Gangrene Severity Index Score Research Articles

English

BACKGROUND: Fourniers gangrene is a fatal necrotising fasciitis of the perineal region which requires aggressive medical or prompt surgical treatment. AIM: Aim of the study is to study its risk and predisposing factors along with the clinical course and management techniques. Predictive values of Fournier Gangrene Severity Index Score was calculated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a prospective case review between july2012 to July 2014, predisposing factors, clinical course and FGSI score for all cases of Fourniers gangrene was evaluated. RESULTS: Commonest affected age group was 40-60 years with an average of 50 years and. The disease more commonly affects in lower socio- economic group. Diabetes and alcoholism were significantly associated with the disease and association of co-morbidities gravely influences the prognosis. Average time before referral for treatment was 6.4days in the survival group and 31.66 days in the non-survival group. FGSI ˂7 had a better outcome, however FGSI˃9 had high mortality rate (20%). CONCLUSION: Older age group patients ˃50 years had significant morbidity and mortality. FGSI is an effective score for mortality assessment with a high predictive value. Early detection of patients followed by adequate surgical debridement and proper antibiotic cover, yields good results.

Factores predictivos de mortalidad en la gangrena de Fournier: serie de 59 casos

AimsFournier's gangrene (FG) is the necrotizing fasciitis of the perineum and genital area and presents a high mortality rate. The aim was to assess prognostic factors for mortality, create a new mortality predictive scale and compare it with previously published scales in patients diagnosed with FG in our Emergency Department. MethodsRetrospective analysis study between 1998 and 2012. ResultsOf the 59 patients, 44 survived (74%) (S) and 15 died (26%) (D). Significant differences were found in peripheral vasculopathy (S 5 [11%]; D 6 [40%]; P=.023), hemoglobin (S 13; D 11; P=.014), hematocrit (S 37; D 31.4; P=.009), white blood cells (S 17,400; D 23,800; P=.023), serum urea (S 58; D 102; P<.001), creatinine (S 1.1; D 1.9; P=.032), potassium (S 3.7; D 4.4; P=.012) and alkaline phosphatase (S 92; D 133; P=.014). Predictive scores: Charlson index (S 1; D 4; P=.013), severe sepsis criteria (S 16 [36%]; D 13 [86%]; P=.001), Fournier's gangrene severity index score (FGSIS) (S 4; D 7; P=.002) and Uludag Fournier's Gangrene Severity Index (UFGSI) (S 9; D 13; P=.004). Independent predictive factors were peripheral vasculopathy, serum potassium and severe sepsis criteria, and a model was created with an area under the ROC curve of 0.850 (0.760-0.973), higher than FGSIS (0.746 [0.601-0.981]) and UFGSI (0.760 [0.617-0.904]). ConclusionsFG showed a high mortality rate. Independent predictive factors were peripheral vasculopathy, potassium and severe sepsis criteria creating a predictive model that performed better than those previously described.

Validation and simplification of Fournier's gangrene severity index

To validate the predictive value of Fournier's Gangrene Severity Index in patients with Fournier gangrene and to facilitate patient mortality risk-stratification by simplifying the Fournier's Gangrene Severity Index. From January 1989 to December 2011, 85 male patients with clinically-documented Fournier's gangrene undergoing intensive treatment and with complete medical records were recruited. The demographic information and nine parameters of Fournier's Gangrene Severity Index were compared between survivors and non-survivors. The parameters that showed a significant difference between the two groups were selected to generate a simplified scoring index. Of the 85 patients recruited, 16 patients died of the disease with mortality rate of 18.8%. The Fournier's Gangrene Severity Index score at initial diagnosis was significantly higher in non-survivors than in survivors. Of the nine parameters of Fournier's Gangrene Severity Index, the scores of serum creatinine level, hematocrit level and serum potassium level were significantly different between the two groups. However, the mean body temperatures, heart rate, respiration rate, white blood cell count, serum sodium and bicarbonate levels were non-significantly different. Of the 12 patients with chronic kidney disease or end-stage renal disease, 10 died of severe sepsis. A simplified scoring index including parameters of creatinine, hematocrit and potassium was generated, which provided sensitivity and specificity of 87% and 77% in predicting patient mortality, respectively. The predictive values of this simplified Fournier's Gangrene Severity Index were shown to be non-inferior to Fournier's Gangrene Severity Index in our patients. The simplified Fournier's Gangrene Severity Index is easy to use at initial diagnosis, and offers a way to compare outcomes in different clinical populations.

