Can Fetuin-A Deficiency Predict the Severity of COVID-19 Disease in Kidney Transplant Recipients?

BACKGROUND: This study aims to investigate whether fetuin A deficiency predicts the prognosis of COVID-19 disease in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). METHOD: The study was conducted on 35 hospitalized KTRs with COVID-19 pneumonia between November 2020 and June 2021. Serums were collected for fetuin-A measurement at admission and after six months of follow-up. The demographic and laboratory data of the patients were recorded and analyzed with the appropriate statistical method. RESULTS: A total of 35 KTRs, 23 of which (65.7%) were men, were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 51.6 ± 14.0 years. Seventeen (48.6%) patients had severe disease criteria and required intensive care (ICU) support. Biopsy-proven acute rejection developed in 6 (17.1%) patients in the follow-up. At admission, the median fetuin-A value was 173.5 mcg/mL (143.5-199.25) in the moderate disease group and 126.0 mcg/mL (89.4-165.5) in the severe patient group (p = 0.005). While the Median fetuin-A value at the time of diagnosis was 173.5 mcg/mL (143.5-199.25), and in the 6th month was 208 mcg/mL [184-229] (p<0.001). By ROC analysis, the effect of serum fetuin-A level in predicting the severity of COVID-19 disease was significant (AUC: 0.771, p = 0.006, 95% CI: 0.615-0.927). When serum fetuin-A cut-off value was taken as 138 mcg/mL to determine disease severity, it was shown to have 83.3% sensitivity and 64.7% specificity. CONCLUSIONS: Serum fetuin-A level can predict disease severity in kidney transplant recipients in the presence of active COVID-19 disease.

Does Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 Levels Determine the Prognosis of Covid-19 Disease in Kidney Transplant Recipients?

BACKGROUND: In the normal population, a high monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP-1) level is an important biomarker for the progression of COVID-19. This study investigated whether MCP-1 level can determine the disease prognosis in kidney transplant (KT) patients with COVID-19. METHODS: A total of 89 patients, including 49 KT patients (group 1) diagnosed with COVID-19 who required hospitalization, and 40 KT patients who did not have COVID-19 disease (group 2), were included. Demographic characteristics and laboratory results of the patients were recorded. The serum reserved for MCP-1 was stored at -80°C and studied blindly by a single microbiologist at the end of the study. RESULTS: While the mean age of the patients was 51.0 years (40.0-59.50) in group 1, it was 48.0 years (40.75-54.75) in group 2 (P > .05). In terms of the female sex, it was 36 (73.5%) and 27 (67.5%) in group 1 and group 2, respectively (P > .05). Similarly, there was no significant difference between the 2 groups regarding primary disease and basal graft function (P > .05). There was a statistically significant difference in inflammation indicators in group 1 compared with group 2 (P < .05). A correlation was found between inflammation indicators and COVID-19 (P < .05). However, no significant correlation was detected between COVID-19 disease and MCP-1 levels in both groups (P > .05). Also, according to basal MCP-1 levels, we did not find a significant difference between survival and nonsurvival patients (164.0 pg/mL [146.0-202.0] vs 156.0 pg/mL [143.0-173.0], respectively (P > .05). CONCLUSION: Monocyte chemoattractant protein, an indicator of inflammation, was not found to predict the prognosis of COVID-19 disease in kidney recipients.

