Lance J Johnson1, Peter A Crisologo2, Siva Sivaganesan3, Charles C Caldwell4, Jordan Henning5. 1. University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA. Electronic address: Lancejohnsondpm@gmail.com. 2. Division of Podiatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA. 3. Division of Statistics and Data Science, Department of Mathematical Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA. 4. Division of Research, Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA. 5. Division of Podiatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA; Podiatry Department, Cincinnati Veteran Affairs Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
Abstract
AIMS: 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. METHODS: 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. RESULTS: 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 < 0.01, 95% CI [1.1-1.7]) were associated with Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infection. CONCLUSIONS: The Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis was useful as a negative predictor of Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infection while C- reactive protein and white blood cell count may have value as individual predictors. We recommend high clinical suspicion of Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections in diabetics as laboratory evaluation may be non-specific.
AIMS: 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. METHODS: 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. RESULTS: 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 < 0.01, 95% CI [1.1-1.7]) were associated with Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infection. CONCLUSIONS: The Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis was useful as a negative predictor of Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infection while C- reactive protein and white blood cell count may have value as individual predictors. We recommend high clinical suspicion of Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections in diabetics as laboratory evaluation may be non-specific.