. "Trimethoprim–Sulfamethoxazole versus Placebo for Uncomplicated Skin Abscess". NEJM. 2016. 374(9):823-832. [EBQ:TMP-SMX vs Placebo for Uncomplicated Skin Abscess|Bactrim and I&D NEJM]]</ref>