Results of Use of Ringer Solution and Preservation Solution as Kidney Washing Solution in Living Donor Renal Transplantation / Resultados del uso de la solución Ringer y la solución de conservación como solución de lavado de riñón en el trasplante renal de donante vivo

ABSTRACT Background and Aims: Preservation solutions used as kidney washing solutions in transplantation are necessary for the longer preservation of the kidney. The study aims to compare different kidney-washing solutions used in living renal transplantation. Methods and Results: Forty-nine patients who underwent renal transplantation from live donors were included in the retrospective study. The Ringer's solution flushed the renal graft in 37 patients (Group 1), and the preservation solution was in 12 patients (Group 2). Group 1, and Group 2 patients were included in the study. There were 22 (59.5%) males in Group 1 and 9 (75%) males in Group 2. Twenty-seven (73%) patients using Ringer's and 7 (58.3%) patients on preservation solution had comorbidities. There was no significant difference between Group 1 and Group 2 in warm ischemia time, cold ischemia time, and HLA mismatch levels (p> 0.05). The preoperative creatinine value was significantly higher in the preservation solution group (p = 0.003). There was no significant difference between the two groups in values of creatinine levels on the postoperative (p> 0.05). Conclusion: In living renal transplantation, an inexpensive Ringer's solution, may be used instead of the expensive preservation solution to wash the graft.

RESUMEN Antecedentes y Objetivos: Las soluciones de conservación utilizadas como soluciones de lavado de riñón en trasplantes son necesarias para una conservación más prolongada del riñón. El estudio tiene como objetivo comparar diferentes soluciones de lavado de riñón utilizadas en el trasplante renal vivo. Métodos y Resultados: Cuarenta y nueve pacientes sometidos a trasplante renal de donante vivo incluidos en el estudio retrospectivo. La solución de Ringer se utilizó para lavar el injerto renal en 37 pacientes (Grupo1) y la solución de conservación se utilizó en 12 pacientes (Grupo2). Se incluyeron en el estudio pacientes del Grupo 1 y del Grupo 2. Había 22 (59,5%) hombres en el Grupo 1 y 9 (75%) hombres en el Grupo 2. Veintisiete (73%) pacientes que usaban Ringer y 7 (58,3%) pacientes que usaban solución de conservación tenían comorbilidades. No hubo diferencias significativas entre el Grupo 1 y el Grupo 2 con respecto a la isquemia caliente, los tiempos de isquemia fría y los niveles de desajuste (p> 0,05). El valor de creatinina preoperatorio fue significativamente mayor en la solución de conservación (p = 0,003). No hubo diferencia significativa entre los dos grupos en términos de niveles de creatinina en el postoperatorio (p> 0.05). Conclusión: En el trasplante renal vivo, se puede utilizar una solución económica de Ringer en lugar de la costosa solución de conservación para lavar el injerto.

Open versus laparoscopic technique in peptic ulcus perforation, how effective are score systems?Single-center experience and literature review.

BACKGROUND: One of the most common peptic ulcer complications is perforation (PUP) which also remains an important cause of morbidity and mortality. In this study, it was aimed to compare the results of patients who had similar pre-operative scoring index results (Boey, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) and Mannheim Peritonitis Index (MPI), and type of surgery. METHODS: Pre-operative Boey, CCI, and MPI scores were calculated by retrospectively examining the files of patients who were operated under emergency conditions with the diagnosis of PUP. The patients divided into two groups those who underwent laparoscopic surgery/Group-1 and open surgery/Group-2. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference between the groups in terms of demographic data, hospital admission time, and length of hospital stay. The operation time was found to be longer in the laparoscopic group (110,2 SD20,6/75-150 min) than open group (54,2 SD15,7/30-120 min) (p<0.001). Morbidity was less in laparoscopic group (4% versus 14.6%) (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The laparoscopic method may be used safely in PUP due to the lower post-operative complication rates and known advantages of minimally invasive surgery.

Factors Predicting the Reversal of Hartmann's Procedure.