Fournier’s gangrene: outcome analysis of 62 consecutive cases

Objectives: The objective of this article is to study the outcome of management of 62 consecutive cases of Fournier’s gangrene (FG). Patients and methods: We conducted an observational study of all cases of FG admitted to the Urology and General Surgery departments of Farwaniya Hospital, Kuwait, between 2004 and 2013. We recorded the laboratory and clinical findings on admission. Operative and postoperative data were also recorded. Results: Our study included 62 cases of FG. Patients were divided into two groups: Group A (survival) consisted of 55 cases and Group B (mortality) of seven cases. The mean duration of symptoms before admission was significantly longer in the mortality group (3.86 days versus 1.96 days in survival group) ( p &lt; 0.05). The mean duration of symptoms until time of first debridement was also significantly longer in the mortality group (4.39 days versus 2.35 days in survival group) ( p &lt; 0.05). There was also a statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding the percentage of the affected area in relation to total body surface area (4.6% in Group A versus 8% in Group B) ( p &lt; 0.05). The Fournier Gangrene Severity Index score (FGSI) was significantly higher in Group B (10.26) in comparison to Group A (6) ( p &lt; 0.01). The mean duration of hospital stay was significantly higher in the survival group (22.24 days versus 14.28 days) ( p &lt; 0.01). Diabetes and renal failure were significantly higher in the mortality group (100% and 57.1% in Group B versus 54.5% and 9.1% in Group A, respectively) ( p &lt; 0.05). The number of patients presenting with severe sepsis was higher in the mortality group (71.4% in Group B versus 12.7% in Group A) ( p &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: We concluded that FG is a serious, potentially fatal disease. Higher mortality is related to severe sepsis on admission, renal failure, diabetes, extensive disease involving extra-genital areas and late presentation. A multidisciplinary approach in diagnosis and management of the disease can achieve good outcome with low mortality rate.

Fournier's gangrene: review of 120 patients and predictors of mortality.

Fournier's gangrene (FG) is a devastating and potentially fatal disease requiring prompt and aggressive debridement. In this study, it was aimed to assess the predictors of mortality in a large cohort. Prospectively maintained data of patients with FG were analyzed. Demographic data, duration of symptoms, Uludag Fournier's Gangrene Severity Index (UFGSI) scores, co-morbidities [particularly diabetes mellitus (DM)], etiologies, number of debridement, stoma requirements, length of intensive care unit and hospital stay, and morbidity and mortality rates were reviewed. Multivariate analysis was performed in order to determine factors affecting mortality. 120 patients (81 males) were included in the study. Median age was 58 (22-85) years. UFGSI score was median 9 (1-30). DM was present in 69 (57.5%) patients. Etiology of FG was perianal in fifty-nine, urogenital in 52, and skin in 9 patients. Median debridement count was 3 (1-12). Thirty-one patients required stoma. Forty-eight patients were admitted to intensive care unit and 25 patients required mechanical ventilation. Overall mortality rate was 20.8%. Multivariate analysis revealed UFGSI as the only predictor of mortality (p=0.001). Mortality rate was 13.64 times higher for patients with a UFGSI score of 9 or higher. Fournier's gangrene is a mortal disease requiring emergency surgery. UFGSI is an efficient predictor of mortality for patients with FG.

