Incidence of periorbital necrotising fasciitis in the UK population: a BOSU study

Periorbital necrotising fasciitis (PNF) is a devastating infection of subcutaneous soft tissue and underlying fascia causing severe morbidity and even loss of life. Few case reports of PNF exist and there are no prospective epidemiological studies.

A prospective observational study was undertaken using the British Ophthalmological Surveillance Unit reporting system. Questionnaires were sent to reporting ophthalmologists in the UK seeking cases of PNF over a 2-year period.

30 new cases were confirmed. 16 of the reported cases followed a precipitating event, 9 cases followed trauma and 3 followed surgery. β-haemolytic Streptococcus A was the causative organism identified in 76%, either alone or with concurrent infection, and antibiotic sensitivities are discussed. Systemic complications occurred in the majority of cases (66.6%), with sepsis and death occurring in 10%. Over 50% of surviving patients had subsequent morbidity, reduced acuity (<6/18) being common.

PNF is a rare, dangerous condition. This study identified an incidence of 0.24 per 1,000,000 per annum in the UK. β-haemolytic Streptococcus A is the most common causative organism. Mortality remains a potential outcome, and survivors suffer significant morbidity. Early intravenous antibiotic management with a consensus favouring penicillin and clindamycin combined with debridement.