Validation of the laboratory risk indicator for necrotizing fasciitis (LRINEC) score for early diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis

Vacuum-assisted closure of a tissue deficit of the submental area in a patient with a necrotizing soft tissue odontogenic infection

Odontogenic infections can rarely progress to necrotizing soft tissue infections. Cervical necrotizing fasciitis (CNF) is a rare but fulminant infection that spreads along the fascial planes, including connective tissue, muscle, and subcutaneous fat, and is typified by necrosis of the skin and other adjacent tissues. This article aims to present the treatment of a patient with submental skin and soft tissue necrosis due to an odontogenic infection and the subsequent management of the tissue deficit with a vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) system. The patient presented with extensive skin necrosis in the submental area and was immediately hospitalized, and management of the odontogenic infection was performed. When the patients' infection had been sufficiently controlled, a wound VAC device was placed in the deficit. The VAC device was removed after 12 days, and the patient was discharged. In conclusion, VAC can be used to manage tissue deficits with good aesthetic results.

Early diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis: Imaging techniques and their combined application

Necrotizing fasciitis is a clinical, surgical emergency characterized by an insidious onset, rapid progression, and a high mortality rate. The disease's mortality rate has remained high for many years, mainly because of its atypical clinical presentation, which prevents many cases from being diagnosed early and accurately, resulting in patients who may die from uncontrollable septic shock and multi-organ failure. But unfortunately, no diagnostic indicator can provide a certain early diagnosis of NF, and clinical judgement of NF is still based on the results of various ancillary tests combined with the patient's medical history, clinical manifestations, and the physician's experience. This review provides a brief overview of the epidemiological features of NF and then discusses the most important laboratory indicators and scoring systems currently employed to diagnose NF. Finally, the latest progress of several imaging techniques in the early diagnosis of NF and their combined application with other diagnostic indices are highlighted. We point out promising research directions based on an objective evaluation of the advantages and shortcomings of different methods, which provide a basis for further improving the early diagnosis of NF.

Evaluation of laboratory risk indicator for necrotizing fasciitis score as an early diagnostic tool for necrotizing fasciitis: a prospective observational study

Introduction

From its historical identification to modern times with advancements in management modalities globally, the mortality of necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is high ranging from 19 to 30% for all affected sites. Although many diagnostic adjuncts have been developed to assist with the prompt and accurate diagnosis of NF, the primary diagnosis is still based on high clinical suspicion. The Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis (LRINEC) score was developed as a tool for distinguishing NF from other soft tissue infections. The main objective of this study is to evaluate LRINEC as a tool for early diagnosis of NF and differentiating it from other soft tissue infections like cellulitis.

Methods

This is a single-centered, prospective observational study. Patients presenting with soft tissue infections of the limbs to the emergency department from November 2020 to October 2021 were included in this study. The clinical findings and blood parameters for the LRINEC score were collected and the score was calculated. Based on clinical suspicion of NF, patients underwent debridement and had a tissue biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. The data obtained was analyzed using SPSS version 24 and MS Excel. The AUC curve was used to calculate a cutoff, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive values for the LRINEC score based on our study.

Results

Forty-five patients with 28 males and 17 females were included. The average age was 53.667 years within a range of 19-79 years. Among them 44.4% of the patients had NF and 66.6% had other minor forms of soft tissue infections. The ROC curve obtained a cutoff value of greater than or equal to 6, with an AUC of 0.751. At this cut of value study showed a sensitivity of 85% with a specificity of 52%. Similarly, positive predictive value was found to be 58.62%, negative predictive values of 81.25%, and overall accuracy of 66.67% in early diagnosis of NF.

Conclusion

In conclusion, our study showed that the LRINEC score can be a reliable tool for the early diagnosis of NF in an ED setting. This scoring system is best to be used to rule out NF.

Is the LRINEC score useful for predicting necrotizing fasciitis as a complication of MRONJ?