THE USE FGSI AS PREDICTIVE OF UROLOGICAL SIRS PATIENTS

Objective: To demonstrate the usefulness of Fournier’s Gangrene Severity Index (FGSI) score for differentiating the outcome between Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) patients with upper and lower urological abnormalities. Material &amp; Method:A retrospective study of case records from year 2009-2012 of SIRS patients with urological abnormalities at Saiful Anwar General Hospital (SAGH) Malang was carried out. The data were collected from the Medical Record Division in SAGH Malang. SIRS was clinicaly diagnosed based on medical history, physical examination and laboratory findings. SIRS without urological abnormalities were excluded from the analysis. The FGSI, which was developed to assign a numerical score that describes the severity of disease, was used in our study. This index presents patients vital signs (temperature, heart and respiratory rates) and metabolic parameters (sodium, potassium, creatinine, and bicarbonate levels, hematocrit, and white blood cell count). Patients with SIRS and urological abnormalities were divided according to upper tract and lower tract urological abnormalities. Total FGSI score was classified as mild (0-8), moderate (9-17), severe (&gt; 17). The data were assessed according to whether the patient survived or died.Results:75 of the 203 evaluated patients died. From those 75 patients, 67% were male and 33% were female, 75% with upper urological abnormalities and 25% with lower abnormalities (p &lt; 0,05). From those 203 patients; the results were analyzed with binary logistical regression and Spearman correlation analysis using SPSS 15 softwarewith 95% confidence interval (CI). There is significant relationship between FGSI and outcome of the patient with upper urological abnormalities and lower urological abnormalities, with correlation coefficient more high in relationship between FGSI and outcome of the patient with upper urological abnormalities (0,4 vs 0,1). Conclusion: FGSI is simple and objective outcome predictor to differentiate survival between SIRS patients with upper urological abnormalities and lower urological abnormalities. There is a significant difference in outcome between SIRS patient with upper urological abnormalities and lower urological abnormalities even with same level of FGSI score.Keywords: Fournier’s gangrene severity index, systemic inflammatory response syndrome, upper urological abnormalities, lower urological abnormalities, outcome predictor.

Prospective evaluation of risk factors for mortality in patients of Fournier′s gangrene: A single center experience

Introduction:Fournier's gangrene is an aggressive disease with high morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to assess risk factors associated with mortality among patients of Fournier's gangrene.Materials and Methods:Between May 2011 and September 2012, all patients of Fournier's gangrene treated at our center were included in the study. All patients underwent emergency surgical debridement and received broad spectrum intravenous antibiotics. Their baseline characteristics, treatment, and follow-up data were recorded and analyzed.Results:A total of 30 patients were included in the study. Of these, six patients (20%) died during the treatment. Age <55 years, total leukocyte count <15000 cumm, extent of the area involved, septic shock at admission, visual analog scale (VAS) <7 at admission, and Fournier gangrene severity index (FGSI) score <8 at admission were significantly associated with increased mortality.Conclusion:In patients of Fournier's gangrene, increased age, total leukocyte count, extent of the area involved, septic shock at admission, VAS score, and FGSI score at admission have a significant association with mortality.

Fournier's Gangrene: Current Practices.

Fournier's gangrene is an acute, rapidly progressive, and potentially fatal, infective necrotizing fasciitis affecting the external genitalia, perineal or perianal regions, which commonly affects men, but can also occur in women and children. There has been an increase in number of cases in recent times. Despite advanced management mortality is still high and averages 20–30%. Early diagnosis using Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis score and stratification of patients into high risk category using Fournier's Gangrene Severity Index score help in early initiation of treatment. Triple antibiotic combined with radical debridement is the mainstay of treatment. There have been many advances in management of Fournier gangrene including use of vaccum assisted closure and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. With introduction of newer devices like Flexi-Seal, fecal diversion can be done, avoiding colostomy. Reconstruction of perineal defects using skin grafts, flaps, and urethral reconstruction using gracilis flaps can reduce the morbidity associated with FG and provide acceptable functional and aesthetic outcomes.

Experience in management of Fournier’s gangrene: A report of 24 cases

Fournier's gangrene (FG) is an extremely aggressive and rapidly progressive polymicrobial soft tissue infection of the perineum, anal area or genitalial regions with a high mortality rate. The objectives of this study were to share our experience with the management of this serious infectious disease over the last 15 years. This retrospective study examined 24 patients diagnosed as having FG who were admitted to our hospital between March 1996 and December 2011. The gender, age, etiology, predisposing factors, laboratory findings, treatment modality, hospitalization time and spread of gangrene of the subjects were all recorded and analyzed. The results showed that the mean age of the patients was 48.33 years, the male-to-female ratio was 5:1 and the mortality rate was 20.8% (5/24). The most common predisposing factor was diabetes mellitus in 10 patients (41.6%), followed by alcohol abuse, obesity, neoplasms and immunosuppression. The most common etiology was peri-anal and peri-rectal abscesses (45.8%), followed by lesions of urogenital origin (33.3%) and cutaneous (8.3%) origin. No local pathologies could be identified in 3 (12.5%) patients. The most commonly isolated microorganisms were Escherichia coli (62.5%), followed by Enterococcus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. The median admission Fournier's gangrene severity index (FGSI) score for survivors was 5.63±1.89 against 13.6±3.64 for non-survivors which was designed for predicting the disease severity in the series. Early diagnosis and immediate extensive surgical debridement were significant prognostic factors in the management of Fournier gangrene. Individualized reconstructive modalities for wound coverage were useful in that they repaired the tissue defect and improved the quality of life. We are led to conclude that Fournier's gangrene is a severe condition with a high mortality. The Fournier's gangrene severity index (FGSI) score at admission serves as a good predictor for the disease severity. Early diagnosis, surgical debridement and aggressive fluid therapy are significant prognostic factors in the management of Fournier gangrene. Individualized reconstructive surgery modalities for wound coverage are useful to correct the tissue defect and improve the quality of life.

