Necrotizing Fasciitis (LRINEC): Epidemiology, Clinical Profiles, and Value of the Laboratory Risk Indicator in a...

Acute bacterial dermohypodermites (ABDH) are frequent soft tissue infections. When left untreated, they can lead to severe regional or general complications. Our study evaluated the role of Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing (LRINEC) in ABDH global care by early detection of patients associated with risk of complication. From January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2015, 221 patients were included. The prevalence of ABDH was 1.02%. Women were the most observed (115/221), with a sex ratio of 0.92. The mean age was 49.8 years, and the majority was between 45 and 59 years old (34.39%). Farmers (30.32%), laborers (25.34%), and traders (18.10%) were the most observed professional categories. The main risk factors reported were anti-inflammatory drugs use (23.98%), alcohol (22.62%), obesity (15.84), medical history of ABDH (14.48%), diabetes mellitus (13.12%), smoking (11.31%), cardiovascular diseases (9.95%), HIV infection (9.90%), and skin blanching (7.6%). Infectious gateway was reported in 62% of cases. The most frequent infection site was the legs (90.05%). Fever was reported in 71.04% of cases. The LRINEC score was above 6 in 23% of cases. Complications occurred in 22.63% of cases, and comparing the two groups according to the LRINEC score, in group with the LRINEC score ≥ 6, we observed 64% of complications. The LRINEC score is an easily available, accessible, and user-friendly tool. It should be disseminated and used by all practitioners to predict complications in patient hospitalized for ABDH in a third-world setting.