Skin and Soft Tissue Infections and Associated Complications among Commercially Insured Patients Aged 0–64 Years with and without Diabetes in the U.S.

PLOS One: April 10, 2013

Introduction

Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) are common infections occurring in ambulatory and inpatient settings. The extent of complications associated with these infections by diabetes status is not well established.

Methods

Using a very large repository database, we examined medical and pharmacy claims of individuals aged 0–64 between 2005 and 2010 enrolled in U.S. health plans. Diabetes, SSTIs, and SSTI-associated complications were identified by ICD-9 codes. SSTIs were stratified by clinical category and setting of initial diagnosis. Read more