A prospective application of LRINEC score in necrotising soft tissue infections

Background: Necrotising soft tissue infections are hastily progressing skin and soft tissue infections associated with necrosis of the dermis, subcutaneous tissue, superficial fascia, deep fascia or muscle. This includes a variety of conditions, such as Fournier’s gangrene affecting the perineum and genitalia, Meleney streptococcal gangrene and clostridial myonecrosis. Methods: Prospective observational study. Patients presenting to hospital with clinical features of cellulitis will be included in the study. Patients and their caretakers will be explained the procedure and written consent obtained. All the patients will be investigated and LRINEC score measured. Results: A total of 119 cases were included in the study of which 17 cases were necrotising soft tissue infections and 102 cases were diagnosed with cellulitis with no systemic complications. Conclusions: In conclusion, the LRINEC score is a valuable tool for diagnosing necrotizing fasciitis. Its high sensitivity and specificity make it an ideal tool for clinicians to identify patients at high risk of this severe infection.