
Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Fournier gangrene laboratory tests
Introduction
Steven C. Campbell, M.D., Ph.D.; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Yamuna Kondapally, M.B.B.S[1]; Jesus Rosario Hernandez, M.D. [2]
Overview
Overview
The most important laboratory findings in necrotizing fasciitis include C-reactive protein, total white blood cell count, Hemoglobin, Sodium, Creatinine, Glucose. The main importance of these laboratory findings are due to their usage as a distinguishing method for differentiating necrotizing fasciitis from other soft tissue infections.
Laboratory Findings
Laboratory Findings
The most important laboratory findings in necrotizing fasciitis include C-reactive protein, total white blood cell count, Hemoglobin, Sodium, Creatinine, Glucose. The main importance of these laboratory findings are due to their usage as a distinguishing method for differentiating necrotizing fasciitis from other soft tissue infections. Laboratory findings consistent with the diagnosis of Fournier gangrene include:
- CBC with differential count
- Culture of open wound or abscess
- Disseminated intravascular coagulation panel
- Coagulation studies(PT, aPTT, thrombin time etc)
- Fibrinogen/fibrin degradation product levels
- Blood culture
- Urine culture
- Arterial blood gas analysis
- Electrolyte panel
- Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
- Creatinine
- Blood glucose levels
Laboratory risk indicator for necrotizing fasciitis (LRINEC) scoring system
LRINEC is a diagnostic scoring system used to distinguish necrotizing fasciitis from other soft tissue infections.[1][2] It was first established by Wong et al in 2004.
| Variable | Score | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | +1 | +2 | +3 | +4 | |
| C-reactive protein (mg/dL) | <150 | >150 | |||
| Total White Blood Cell Count (/mm3) | <15 | 15-25 | >25 | ||
| Hemoglobin (g/dL) | <13.5 | 11-13.5 | <11 | ||
| Sodium (mmol/L) | ≥135 | <135 | |||
| Creatinine (μmol/L) | <141 | >141 | |||
| Glucose (mmol/L) | <10 | >10 | |||
- Score of ≤5 indicates low risk
- Score of 6-7 indicates intermediate risk
- Score of ≥8 indicates high risk
References
References
- ↑ Wong CH, Khin LW, Heng KS, Tan KC, Low CO (2004). “The LRINEC (Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis) score: a tool for distinguishing necrotizing fasciitis from other soft tissue infections”. Crit Care Med. 32 (7): 1535–41. PMID 15241098.
- ↑ Mallikarjuna MN, Vijayakumar A, Patil VS, Shivswamy BS (2012). “Fournier’s Gangrene: Current Practices”. ISRN Surg. 2012: 942437. doi:10.5402/2012/942437. PMC 3518952. PMID 23251819.
