AB106. SOH24AB_076. Cellulitis: refer to surgeons?

Background: Cellulitis is a common, acute, bacterial infection that causes inflammation of the deep dermis and surrounding subcutaneous tissue. It accounts for 1.2–3% of emergency department (ED) presentations in Ireland and the UK. Necrotising soft tissue infection (NSTI) is a rare, but serious complication of cellulitis, with an estimated mortality of up to 30%. Early operative debridement is a major determinant of outcome, however, the majority of mortality is due to inappropriate antibiotics and uncontrolled sepsis. Identifying which patients with cellulitis may progress to NSTI, and require surgical intervention is paramount.