Comparison of LRINEC Scoring System with Finger Test and Histopathological Examination for Necrotizing Fasciitis

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Surgical Pathology
• Diagnostic Medicine

Background:

• Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a severe, rapidly progressing infection with high morbidity and mortality.
• Early clinical diagnosis of NF is challenging due to its non-specific presentation.
• The "Finger test" and LRINEC score have been proposed as aids for early NF diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the diagnostic accuracy of the LRINEC scoring system and the "Finger test" against histopathological examination for necrotizing fasciitis.
• To evaluate the utility of these diagnostic tools in the early recognition and management of NF.

Main Methods:

• Comparative study evaluating the LRINEC score and "Finger test" against gold standard histopathology.
• Statistical analysis to determine the significance and diagnostic performance of each method.

Main Results:

• Both LRINEC score and "Finger test" showed statistical significance in diagnosing NF.
• Histopathology confirmed as the gold standard; LRINEC and "Finger test" demonstrated high sensitivities (83.33% and 86.11%, respectively) for early diagnosis.
• Males were more frequently affected, with *Staphylococcus* being the predominant causative organism.

Conclusions:

• The LRINEC scoring system is a reliable and accessible laboratory tool for diagnosing NF.
• The LRINEC score demonstrated independent diagnostic superiority over the "Finger test" alone or in combination.
• Significant correlation exists between laboratory criteria (LRINEC) and histopathological findings in NF.