INTRODUCTION

Necrotizing fasciitis as a complication of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ), which we named "ONJ-NF", has been sometimes reported. This study aimed to investigate the usefulness of the Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis (LRINEC) score for predicting ONJ-NF.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We included patients with acute MRONJ who required hospitalization at a single institution from April 2013 to June 2022. They were divided into two groups: patients with ONJ-NF and those with severe cellulitis as a complication of MRONJ, which we named "ONJ-SC." LRINEC scores were compared between the groups and the cut-off value of the score was set by creating a receiver operating characteristic curve.

RESULTS

Eight patients with ONJ-NF and 22 patients with ONJ-SC were included. The LRINEC score was significantly higher in patients with ONJ-NF (median: 8.0 points, range 6-10 points) than in those with ONJ-SC (median: 2.5 points, range 0-6 points). A LRINEC score of ≥ 6 points had a sensitivity of 100.0%, a specificity of 77.3%, and an area under the curve of 0.97. Among 6 parameters of LRINEC score, only C-reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cell count (WBC) had significant differences between two groups. Most of the patients with ONJ-NF were rescued by antibiotic therapy and surgical drainage including debridement of necrotic tissues, but unfortunately, one patient did not survive.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggested that the LRINEC score may be a useful diagnostic tool to predict ONJ-NF but valuating only CRP and WBC may be sufficient particularly in patients with osteoporosis.

Prospective Validation and Comparison of Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis (LRINEC) and Site Other Than Lower Limb, Immunosuppression, Age, Renal Impairment, and Inflammatory Markers (SIARI) Scoring Systems for Necrotizing Fasciitis

INTRODUCTION

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a rapidly progressing infection of the soft tissues associated with high morbidity and mortality and hence it is a surgical emergency. Early diagnosis and treatment are of paramount importance. LRINEC (Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis) and SIARI (Site other than lower limb, Immunosuppression, Age, Renal impairment, and Inflammatory markers) scoring systems have been established for early and accurate diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis. This study compared the two scoring systems for diagnosing NF, predicting management, and elucidating the prognostic performance for re-operation and mortality.

METHODS

This prospective study was conducted in PGIMER Chandigarh, India, between February 2020 and June 2021. The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board (No. INT/IEC/2020-90). The clinical presentation, laboratory parameters, and imaging were used to classify patients into NF or severe cellulitis groups. We also calculated the LRINEC and SIARI scores. Demographic variables and mortality were recorded. The area under the receiver operating characteristic was used to express the accuracy of both scores at a cut-off LRINEC and SIARI scores of ≥6 and ≥ 4, respectively.

RESULTS

The study comprised 41 patients with NF and 11 with severe cellulitis. Informed written consent was taken from all the participants. At LRINEC score ≥6, the C-statistic for NF diagnosis was 0.839 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.682-0.995, P 0.001), which was better than SIARI score at ≥ 4, C-statistic of 0.608 (95% CI 0.43-0.787, P 0.297). Both scores accurately predicted 30-day mortality. The LRINEC score showed a C-statistic of 0.912 (95% CI 0.798-1, P 0.001). Simultaneously, the SIARI score showed 70% sensitivity and 77% specificity, with a C-statistic of 0.805 (0.62-0.99, P = 0.017).

CONCLUSIONS

LRINEC score is an effective diagnostic tool for distinguishing necrotizing fasciitis from severe cellulitis. Additional research is required to establish the SIARI score's external validity.