Aim: This paper investigates the risk factors preventing the reversal and nonreversal of Hartmann's procedure, as a surgical technique that has been performed in our clinic for ten years. Methods: The study involved a ten-year Hartmann's procedure followed up at our center. The patients were divided into Hartmann reversal and nonreversal groups. Groups were examined in terms of age, gender, diagnosis, stage of malignancy, ASA score, comorbidity, perioperative morbidity-mortality, and the length of the operation. Results: Age (p < 0.001), ASA score (p < 0.001), stage in case of malignancy (p = 0.002), and comorbidities (p < 0.001) were significant risk factors. The ratio of patients without any comorbidities to those with one or more comorbidities was 2.63 (95% CI 1.12-6.20). Among the malignant patients, the ratio of early-stage patients to advanced-stage patients in the group with reversal of Hartmann's colostomy was 2.82 (95% CI 1.30-6.10). In addition, the ratio of older patients to younger patients in group 2 was 0.95 (95% CI 0.92-0.98). A univariate analysis revealed that younger patients, those with lower ASA scores, those without comorbidities, and those with early-stage malignancy had a greater chance of closure of the stoma. Conclusion: Although Hartmann's procedure is performed in emergency surgery, the nonreversal of the colostomy is a problem in itself. It should be kept in mind that patients who have high risks are likely to have a permanent stoma.

Intestinal obstruction due to phytobezoar induced in the Meckel's diverticulum-report of two cases.

Meckel's diverticulum is generally asymptomatic, but it may become symptomatic due to various reasons and maybe the etiology of the acute abdominal syndrome. Bezoars are formed by the combination of non-digestible substances in the gastrointestinal tract, and which are among the rare causes of intestinal obstruction. The formation of bezoars in Meckel's diverticulum and subsequent intestinal obstruction is a rare condition. In this article, two cases with intestinal obstruction due to bezoar in Meckel's diverticulum and their surgical treatment had presented.

Isolated recto-vaginal septum injury during parturition: Single-center experience.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic rectal injuries are uncommon and can originate due to various causes. Rectal injuries have a high mor-bidity, regardless of cause, and detection at the time of occurrence is important to prevent fistula formation and/or stoma. In this article, treatment approaches in patients with isolated rectovaginal septum injury without perineal and sphincter injury during sponta-neous vaginal delivery are presented and the current literature is reviewed. METHODS: The records of spontaneous vaginal deliveries that resulted in live births between January 2015 and January 2020 were analyzed retrospectively at our center. The records of patients with isolated rectovaginal septum injury were evaluated in terms of demographic and obstetric data, trauma, classification of injury, and early and late results. RESULTS: Isolated septum injuries were detected 12 women (0.06%). Of the isolated rectovaginal septum injuries, 9 (75%) were clas-sified as Type III, 2 (16.6%) as Type IV, and 1 (8.3%) as a Type V injury according to the Rosenshein classification. Transvaginal repair was performed because all of the injuries underwent early surgical intervention, were limited, and exploration through the vagina was possible. CONCLUSION: Rectal examination should be performed simultaneously with a detailed perineal examination after vaginal delivery. For birth-related rectal injuries detected early in appropriate patients, a primary repair without diversion stoma may be the best option.

Short and mid-term SARS-CoV-2 antibody response after inactivated COVID-19 vaccine in hemodialysis and kidney transplant patients.

The efficacy of the inactivated severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccine has not been fully elucidated across the whole spectrum of patients on kidney replacement therapy. We aimed to characterize the long-term antibody response of inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine administered in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) and hemodialysis (HD) patients. We performed this prospective observational study in 50 HD, 64 KTR, and 41 healthy control groups (HG) given two doses of CoronaVac. We measured anti-Spike antibodies after 28 days of every vaccine dose, 3rd and 6th months after the first dose, and compared them between cohorts. After two doses, an anti-spike immunoglobulin G of ≥50 AU/ml was present in HD, KTR, and HG as 44%, 7.2%, and 58.5%, respectively (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the proportion of antibody titers peaked at 86.5%, 23%, and 97.6% (p < 0.001) at the 3rd month and decreased significantly at the 6th month in most HD and HG participants, whereas this effect was not observed in KTRs from basal until the 6th month (p < 0.001). During the follow-up, the incidence of coronavirus disease 2019 disease was higher (p < 0.003) in KTRs compared to the other groups, but there was no requirement for an intensive care unit and no death was recorded. We found a negative correlation between antibody seroconversion and age (p < 0.016). The antibody response following inactivated vaccine in dialysis patients is almost comparable to controls for 6 months. In contrast, kidney transplant patients have a poor response. These findings reinforce the need to discuss the vaccination strategy in immunocompromised patients, including the third dose with homologous or heterologous vaccines.

