Correlation of the laboratory risk indicators for necrotizing fasciitis (LRINEC) score with the clinical features and surgical management of necrotizing soft tissue infections

Abstract

Background: Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a devastating soft tissue infection associated with potentially poor outcomes. The Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis (LRINEC) score has been introduced as a diagnostic tool for NF. We aimed to correlate the clinical features of NSTI with the LRINEC score, its application to distinguish Necrotizing Fasciitis (NF) from other non NSTI and its utility in early surgical management of NSTI.Methods: Patients were evaluated for various symptoms and signs at the time of admission and certain laboratory parameters were assessed. LRINEC score was then calculated. Correlation of the management and severity of infections with respective LRINEC score was then found out.Results: LRINEC score for predicting conservative management of NSTI has a sensitivity of 81.8% and specificity of 98% while for predicting amputation and mortality shows a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 84.5%.Conclusions: The LRINEC score is a robust score capable of detecting even clinically early cases of necrotizing fasciitis.

Enhancing Early Detection of Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections: The Role of the Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis (LRINEC) Score

“…Other symptoms included bullae (56.6%), fever (30%), necrosis (26.6%), tachycardia (16.6%), and hypotension (13.3%). In contrast, Kumar et al [15] reported fever (86%), tenderness (78%), erythema (73%), necrosis (61%), tachycardia (53%), and bullae (38%). A study conducted by Wong et al [16] showed erythema (100%), pain (98%), bullae (45%), necrosis (14%), fever (53%), and hypotension (18%).…”

Differentiating Upper Extremity Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infection From Serious Cellulitis and Abscess

“…Recognizing NSTI can be challenging, because it can occur in the absence of a known causative factor or portal of entry for bacteria [10]. Additionally, early symptoms of NSTI such as swelling, erythema, pain, and drainage from wounds are non-specific and can occur with many different types of infections [11]. Lack of specificity in clinical presentation often requires that multiple soft tissue infections -like serious cellulitis and abscess -with different treatments and prognoses be included in the differential [1].…”