The Bacterial Markers of Identification of Invasive CovR/CovS-Inactivated Group A Streptococcus

Necrotizing fasciitis is a severe infectious disease that results in significant mortality. Streptococcus pyogenes (group A Streptococcus, GAS) is one of the most common bacterial pathogens of monomicrobial necrotizing fasciitis. The early diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis is crucial; however, the typical cutaneous manifestations are not always presented in patients with GAS necrotizing fasciitis, which would lead to miss- or delayed diagnosis. GAS with spontaneous inactivating mutations in the CovR/CovS two-component regulatory system is significantly associated with destructive diseases such as necrotizing fasciitis and toxic shock syndrome; however, no specific marker has been used to identify these invasive clinical isolates. This study evaluated the sensitivity and specificity of using CovR/CovS-controlled phenotypes to identify CovR/CovS-inactivated isolates. Results showed that the increase of hyaluronic acid capsule production and streptolysin O expression were not consistently presented in CovS-inactivated clinical isolates. The repression of SpeB is the phenotype with 100% sensitivity of identifying in CovS-inactivated isolates among 61 clinical isolates. Nonetheless, this phenotype failed to distinguish RopB-inactivated isolates from CovS-inactivated isolates and cannot be utilized to identify CovR-inactivated mutant and RocA (Regulator of Cov)-inactivated isolates. In this study, we identified and verified that PepO, the endopeptidase which regulates SpeB expression through degrading SpeB-inducing quorum-sensing peptide, was a bacterial marker to identify isolates with defects in the CovR/CovS pathway. These results also inform the potential strategy of developing rapid detection methods to identify invasive GAS variants during infection. IMPORTANCE Necrotizing fasciitis is rapidly progressive and life-threatening; if the initial diagnosis is delayed, deep soft tissue infection can progress to massive tissue destruction and toxic shock syndrome. Group A Streptococcus (GAS) with inactivated mutations in the CovR/CovS two-component regulatory system are related to necrotizing fasciitis and toxic shock syndrome; however, no bacterial marker is available to identify these invasive clinical isolates. Inactivation of CovR/CovS resulted in the increased expression of endopeptidase PepO. Our study showed that the upregulation of PepO mediates a decrease in SpeB-inducing peptide (SIP) in the covR mutant, indicating that CovR/CovS modulates SIP-dependent quorum-sensing activity through PepO. Importantly, the sensitivity and specificity of utilizing PepO to identify clinical isolates with defects in the CovR/CovS pathway, including its upstream RocA regulator, were 100%. Our results suggest that identification of invasive GAS by PepO may be a strategy for preventing severe manifestation or poor prognosis after GAS infection.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Effectiveness of LRINEC Score for Predicting Upper and Lower Extremity Necrotizing Fasciitis

This review and meta-analysis aims to assess the prognostic value of the Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis (LRINEC) score for detecting necrotizing fasciitis in the extremities. The LRINEC score has been validated in multiple studies as a clinical tool for differentiating necrotizing fasciitis from non-necrotizing infections however many studies do not specify the location of infection. As the prevalence of diabetes and diabetic foot infections continues to rise, the utility of LRINEC scores in these populations becomes of increased importance. Four databases were reviewed for citations between January 2010 and December 2020. English, full text articles reporting the diagnostic effects of LRINEC were utilized in the systematic review portion of this paper. Further inclusion of 2 × 2 tables and discussion specific to the extremities were applied for citations implemented in the meta-analysis. Of the 111 results, 12 citations (n = 932) were included in this review. The diagnostic sensitivity of the LRINEC score ranged from 36% to 77% while specificity ranged from 72% to 93%. Cumulative odds ratio for LRINEC ≥6 among the 4 studies assessing extremity necrotizing fasciitis was 4.3 with p value of <.05. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value was 49.39%, 83.17%, 34.91%, and 89.99%, respectively. Accuracy, the classification by whether a patient was correctly classified, was 77.95%. LRINEC score is effective at distinguishing necrotizing fasciitis from other soft tissue infections however the LRINEC's score greatest clinical application may be its ability to rule out necrotizing fasciitis while its ability to accurately identify the presence of infection remains suboptimal.

