LRINEC Score Calculator
Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis - Assess necrotizing soft tissue infection risk
Medical Disclaimer
This calculator is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical judgment. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals for diagnosis and treatment decisions. In emergency situations, seek immediate medical attention.
Calculate LRINEC Score
LRINEC Score Results
Clinical Interpretation
The probability of necrotizing fasciitis is less than 50%. Your patient is at low risk for having necrotizing fasciitis.
Clinical Recommendation:
Continue monitoring patient. Consider other diagnoses for soft tissue infection.
Score Breakdown
Example Case
Case: Suspected Necrotizing Fasciitis
Patient: 45-year-old male with rapidly spreading cellulitis
Lab Values:
- • C-reactive protein: 180 mg/L (>150)
- • WBC count: 18 × 10³/μL (15-25)
- • Hemoglobin: 10.5 g/dL (<11)
- • Serum sodium: 130 mEq/L (<135)
- • Serum creatinine: 2.1 mg/dL (>1.6)
- • Serum glucose: 190 mg/dL (>180)
LRINEC Score Calculation
CRP >150 mg/L: 4 points
WBC 15-25: 1 point
Hemoglobin <11 g/dL: 2 points
Sodium <135 mEq/L: 2 points
Creatinine >1.6 mg/dL: 2 points
Glucose >180 mg/dL: 1 point
Total LRINEC Score: 12 (High Risk - >75% probability)
Risk Categories
Low Risk
Score ≤5
<50% probability
Medium Risk
Score 6-7
50-75% probability
High Risk
Score ≥8
>75% probability
Warning Signs
Severe pain out of proportion
Rapidly spreading erythema
Skin necrosis or bullae
Systemic toxicity
Fever and tachycardia
Hypotension
LRINEC Parameters
C-Reactive Protein
Marker of inflammation
White Blood Cells
Immune response indicator
Hemoglobin
Oxygen-carrying capacity
Sodium
Electrolyte balance
Creatinine
Kidney function marker
Glucose
Stress response marker
Understanding LRINEC Score
What is Necrotizing Fasciitis?
Necrotizing fasciitis, also known as "flesh-eating disease," is a rare but life-threatening bacterial infection that rapidly destroys skin, fat, and tissue covering muscles. Early recognition and immediate treatment are crucial for patient survival.
Clinical Presentation
- •Severe pain disproportionate to physical findings
- •Rapidly spreading erythema and swelling
- •Skin changes (bullae, necrosis)
- •Systemic toxicity (fever, tachycardia)
LRINEC Score Utility
Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis
- Purpose: Risk stratification tool
- Range: 0-13 points
- Low Risk: ≤5 points (<50% probability)
- Medium Risk: 6-7 points (50-75% probability)
- High Risk: ≥8 points (>75% probability)
Important: LRINEC score is an adjunct to clinical judgment. High clinical suspicion should not be dismissed based on low scores alone.
Treatment Principles
Emergency Surgery
Immediate surgical debridement of necrotic tissue
Antibiotics
Broad-spectrum IV antibiotics targeting gram-positive organisms
Supportive Care
Fluid resuscitation, pain management, nutritional support