Does a Fournier's Gangrene Severity Index Score of > 9 Predict Mortality? A Review of 41 Patients in JUTH.

Abstract

Introduction: Fournier's gangrene (FG) is necrotizing fasciitis of the perineum and genital and is potentially fatal. Aim: To determine the usefulness of the Fournier's gangrene severity index score (>9) in predicting mortality in patients with Fournier's gangrene. Methods: It was a prospective study in which all patients aged eighteen (18) years and above diagnosed with Fournier's gangrene were enrolled into the study between March 2014 and April 2019. Fournier's gangrene severity index scores were assessed. Primary outcome variables were assessed with mortality. Results: A total of 41 patients (100% male, mean age 54.32±12.98 years) diagnosed with Fournier's gangrene were recruited into the study. The mortality was 17.1 %(7 patients). The mean Fournier's gangrene severity index score was 5.6±12.98(Median 5.5, IQR 3-7). Mean score forsurvivors was 4.58±2.39(Median 5, IQR 2-6.75). Mean score for non-survivors was 11.8±2.72(Median 12.1, IQR 9-14). Fournier's gangrene severity index score (>9) is a predictor of mortality (p-value-0.001). Conclusion: A Fournier's gangrene severity index threshold value of >9 was useful for predicting mortality in this study.