The characteristics of oro-cervical necrotizing fasciitis-Comparison with severe cellulitis of oro-cervical region and necrotizing fasciitis of other body regions

Background

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is an acute and life-threatening soft-tissue infection however rarely seen in oro-cervical region. Therefore, the details of oro-cervical NF (OCNF) are not well known. The purpose of this study was to investigate the characteristics of OCNF by comparing it with severe cellulitis of oro-cervical region (OCSC) or NF of other body regions (e.g., limb, perineum, and trunk) (BNF), respectively.

Materials and methods

At first, various risk factors for OCNF in oro-cervical severe infection (OCSI; composed of OCNF and OCSC), including neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis (LRINEC) score, were investigated by univariate and multivariate analyses. Next, the differences between OCNF and BNF, including inflammatory markers and mortality, were investigated.

Results

In the present study, 14 out of 231 OCSI patients had OCNF. Multivariate analyses of OCSI patients showed that NLR ≥15.3 and LRINEC score ≥6 points were significantly related to OCNF. During the same period, 17 patients had BNF. The OCNF group had significantly higher inflammatory markers than the BNF group when diagnosis, but significantly lower clinical stages at the time and mortality as outcomes.

Conclusion

We found that compared to BNF, OCNF can be detected at lower clinical stage by using indexes, such as NLR and LRINEC score, besides clinical findings, which may help contributing to patient’s relief.

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

Introduction

Necrotizing soft tissue infection (NSTI) of the upper extremity (UE) is a rapidly progressing infection that requires early diagnosis and emergent treatment to decrease risks of loss of limb or life. Clinical presentation, particularly of early NSTI, can appear similar to serious cellulitis or abscess. The purpose of this study was to identify factors that are associated with NSTI rather than serious cellulitis and abscess to differentiate patients with similar clinical presentations.

Methods

This study uses a retrospective cohort design that compares patients ultimately diagnosed with UE NSTI versus those diagnosed with UE serious cellulitis or abscess. Cohorts were matched using the Laboratory Risk Indicators for Necrotizing Fasciitis (LRINEC) score in the setting of UE soft tissue infection. Laboratory values, vital signs, subjective symptoms, and social factors including substance abuse and domiciled status were recorded. Continuous variables were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test, whereas categorical variables were compared using the chi-squared test or the Fisher exact test (for expected values less than 5). A binary logistic regression for continuous and categorical variables was also performed. Significance was set at p<0.05. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed.

Results

Multivariate statistical analysis and clinical interpretation of data identified four factors more associated with a diagnosis of NSTI than serious cellulitis or abscess: elevated lactate on hospital presentation, a patient-reported history of fever, male gender, and homelessness. 

Conclusions

In patients with upper extremity infections, the clinical presentation of NSTI and serious cellulitis or abscess may appear similar. In this retrospective cohort of patients matched with LRINEC scores, elevated lactate, subjective fever, male gender, and homelessness were significantly associated with NSTI rather than serious cellulitis or abscess. 

Differentiating Lower Extremity Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infection from Severe Cellulitis by Laboratory Parameters and Relevant History Points

Background

Necrotizing soft tissue infection (NSTI) of the lower extremity (LE) is a rapidly progressing infection that requires early diagnosis and prompt treatment to decrease risks of loss of limb or life. Clinical presentation, particularly of early NSTI, can appear similar to severe cellulitis. The purpose of this study is to identify factors that are associated with NSTI rather than severe cellulitis to differentiate patients with similar clinical presentation.

Methods

This retrospective cohort design study compares patients finally diagnosed with LE NSTI versus those diagnosed with severe cellulitis. Cohorts were matched using the modified Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis (m-LRINEC) score in the setting of LE soft tissue infection. Laboratory values, vital signs, subjective symptoms, and social factors including substance abuse were recorded. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed.

Results

Multivariate statistical analysis and clinical interpretation of data identified four factors more associated with a diagnosis of NSTI than severe cellulitis: elevated lactate, a patient-reported history of fever, male gender, and intravenous substance user.

