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From Rash Decisions to Critical Conditions: A Systematic Review of Dermatological Presentations in Emergency Departments

Abdullah S. Algarni, S. Alshiakh, S. Alghamdi, M. Alahmadi, Abdulah Bokhari, Samar N Aljubayri, Waad M Almutairy, Najwa M. Alfahmi et al.

Diagnostics, 2025

5 citations

Abstract

Background: Dermatological emergencies are critical conditions requiring immediate attention due to their potential to escalate into life-threatening scenarios. Accurate diagnosis and timely management are essential to prevent severe complications, including systemic involvement and mortality. This systematic review summarizes findings on dermatological emergencies in emergency departments (EDs), focusing on diagnostic accuracy, hospitalization rates, systemic complications, and management strategies. Methods: A systematic literature review of studies on dermatological emergencies was conducted, encompassing 24 prospective and retrospective cohort studies, cross-sectional studies, and descriptive analyses. The review included diverse patient populations, examining dermatological presentations, diagnostic methods, treatment strategies, hospitalization rates, and adverse outcomes. Key outcome measures such as diagnostic accuracy, complications, mortality rates, and re-visit frequencies were analyzed. Results: The studies revealed high diagnostic accuracy, particularly in in-person evaluations, with teledermatology showing slightly lower but reliable rates. Systemic complications, including severe drug reactions, bacterial infections, and autoimmune diseases, were common causes of hospitalization. Mortality rates varied, with conditions such as toxic epidermal necrolysis showing the highest risk. Hospitalization rates averaged 4.52%, and re-visit rates ranged from 1% to 6.5%.…

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