Evaluation of the Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis (LRINEC) score for detecting necrotizing soft tissue infections in patients with diabetes and lower extremity infection

The aim of this pilot study was to assess the Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis (LRINEC), a scoring system for Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections, to diagnose Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections of the lower extremity in patients with diabetes. Sixty-nine patients with lower extremity infections were prospectively enrolled. The Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis was calculated and logistic regression was performed for each laboratory value. The Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis was associated with Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infection diagnosis in patients with diabetes (p = 0.01). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 100%, 69%, 16.6%, and 100% respectively. Elevated C-reactive protein (OR 1.01, p = 0.02, 95% CI [1.002–1.23]) and white blood cell count (OR 1.34, p