Conclusion

In patients with lower extremity infections, the clinical presentation of NSTI and severe cellulitis may appear similar. In this retrospective cohort of patients matched with m-LRINEC scores, elevated lactate, subjective fever, male gender, and intravenous substance abuser were significantly associated with NSTI rather than severe cellulitis. Further studies of these factors in the clinical setting can help tailor the differential diagnosis in the care of patients with severe lower extremity infections. Matched with m-LRINEC scores, elevated lactate, subjective fever, male gender, and intravenous substance abuser were significantly associated with NSTI rather than severe cellulitis. Further studies of these factors in the clinical setting can help tailor the differential diagnosis in the care of patients with severe lower extremity infections.

Clinical and laboratory characteristics of patients presenting to a tertiary care center emergency department with invasive group A streptococcal infections

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to describe the clinical and laboratory characteristics of invasive group A streptococcal infections in a geographic area that sees a high volume of cases.

METHODS

We conducted a health records review of consecutive patients presenting to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre Emergency Department (ED) in 2016-2017 with a diagnosis of invasive group A streptococcal infection using ICD-10 codes. Patient demographics, host characteristics, triage vital signs, laboratory values, culture sites, and disposition were described using univariate and bivariate statistics.

RESULTS

Forty-four adult cases were identified over 2 years, with a median age of 44 years (interquartile range, 35-52). The most prevalent risk factors were diabetes mellitus (45%), current or previous alcohol abuse (39%), and current or previous intravenous drug use (34%). The two most abnormal triage vitals signs were a heart rate ≥ 100 beats per minute in 32 (73%) cases and a respiratory rate ≥ 20 breaths per minute in 27 (63%) cases. The temperature was ≥ 38°C in only 14 (32%) of cases. The C-reactive protein (CRP) was always elevated when measured, and greater than 150 mg/L in 20 (71%) of cases. One-third of patients had an ED visit in the preceding 7 days before the diagnosis of invasive group A Streptococcus.

CONCLUSIONS

Invasive group A streptococcal infections often present insidiously in adult patients with mild tachycardia and tachypnea at triage. The CRP was the most consistently abnormal laboratory investigation.

Necrotizing fasciitis: The bounce-back patient case report

ABSTRACT

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a complicated skin and soft tissue infection that has a high mortality rate and often requires surgical debridement, intravenous antibiotics, and wound care. The nurse practitioner needs to be aware of the common characteristics of NF and depending on their clinical environment, know when to refer the patient to a local emergency department (ED) for further evaluation and treatment and/or consult for hospital admission from an ED.

The Diagnosis and Management of Life-threatening Urologic Infections

Genitourinary infections are commonly encountered and managed in inpatient, outpatient, and emergency settings. Fournier's gangrene, emphysematous pyelonephritis, and obstructive pyelonephritis represent the most serious urologic infections and have a high risk of mortality if not managed promptly. Due to the rarity of these infections, the evidence for specific treatment strategies is scattered. This review aims to provide comprehensive, evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis and management of these life-threatening urologic infections.

Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis of the Oro-Cervical Region (LRINEC-OC): A Possible Diagnostic Tool for Emergencies of the Oro-Cervical Region

Aim

Oro-cervical necrotizing fasciitis (OCNF) treatment requires early surgical debridement and opening of the wound, and therefore, early diagnosis is very important. The Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis (LRINEC) score based on blood test data has recently been proposed as an auxiliary diagnostic tool. However, in some cases, it is difficult to diagnose OCNF. We performed a pooled analysis of patients with OCNF at Gunma University Hospital and literature cases, with the goal of designing a new auxiliary diagnostic tool for OCNF by adding physical characteristics of the oro-cervical region to blood test data in the first examination.

Methods

Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to select predictors of OCNF. The LRINEC-Oro-Cervical (OC) score was then designed using correlation coefficients of items selected in logistic regression analysis. A cutoff value for the LRINEC-OC score was determined using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.