Assessment of the Fournier's Gangrene Severity Index Score with 34 Patients

Assessment of the Fournier's Gangrene Severity Index Score with 34 Patients

Fournier's gangrene: analysis of prognostic variables in 34 patients.

Fournier's gangrene (FG) is the necrotizing fasciitis of the perineum and genital area. The objective of this study was to assess risk factors for mortality. We conducted an analytic and retrospective study of the patients with FG treated at our institution between 1998 and 2008. Statistical analysis was performed with the Statistical Package for Social Science for Windows, version 15.0, using the Mann-Whitney test for quantitative variables, and the chi-square and Fisher exact tests for qualitative variables, in univariate analyses. Of the 34 patients treated, 25 survived (74%) and 9 died (26%) with a median timing of 29days (13, 60). Statistically significant differences were not found in age, sex and predisposing factors, except heart disease (p=0.034). Admission laboratory parameters and severity criteria showed significant differences in serum urea (p=0.007), potassium (p=0.008), alkaline phosphatase (p=0.014) and Fournier's gangrene severity index score (FGSIS) (p=0.008). Others factors such as duration of symptoms before hospital admission, extent of body surface area, number of surgical debridements, additional surgical manoeuvers (supra-pubic catheterization or colostomy), microbiological cultures and ICU stay did not show significant differences. FG is a life-threatening necrotizing fasciitis with a high mortality rate. In our study, prognostic variables were heart disease, admission serum urea, potassium, alkaline phosphatase, and FGSIS. More studies are needed to validate these findings.

The evaluation of microbiology and Fournier's gangrene severity index in 27 patients

The objectives of this study were to identify the causative microorganisms and factors associated with survival in patients with Fournier's gangrene and to determine the accuracy of the Fournier's gangrene severity index. We retrospectively evaluated 27 patients with Fournier's gangrene who were treated and followed up at our hospital between January 2005 and December 2006. Biochemical, hematologic, and bacteriologic study results at admission and at the final evaluation, etiologic and predisposing factors at admission, physical examination findings, the timing and extent of surgical debridement, and antibiotic therapy used were all recorded. The admission laboratory parameters that were significantly correlated with outcome included urea, creatinine, sodium, and potassium; at the final evaluation, in addition to these parameters, hematocrit, albumin, and bicarbonate levels were also significantly associated with outcome. The mean Fournier's gangrene severity index score (FGSIS) at admission for survivors was 5.04+/-2.49 compared with 13.6+/-4.61 for non-survivors. There was a strong correlation between the FGSIS and mortality (p<0.0001). Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were the most commonly isolated microorganisms. Patient metabolic status and predisposing factors are important in the prognosis of Fournier's gangrene. Hence, we believe that the FGSIS should be used clinically to evaluate therapeutic options and assess results.

