Author(s): Jaime Flores Gallardo

Abstract: Background: The LRINEC is a tool in early diagnosis of necrotising fascitis (NF)[1]. However, the original score did not clarify its diagnostic validity depending on the subtype of NF (types 1 to 4) to which it was applied, the comorbidities that the patient might present, or even its prognostic role. Our objective is to assess the diagnostic validity of Lrinec score nowadays.Methods: We conducted a retrospective study applying the LRINEC to 18 patients with NF between 2016 and 2024.Results: The LRINEC value is not influenced by the subtype of NF to which it is applied (p=0.695). Only the values obtained were statistically significantly higher in cases involving S. pyogenes (p=0.04). The presence of comorbidities also had no influence on the values obtained. High LRINEC values also did not translate into a prognostic role with respect to the risk of complications (p=0.489). The sensitivity and PPV figures obtained were much lower than those reported in the original LRINEC article (89.9% and 92%, compared to 61.1% and 44.4% respectively in our series) and especially low for cases of NF type 2 (the most frequent in developed countries). CT as a complementary test was key in guiding the therapeutic decision for debridement, especially in cases with low-risk LRINEC (p=0.029).Conclusions: In summary, although LRINEC was not influenced by the different parameters evaluated, it is a poor diagnostic and prognostic tool in our setting. The clinical picture, and the performance of CT whenever possible, should guide decision-making in this pathology.

DOI: 10.22271/27078345.2025.v7.i1a.244

Pages: 36-40 | Views: 107 | Downloads: 50

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