Results

CRP, WBC, Cr, and skin flare in the cervical and precordial regions were extracted as independent factors (p < 0.05) and evaluated as predictors of OCNF. The LRINEC-OC score for the prediction of OCNF was designed using the regression coefficients in logistic analysis. The cutoff value for the LRINEC-OC score was 6 points with a sensitivity of 88.5% and a specificity of 93.4%, and the AUC was 0.909.

Conclusion

Delays in diagnosis and surgical treatment for OCNF led to a fatal prognosis, and the potential utility of the LRINEC-OC score for improving the prognosis was shown in this study.

Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infection: Diagnostic Accuracy of Physical Examination, Imaging, and LRINEC Score: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

We sought to summarize accuracy of physical examination, imaging, and Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis (LRINEC) score in diagnosis of necrotizing soft tissue infection (NSTI) in adults with a soft tissue infection clinically concerning for NSTI.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

NSTI is a life-threatening diagnosis. Delay to diagnosis and surgical management is associated with increased mortality.

METHODS

We searched 6 databases from inception through November 2017. We included English-language studies reporting diagnostic accuracy of testing or LRINEC Score. Outcome was NSTI confirmed by surgery or histopathology. Two reviewers screened all citations and extracted data independently. Summary measures were obtained from the Hierarchical Summary Receiver Operating Characteristic model.

RESULTS

From 2,290 citations, we included 23 studies (n = 5982). Of physical examination signs, pooled sensitivity and specificity for fever was 46.0% and 77.0% respectively, for hemorrhagic bullae 25.2% and 95.8%, and for hypotension 21.0% and 97.7%. Computed tomography (CT) had sensitivity of 88.5% and specificity of 93.3%, while plain radiography had sensitivity of 48.9% and specificity of 94.0%. Finally, LRINEC ≥ 6 had sensitivity of 68.2% and specificity of 84.8%, while LRINEC ≥ 8 had sensitivity of 40.8% and specificity of 94.9%.

CONCLUSIONS

Absence of any 1 physical examination feature (eg, fever or hypotension) is not sufficient to rule-out NSTI. CT is superior to plain radiography. LRINEC had poor sensitivity, and should not be used to rule-out NSTI. Given the poor sensitivity of these tests, a high clinical suspicion warrants early surgical consultation for definitive diagnosis and management.

The SIARI Score: A Novel Decision Support Tool Outperforms LRINEC Score in Necrotizing Fasciitis

BACKGROUND

The Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis (LRINEC) scoring system was developed to aid the diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis and guide management [1].

AIM

To validate the LRINEC score and identify clinical predictors to develop a refined diagnostic scoring tool for the diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis at Middlemore Hospital, New Zealand.

METHODS

This was a retrospective case-control study of patients admitted to Middlemore Hospital with necrotizing fasciitis and severe cellulitis between January 2000 and December 2010. The LRINEC scores at admission were evaluated for performance in discriminating between cases of necrotizing fasciitis and severe cellulitis. Cases and controls were randomized into developmental and validation cohorts. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis of demographic, clinical, and laboratory variables for the diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis was performed. The identified independent predictors were used to develop a new diagnostic scoring tool.

RESULTS

The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (C-statistic) of a LRINEC score ≥6 for the diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis was 0.679. The newly developed SIARI score [Site other than the lower limb, Immunosuppression, Age < 60 years, Renal impairment (creatinine > 141), and Inflammatory markers (CRP ≥ 150, WCC > 25] demonstrated superior diagnostic ability compared with the LRINEC score in both the developmental (C-statistic: 0.832 vs. 0.691, p < 0.001) and validation cohorts (C-statistic: 0.847 vs. 0.667, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The LRINEC score exhibited only modest discriminative performance in this cohort, while the SIARI score is a simplified tool that demonstrates superior diagnostic ability for detecting necrotizing fasciitis. Future external validation studies are required to confirm the trends observed in this study.

Necrotising fasciitis in a patient with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance

To consider the potential risk of an unprovoked infectious disease, such as necrotising fasciitis, being present in patients whereby monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance is an active co-morbidity.