Unexpected acute abdominal pain during pregnancy caused by primary omental torsion diagnosed laparoscopically: A case report and literature review.

Primary omental torsion (POT) is a rarely encountered clinical condition as an acute abdominal pathology. POT is more prevalent in males than females. The diagnosis of POT is challenging, and pregnancy initiates the diagnosis more difficult and essential. The fact that radiological methods such as computed tomography cannot be used during pregnancy constitutes the biggest problem in diagnosis. At this point, diagnostic laparoscopy plays a significant role in the diagnosis and treatment of acute abdominal pathologies in pregnant patients. The diagnosis of a 28-week pregnant woman who was admitted to our emergency department with the aggravation of abdominal pain was not clarified by abdominal ultrasound so the patient was diagnosed with POT by diagnostic laparoscopy. Conservative follow-up plays an important role in pregnant patients, and the poor progress of the patient in both laboratory and physical examination leads diagnostic laparoscopy to an important point when the limitation of imaging methods is added.

Correlation between venous blood gas indices and radiological involvements of COVID-19 patients at first admission to emergency department.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relation between venous blood gas and chest computerized tomography findings and the clinical conditions of COVID-19 pneumonia. METHODS: A total of 309 patients admitted to the emergency department and subsequently confirmed COVID-19 cases was examined. Patients with pneumonia symptoms, chest computerized tomography scan, venous blood gas findings, and confirmed COVID-19 on reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were consecutively enrolled. Multiple linear regression was used to predict computerized tomography and blood gas findings by clinical/laboratory data. RESULTS: The median age of patients was 51 (interquartile range 39-66), and 51.5% were male. The mortality rate at the end of follow-up was 18.8%. With respect to survival status of patients pCO2 and HCO3 levels and total computerized tomography score values were found to be higher in the surviving patients (p<0.001 and p=0.003, respectively), whereas pH and lactate levels were higher in patients who died (p=0.022 and p=0.001, respectively). With logistic regression analysis, total tomography score was found to be significantly effective on mortality (p<0.001). The diffuse and random involvement of the lungs had a significant effect on mortality (p<0.001, 95%CI 3.853-38.769, OR 12.222 and p=0.027; 95%CI 1.155-11.640, OR 3.667, respectively). With linear regression analysis, the effect of pH and lactate results were found to have a positive effect on total tomography score (p=0.003 and p<0.001, respectively), whereas pCO2 was found to have a negative effect (p=0.029). CONCLUSION: There was correlation between venous blood gas indices and radiologic scores in COVID-19 patients. Venous blood gas taken in emergency department can be a fast, applicable, minor-invasive, and complementary test in terms of diagnosing COVID-19 pneumonia and predicting the prognosis of disease.

Comparison of Balloon Trocar versus Telescopic Dissection Method for TEP Inguinal Hernia Repair.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the outcomes between two methods of dissection (balloon trocar vs. telescopic dissection) used in total extra-peritoneal (TEP) inguinal hernia repair. STUDY DESIGN: Comparative study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Department of General Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Sakarya University, conducted between January 2018 and January 2020. METHODOLOGY: The study included patients who underwent elective TEP inguinal hernia repair. Preoperative and early postoperative results were compared, after the patients had been divided into a balloon trocar group (Group 1) and telescopic dissection group (Group 2). The technique performed depended on equipment availability. Permission was obtained from the Institutional Review Board. The study data are presented as descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, median, first quartile, third quartile, frequency and percentage); p-value <0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: A total of 189 patients were included; 95 patients in Group 1 and 94 patients in Group 2. No significant differences in age, gender, body mass index, body weight, ASA performance status, operating time, duration of hospitalisation or postoperative bleeding values were observed between the groups (p >0.05). European Hernia Society Quality of Life pain score values ​​ were higher in Group 2 than Group 1 (p = 0.016). CONCLUSION: Telescopic dissection was cheaper than balloon dissection. The bleeding values and operating time were similar between the two methods, but telescopic dissection caused more postoperative pain. Key Words: Inguinal hernia, Telescopic dissection, Balloon dissection, Total extra-peritoneal (TEP) surgery.