Fournier's Gangrene: Population Based Epidemiology and Outcomes

Case series have shown a Fournier's gangrene mortality rate of 20% to 40% with an incidence of as high as 88% in some studies. Because to our knowledge there are no population based data, we used a national database to investigate the epidemiology of Fournier's gangrene. We used the State Inpatient Databases, the largest hospital based database available in the United States, which includes 100% of hospital discharges from participating states. Inpatients diagnosed with Fournier's gangrene (ICD-9 CM 608.83) who underwent genital/perineal débridement or died in the hospital were identified from 13 participating states in 2001 and from 21 in 2004. Population based incidence, regional trends and case fatality rates were estimated. We identified 1,641 males and 39 females with Fournier's gangrene. Cases represented less than 0.02% of hospital admissions. The overall incidence was 1.6/100,000 males, which peaked in males who were 50 to 79 years old (3.3/100,000) with the highest rate in the South (1.9/100,000). The overall case fatality rate was 7.5%. Patients with Fournier's gangrene were rarely treated at hospitals (mean +/- SD 0.6 +/- 1.2 per year, median 0, range 0 to 23). Overall 0 to 4 and 5 or greater cases were treated at 66%, 17%, 10%, 4%, 1% and 1% of hospitals, respectively. Patients with Fournier's gangrene are rarely treated at most hospitals. The population based mortality rate of 7.5% was substantially lower than that reported in case series from tertiary care centers.

Validation of the Fournier's Gangrene Severity Index in a Large Contemporary Series

In this study we identified prognostic factors for survival and validated the accuracy of the Fournier's gangrene severity index in patients with Fournier's gangrene. We retrospectively reviewed medical records of patients diagnosed with Fournier's gangrene between 1996 and 2006. Fournier's gangrene severity index scores were assessed using a receiver operating characteristic curve. Using an outcome variable of inpatient mortality, univariate analyses were performed using the Mann-Whitney U, chi-square and Fisher exact tests. A total of 68 patients (79.4% male, mean age 55.8 +/- 15.2 years) diagnosed with Fournier's gangrene met the criteria for review. The inpatient mortality rate was 10% (7 patients). The mean Fournier's gangrene severity index score for survivors was 5.4 +/- 3.5 vs 10.9 +/- 4.7 for nonsurvivors (p = 0.006). Isolated Fournier's gangrene severity index and individual laboratory parameters associated with mortality included heart rate (p = 0.05), respiratory rate (p = 0.02), serum creatinine (p = 0.03), serum bicarbonate (p = 0.001), serum lactate (p = 0.001) and serum calcium (p = 0.03). Although mean total body surface area was only suggestive of an association (p = 0.169), abdominal wall (p = 0.004) or lower extremity (p = 0.005) involvement was associated with increased mortality. Using a Fournier's gangrene severity index score threshold of 9 (sensitivity 71.4%, specificity 90%) there was a 96% survival rate in patients with a Fournier's gangrene severity index of less than 9 and a 46% mortality rate in those with a Fournier's gangrene severity index of 9 or greater (p = 0.001, OR 22, 95% CI 3.5-139.7). The Fournier's gangrene severity index remains an objective and simple method to quantify the extent of metabolic aberration at presentation in patients with Fournier's gangrene. A Fournier's gangrene severity index threshold value of 9 is sensitive and specific for predicting mortality in this patient population.

The clinical features of Fournier’s gangrene and the predictivity of the Fournier’s Gangrene Severity Index on the outcomes

Fournier's gangrene (FG) is a rare, rapidly progressive, fulminant form of necrotizing fasciitis of the genital, perianal and perineal regions. Several factors have been reported to contribute to the clinical outcomes. The primary aims of this study were to examine the clinical features of patients with FG and evaluate the predictivity of the Fournier's Gangrene Severity Index (FGSI) score on the outcomes. We carried out a collective retrospective chart review of patients diagnosed and treated for FG in three reference centers between January 1995 and July 2007. Seventy-two patients with FG with were included to the study. Data were collected on medical history, symptoms, physical examination findings, admission and final laboratory tests, timing and extent of surgical debridement and antibiotic therapy. Perianal and perirectal abscess, scrotal abscess and urethral stenosis were the leading etiological factors. Diabetes mellitus was the predominant risk factor. Etiological factors and risk factors did not significantly contribute to survival or mortality, and duration of the symptoms was significantly longer in the non-survivor's group (P < 0.05). The FGSI scores were higher in the non-survivor's group. Regression analysis showed a FGSIS score of 10.5 as the cut-off to the outcome. Based on these results, we conclude that a patient's metabolic status and the extent of disease at presentation are the most important factors determining the prognosis of FG. The FGSI score may be considered as an objective and simple tool to predict the outcome in the patient with FG and should be used in further studies of FG patient series for comparison purposes.