A Systematic Review of the Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis Score and Its Utility in Orthopedics for Diagnosing Necrotizing Fasciitis in Adults

Given its association with trauma and surgery, necrotizing fasciitis is a disease orthopedists are likely to encounter. The laboratory risk indicator for necrotizing fasciitis score is an adjunct diagnostic test designed to help diagnose early necrotizing fasciitis infections, but studies evaluating the scoring system have reported conflicting results. The purpose of this systematic review was to provide clarity on the laboratory risk indicator for necrotizing fasciitis score's capabilities and when it is best used. [Orthopedics. 2019; 42(3):e288-e294.].

Perforated caecal carcinoma masquerading as lower limb necrotising fasciitis: lessons learnt

A 69-year-old man was admitted with non-resolving right leg cellulitis. Subsequent skin changes over the calf and discharging pus suggested necrotising fasciitis. After several wound debridements of the leg and imaging, the patient was found to have an iliopsoas abscess due to a metastatic perforated caecal tumour extending along the medial thigh to the calf. No micro-organisms indicative of typical necrotising fasciitis were isolated from the wound. The patient had an ileocaecal resection, and his leg was reconstructed with a split thickness skin graft. He continues to do well postoperatively. This case highlights key lessons when dealing with an unusual presentation leading to challenges in diagnosis such as: (1) the need for good interspecialty liaison, (2) prompt senior review and plan, and (3) 'thinking outside the box' when faced with a diagnostic challenge.

Necrotizing fasciitis: case series and review of the literature on clinical and medico-legal diagnostic challenges

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a life-threatening infection of soft tissues spreading along the fasciae to the surrounding musculature, subcutaneous fat and overlying skin areas that can rapidly lead to septic shock and death. Due to the pandemic increase of medical malpractice lawsuits, above all in Western countries, the forensic pathologist is frequently asked to investigate post-mortem cases of NF in order to determine the cause of death and to identify any related negligence and/or medical error. Herein, we review the medical literature dealing with cases of NF in a post-mortem setting, present a case series of seven NF fatalities and discuss the main ante-mortem and post-mortem diagnostic challenges of both clinical and forensic interests. In particular, we address the following issues: (1) origin of soft tissue infections, (2) micro-organisms involved, (3) time of progression of the infection to NF, (4) clinical and histological staging of NF and (5) pros and cons of clinical and laboratory scores, specific forensic issues related to the reconstruction of the ideal medical conduct and the evaluation of the causal value/link of any eventual medical error.

A rare case report of vulvar necrotizing fasciitis in a healthy patient

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NF should be considered regardless of atypical location and lack of associations.

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Clinical findings are important indicators when diagnosing NF.

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Immediate surgical intervention should be performed upon suspicion of NF.

Introduction

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF), a necrotizing infection of the soft tissue, is a medical emergency usually occurring in the lower extremities and abdominal regions and often difficult to diagnose promptly.

Presentation of case

This case report looks at one atypical presentation of NF with the unusual location of the vulva and no known associated comorbidities or risk factors.

Discussion

Diagnosing this patient was particularly difficult due to the inconsistent clinical, laboratory and imaging findings. The CT scans and WBC count were indicative of NF, but the LRINEC score was not high enough to make the diagnosis of NF. As a result, we relied on the hemodynamic instability and clinical findings of the physical exam to be strong indicators of NF, and acted on that indication.

Conclusion

Acting quickly on the hemodynamic findings and suspicion as opposed to waiting for a confirmed diagnosis resulted in a good prognosis since immediate surgical debridement is imperative to surviving this acute condition. Despite major advancements in the imaging modalities and the introduction of a laboratory score, our case suggests that the diagnosis still heavily relies on clinical findings, such as hemodynamic instability. Furthermore, our case suggests that NF should be included in the differential regardless of atypical location and lack of common clinical associations.