WHY DIAGNOSTIC LAPAROSCOPY.

INTRODUCTION: Abdominal pain requires rapid diagnosis and treatment, especially in emergency circumstances. Sometimes the diagnosis of the disease cannot be accomplished with laboratory and imaging methods, and an invasive procedure such as diagnostic laparoscopy may be required to obtain a diagnosis. Diagnostic laparoscopy is also performed therapeutically, but laparotomy is inevitable in some cases. The aim of the study is to evaluate the role of diagnostic laparoscopy in diagnosis and treatment and to retrospectively examine the factors that force the surgeon to perform a laparotomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients over the age of 18 who underwent diagnostic laparoscopy in the general surgery clinic of Sakarya University Training and Research Hospital between January 2013 and December 2019 were retrospectively evaluated. Patients under 18 years of age and patients diagnosed before surgery were excluded. Demographic data of the patients, whether there was a conversion from laparoscopy to laparotomy, postoperative morbidity, and mortality were recorded. RESULTS: The data of 347 patients in total were evaluated retrospectively between the specified dates. 216 of the patients were previously diagnosed, laparoscopic procedures performed for staging purposes and they were not included in the study. The remaining 131 patients were included in the study. 68 of the patients were women and 63 were men. 79.4% of the patients were diagnostic laparoscopies performed due to emergency circumstances, and 20.6% for abdominal pain evaluation. While the procedure was concluded laparoscopically in 64.9% of the patients, the operation was continued by performing laparotomy in 35.1%. CONCLUSION: Despite the increase in the variety and frequency of use of imaging modalities, a laparoscopic intervention is an essential approach in both diagnosis and treatment when the diagnosis is doubtful, especially in emergency cases in appropriate cases.

Clinical course of COVID-19 disease in immunosuppressed renal transplant patients

Background/aim: We aimed to identify clinical settings of renal transplant patients with COVID-19. Materials and methods: In this retrospective study, we included kidney transplant inpatients with laboratory confirmed COVID-19 who had been discharged or had died by October 1st, 2020. Characteristics of the patients, including basal and last outpatient biochemical parameters were recorded. Discontinuation or dosage reduction of immunosuppressives and other treatment information was documented. Results: Twenty patients were included in this study, of whom 18 were discharged and 2 died in hospital. The mean duration of hospitalization and follow-up were 9.7 ± 6.4 days and 4.5 ± 2.0 months, respectively. Fourteen patients (70%) were male and mean age was 48.0 ± 10.3 years. At admission, all had immunosuppression withdrawn and were started on methylprednisolone 16 mg/ day (50%) or dexamethasone (50%). Tacrolimus/m-TOR inhibitors were reduced by 50% and all antimetabolites were discontinued. Hemodialysis was needed for 10% of patients. Acute kidney injury was detected in 25% of the patients. With respect to hospitalization time and complications, there was no significant difference between patients who used dexamethasone and those who did not (P > 0.05). The discontinued immunosuppressives were resumed within 2 to 4 weeks after discharge according to the severity of disease. No rehospitalization or acute rejection was detected during the follow-up of the patients. Conclusion: Renal transplant patients are considered a high risk group for COVID-19. It can be said that discontinuation or reducing dosages of immunosuppressives may be effective and safe in kidney transplant patients.

