Does the addition of Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole to Cephalexin improve the clinical cure of cellulitis?

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Why is this study important?

The increasing prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has likely led to the practice of adding an antibiotic (Abx) with MRSA coverage to initial Abx therapy for patients with clinical findings of uncomplicated cellulitis. This study investigates whether the addition of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) to cephalexin decreases treatment failure in these emergency department (ED) patients, including those with diabetes and prior MRSA infection.

Which, if any, threats to validity are most likely to have an impact on the results and how?

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