Which of the following laboratory parameters forms part of the Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotising Fasciitis (LRINEC) score?
- A Serum sodium ✓
- B Platelet count
- C Serum lactate
- D Arterial pH
Correct answer: A. Serum sodium
Explanation
The LRINEC score uses six variables: C-reactive protein, total white cell count, haemoglobin, serum sodium, serum creatinine and blood glucose. Hyponatraemia below 135 mmol/L contributes points and reflects the sequestration of fluid into the necrotic tissue plane. Platelet count, lactate and arterial pH are markers of sepsis severity used in other scoring systems but are not components of LRINEC. A score of 6 or more makes necrotising fasciitis likely and should prompt urgent exploration.
Reference: Schwartz's Principles of Surgery, 11th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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