Correlation between venous blood gas indices and radiological involvements of COVID-19 patients at first admission to emergency department

SUMMARY The purpose of this study was to investigate the relation between venous blood gas and chest computerized tomography findings and the clinical conditions of COVID-19 pneumonia. METHODS: A total of 309 patients admitted to the emergency department and subsequently confirmed COVID-19 cases was examined. Patients with pneumonia symptoms, chest computerized tomography scan, venous blood gas findings, and confirmed COVID-19 on reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were consecutively enrolled. Multiple linear regression was used to predict computerized tomography and blood gas findings by clinical/laboratory data. RESULTS: The median age of patients was 51 (interquartile range 39-66), and 51.5% were male. The mortality rate at the end of follow-up was 18.8%. With respect to survival status of patients pCO2 and HCO3 levels and total computerized tomography score values were found to be higher in the surviving patients (p<0.001 and p=0.003, respectively), whereas pH and lactate levels were higher in patients who died (p=0.022 and p=0.001, respectively). With logistic regression analysis, total tomography score was found to be significantly effective on mortality (p<0.001). The diffuse and random involvement of the lungs had a significant effect on mortality (p<0.001, 95%CI 3.853-38.769, OR 12.222 and p=0.027; 95%CI 1.155-11.640, OR 3.667, respectively). With linear regression analysis, the effect of pH and lactate results were found to have a positive effect on total tomography score (p=0.003 and p<0.001, respectively), whereas pCO2 was found to have a negative effect (p=0.029). CONCLUSION: There was correlation between venous blood gas indices and radiologic scores in COVID-19 patients. Venous blood gas taken in emergency department can be a fast, applicable, minor-invasive, and complementary test in terms of diagnosing COVID-19 pneumonia and predicting the prognosis of disease.

Reasons for Undesirable Pregnancy Outcomes among Women with Appendicitis: The Experience of a Tertiary Center.

BACKGROUND: Although laparoscopic appendectomy increases its popularity today, the answer to the question of whether to perform open or laparoscopic appendectomy during pregnancy is appropriate in many studies, and the choice of surgery depends on the surgeon. Herein, we aimed to evaluate the variables that affect undesirable pregnancy outcomes that occur as a result of appendicitis during pregnancy. METHODS: Seventy-eight pregnant patients with acute appendicitis who underwent laparoscopic or open technique intervention enrolled in this retrospective study. In addition to the demographic structure of the patients, surgical technique, the number of pregnancies, multiple pregnancy status, surgical pathologies, laboratory values, radiological imaging methods, and length of hospital stay were evaluated. The severity of appendicitis was classified according to the pathology results. The patients were divided into two groups according to the outcomes of their pregnancy. Preterm delivery and abortion involved in the study as a single complication section. RESULTS: The mean age of the pregnant patients was 28.6 ± 5. Of the 78 pregnant women with appendicitis, 47.4% had their first pregnancy, 37.2% had their second pregnancy, and 15.4% had 3 or more pregnancies. The preterm delivery and abortus were 19.5% in the open appendectomy (OA) group and 16.2% in the laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) group. No statistically significant difference was detected in this group in terms of appendicitis pathology triggering preterm delivery or abortion (p 0.075). When white blood count (WBC) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were evaluated by laboratory findings, CRP was found to be statistically significantly higher in patients with preterm birth (p 0.042). CONCLUSION: Consequently, acute appendicitis may cause serious intra-abdominal infection and inflammation in addition to the complexity of the diagnosis due to the nature of pregnancy, as well as undesired pregnancy outcomes with the surgical technique, or independently with other variables.

Does primer appendagitis epiploica require surgical intervention?