Fournier’s Gangrene: Three Years of Experience with 20 Patients and Validity of the Fournier’s Gangrene Severity Index Score

ObjectiveTo evaluate effective factors in the survival of patients with Fournier’s gangrene (FG) and to determine the validity of the Fournier’s Gangrene Severity Index (FGSI), which was designed for determining disease severity in these patients. MethodsThe study included 20 men with a median age of 63.5 yr treated for FG between July 2002 and June 2005. The data were evaluated about medical history, symptoms, physical examination findings, vital signs, admission and final laboratory tests, timing and extent of surgical debridement, and antibiotic treatment used. All the patients had radical surgical debridement. The FGSI, which was developed to assign a numerical score that describes the acuity of the disease, was used in our study. This index presents patients’ vital signs (temperature, heart and respiratory rates) and metabolic parameters (sodium, potassium, creatinine, and bicarbonate levels, hematocrit, white blood cell count) and computes a score relating to the severity of the disease at that time. The data were assessed according to whether the patient survived or died. ResultsOf the evaluated 20 patients, 6 died (30%) and 14 survived (70%). The difference in age between survivors (median age, 60.0 yr) and those who died (median age, 64.5 yr) was not significant (p=0.321). The median extent of the body surface area involved in the necrotizing process in patients who survived and did not survive was 2.3% and 4.8%, respectively (p=0.001). Except for the albumin and alkaline phosphatase levels, no significant differences were found between survivors and who those died in the other admission laboratory parameters. The median admission FGSI scores for survivors and nonsurvivors were 2.0±2.2 and 4.0±3.7, respectively (p=0.331). ConclusionsThe FGSI score did not predict the disease severity and the patient’s survival. Metabolic parameters, predisposing factors, and extent of the disease seemed to be important risk factors for predicting FG severity and whether or not a patient survived.

Fournier gangrene: a series of 12 patients.

Fournier gangrene is a rare, rapidly progressive, necrotizing fasciitis of the external genitalia, the perineum, or the abdominal wall that is associated with high morbidity and mortality. In this series, we describe 12 patients with Fournier gangrene who had presented to our medical center. Twelve men had been diagnosed with Fournier gangrene in Shohada-e-Tajrish hospital between March 2002 and September 2005. Their medical records were reviewed and the Fournier Gangrene Severity Index scores before and after the treatment were determined. Fifty percent of the patients were diabetic and their mean age was 58.2 +/- 17.8 years. The mean delay between the onset of the disease and the admission was 4.9 days and the mortality rate was 16.6%. The median Fournier Gangrene Severity Index scores before the admission and at the time of discharge were 4.5 (range, 0 to 11) and 0 (range, 0 to 9), respectively (P = .005). One of the patients who died had the scores of 11 and 9, respectively. Split-thickness skin graft was performed for 5 patients (41.7%). In Fournier gangrene, a rapid diagnosis and emergent surgical intervention is crucial. The Fournier Gangrene Severity Index seems to be an excellent tool for outcome prediction.

Fournier's gangrene: Experience with 25 patients and use of Fournier's gangrene severity index score

Objectives To identify effective factors in the survival of patients with Fournier's gangrene and to determine the accuracy of the Fournier's gangrene severity index score. Methods In our clinic, 25 patients with Fournier's gangrene were treated between 1995 and 2000. Data were collected about medical history, symptoms, physical examination findings, admission and final laboratory tests, timing and extent of surgical debridement, and antibiotic therapy used. Results The results were evaluated in two groups: those who died (n = 6) and those who survived (n = 19). No statistically significant difference was found between the age of the survivors and those who died. The admission and final laboratory parameters that correlated statistically significantly with outcome included urea, creatinine, bicarbonate, sodium, potassium, total protein, albumin, leukocyte count, hematocrit, lactate dehydrogenase, and alkaline phosphatase. The greater mean extent of body surface area involved among patients who died was significantly different statistically from that of those who survived (5.4% and 2.1%, P ≤0.0001). The mean Fournier's gangrene severity index score (FGSIS) for survivors was 3.0 ± 1.8 compared with 12 ± 2.4 for nonsurvivors. Regression analysis demonstrated a strong correlation between the Fournier's gangrene severity index score and the death rate ( P ≤0.0001). Conclusions Patients' metabolic status and the extent of disease at presentation is an important factor in the prognosis of Fournier's gangrene. We suggest the clinical use of FGSIS, which is simple and objective when evaluating therapeutic options and predicting outcome.