Laboratory risk indicators for acute necrotizing fasciitis in the emergency setting

Necrotizing fasciitis is a rare bacterial skin condition which forms a major diagnostic challenge and is associated with poor prognosis unless promptly treated. Initial clinical presentation is often misleading with characteristic features developing only late in the course of the disease. In this review, we discuss the applicability and usefulness of laboratory risk indicator for necrotizing fasciitis score in facilitating rapid diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis in emergency department by differentiating it from other skin infections like cellulitis and abscesses. A high index of suspicion resulting from the laboratory risk indicator for necrotizing fasciitis score can facilitate early diagnosis enabling prompt antibiotic administration and timely referral to surgery for wound debridement, ultimately reducing both the morbidity and mortality.