BACKGROUND: Although primer appendagitis epiploica (PAE) is an acute condition, there is no consensus about a standard first-choice treatment. Different non-surgical and surgical interventions for PAE are available. METHODS: In this study, a total of 39 patients who were diagnosed as PAE between 2013-2018 were evaluated retrospectively concerning recurrences of the disease, medical intervention, and the requirement of hospitalization. USG and abdominal CT were used as diagnostic tools. Patients were also evaluated for a one-month and long-term follow-up. RESULTS: Of the 39 patients, 29 were male and 10 were female. Recurrence was seen in three patients at the earliest six months. These patients responded to medical treatment. CONCLUSION: Accurate diagnosis with the help of developing imaging methods has made non-surgical treatment a viable option in the treatment of PAE.

Which appendicitis scoring system is most suitable for pregnant patients? A comparison of nine different systems.

BACKGROUND: Acute appendicitis is the most common non-gynecological emergency during pregnancy. The diagnosis of appendicitis during pregnancy is challenging due to changes in both physiological and laboratory variables. Guidelines suggest patients with suspected acute appendicitis should be stratified based on clinical scoring systems, to optimize the use of diagnostic imaging and prevent unnecessary surgery. Surgeons require additional information beyond that provided by imaging studies before deciding upon exploratory laparoscopy in patients with a high suspicion of appendicitis. Various scoring methods have been evaluated for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. However, there is no consensus on a method to use during pregnancy, and a detailed comparison of existing scoring methods for this purpose has not yet been conducted. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the most popular scoring systems applied to diagnose acute appendicitis during pregnancy. METHODS: This single-center retrospective study included 79 pregnant patients who were admitted to the emergency department with abdominal pain between May 2014 and May 2019. The patients were diagnosed with acute appendicitis and underwent an appendectomy. As a control group, the study also included 79 non-pregnant patients who underwent appendectomy within the last 1.5 years. To ensure that the groups were similar, women in the case group were stratified according to age, and the proportions of women in the strata were determined. The women in the control group were similarly stratified. Women were randomly selected from the strata to prevent bias. Both laboratory and examination findings required for each scoring method were obtained and assessed separately for each patient. Negative appendectomy rates were evaluated according to pathology results. Categorical variables were compared using the chi-square test. A p value < 0.05 was considered to indicate significance. Receiver operator characteristic curve analysis was used to identify the best threshold value and to assess the performance of the test scores in terms of diagnosing appendicitis. RESULTS: Among all scoring systems, the Tzanakis score was most efficacious at predicting appendicitis in non-pregnant women. The positive predictive value (PPV) of the Tzanakis score was 90.6%, whereas the negative predictive value (NPV) was 46.7%. The RIPASA score performed the best among the scoring systems in pregnant women. It was associated with a PPV of 94.40%, NPV of 44%, and sensitivity and specificity of 78.46% and 78.57%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Although the RIPASA score can be used to efficaciously diagnose acute appendicitis in pregnant women, a specific scoring system is needed for diagnosis during the gestation period.

Endoscopic Detorsion Results in Sigmoid Volvulus: Single-Center Experience.

Endoscopic detorsion is the first-line recommended treatment modality in sigmoid volvulus patients who have no peritoneal irritation signs on admission. In this paper, we present the results of endoscopic detorsion procedures applied at the time of presentation with the diagnosis of sigmoid volvulus and review the current literature about this topic.

Cushing's Syndrome Presenting with Hyponatremia.

We present a case of Cushing's syndrome that presented with hyponatremia. A 64-year-old obese woman presented to the hospital emergency service complaining of a high fever, hypertension, and generalized oedema. During the examination, the patient suddenly became confused and lost consciousness. She was admitted to the intensive care unit. In addition, blood was drawn to measure the cortisol and ACTH levels, and urine samples were sent for analysis. Adenoctomy was performed through unilateral surgical treatment. Postoperatively, many of the complications arising from Cushing's syndrome disappeared. She healed quickly, and her complaints over the last 10 years disappeared completely within a few months.