A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY ON THE PROGNOSTIC UTILITY OF THE LRINEC SCORE IN NECROTIZING FASCIITIS: EVIDENCE FROM A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN SOUTH INDIA

Abstract

Background: Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a rapidly progressive, potentially fatal soft-tissue infection with mortality 20–30%, reaching near  100%  when treatment  is  delayed.  The  LRINEC  score — incorporating CRP, WBC, haemoglobin,  sodium, creatinine, and glucose — was proposed for NF risk stratification; its prognostic accuracy in tertiary-care populations warrants validation. Objectives: To evaluate the prognostic utility ofthe LRINEC score in predicting morbidity, mortality, and clinical outcomes in confirmed NF patients at SMCH, Chennai. Methods: Retrospective cohort study of 50 consecutive NF patients (Feb 2023–Feb 2024) at  SMCH. Patients stratified by LRINEC score (<6, 6–7, ≥8). Primary outcomes: morbidity, mortality, hospital stay. Logistic regression and survival analysis performed; p<0.05 considered significant. Results: Mean age 55 years; M:F ratio 3:2. LRINEC ≥6 associated with 91% comorbidity prevalence, median stay 23–25 days, morbidity  63%,  mortality  26%  vs  53%  and   17%  in  low-risk  group  (p<0.05).  LRINEC  ≥8 patients:  mean  stay  25  days, complications 45%, mortality 35%. Conclusion: The LRINEC score is a robust, clinically accessible prognostic indicator for NF. Elevated scores reliably identify patients requiring aggressive surgical and intensive care intervention. Prospective multicentre validation is recommended