Home Infusion Therapy for Cellulitis: The Next Fad, or a Solid Option?

Prior research has suggested that home infusion therapy — intravenous (IV) medication therapy at home, with or without substantial nursing support — is safe and effective for several conditions, including cellulitis. Now investigators from a single center report their experience after implementing home infusion therapy for cellulitis. Patients were eligible if admitted to the emergency department (ED) observation unit for IV therapy of uncomplicated cellulitis.

Of 213 patients admitted to the ED observation unit over the 8-month study period, 32 (15%) were discharged with home infusion therapy. Patients hung their own antibiotics at home but were monitored with periodic visits by a physician and a nurse. The mean duration of home therapy was…