The relationship between bony changes of the mandibular condyle and eichner index.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether degenerative bone changes in the mandibular condyle on cone beam computed tomography images are associated with the Eichner index. METHODOLOGY: 336 cone beam computed tomography images condyle images of 168 patients were analyzed for degenerative bone changes. These changes were named as condyle flattening, osteophytes, erosions, subchondral sclerosis, generalized sclerosis and subchondral cysts. The edentulous status of the patients was classified as group A-B-C and subtypes according to the Eichner index. Categorical variables were evaluated with chi-square test and p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: According to the results of the study, the most common degenerative condyle change was flattening of the condyle. Among the Eichner index groups, the most common group was A and the least common group was C. Condyle changes on the right and left sides were most commonly observed in group A patients. The statistically significant majority of patients with right-sided condyle flattening and erosion were in group C. No significant difference was found between all other condyle changes and Eichner index groups. There was no significant relationship between Eichner index and gender. CONCLUSION: Degenerative bone changes (flattening and erosion of the condyle) in the condyle region were more common in group C patients with more tooth loss. There is a significant relationship between condyle changes and posterior toothlessness.

Impact of COVID-19 Lockdown on Traumatic Bone Fracture Patterns and Hospital Outcomes in 1646 Elderly Patients: A Retrospective Study in Turkey.

BACKGROUND During the Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic-related lockdowns, modifications in trauma-related behavior and other factors in the elderly population may have occurred. The present retrospective study aimed to compare outcomes from emergency admissions to a major trauma center in Turkey of 1646 elderly patients with traumatic bone fractures that occurred before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown period. MATERIAL AND METHODS A cohort of 1646 elderly trauma patients admitted between September 15, 2019 and September 15, 2020 were retrospectively scanned from the hospital registry system and were grouped as admitted during the COVID-19 pandemic before (Group 1), during (Group 2), or after (Group 3) the lockdown restrictions. Demographic and clinical data were examined by making comparisons between the 3 groups. RESULTS In all groups, female sex was more prevalent. Fractures were more common in the ulna and femur than in other bones (P=0.026, P=0.035). Among the groups, in Group 2, injuries due to the mechanism of falling from one's own height on the ground were more prominent (79.2%). Hospital costs were lower in Group 1 (P<0.001). The majority of hospitalized patients (n=874; 53.1%) were in Group 2 (P=0.009). CONCLUSIONS During pandemic lockdowns, the mechanism of falling from one's own height was more common in the elderly population. The ulna and femur were the predominant bones fractured. Therefore, during lockdown periods, precautions should be taken to prevent the elderly from falling from their own height.

Quality Comparison of the Manual Chest Compression and the Mechanical Chest Compression During Difficult Transport Conditions.

BACKGROUND: Although there are several studies comparing the quality of manual and mechanical chest compressions, we decided to conduct this study because results of previous studies were not sufficient for us to arrive at a definite conclusion. OBJECTIVE: In this study, our goal was to evaluate the quality of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) performed manually and by mechanical chest compression device (MCCD) when removing out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients from their homes via stairs. METHODS: A total of 20 paramedics participated in the study. The patient simulator manikin was moved down the stairs while each of 20 paramedics performed chest compressions, then it was moved down the stairs again 20 times while the MCCD performed chest compressions. Compression depth, compression rate, and hands-on times were recorded and the data were compared. RESULTS: The median chest compression rate was 142.0 compressions/min (interquartile [25th to 75th percentile] range [IQR] 134.9-148.7 compressions/min) for the paramedics and 102.3 compressions/min for the MCCD (IQR 102.2-102.5 compressions/min) (p < 0.01). The median chest compression depth was 25.2 mm (IQR 23.2-30.9 mm) for the paramedics and 52.0 mm for the MCCD (IQR 51.4-52.6 mm) (p < 0.001). The rate of hands-on time for chest compressions performed by the paramedic participants was 92.0% (IQR 86.5-100%). Hands-on rate of the MCCD was 100% (p = 0.09). CONCLUSIONS: In our study, while carrying the patient simulator manikin to the lower floor, it was found that the MCCD achieved high-quality CPR targets recommended by resuscitation guidelines in terms of compression rate, depth, and hands-on-time.

Seasonal variations of patients presenting dyspnea to emergency departments in Europe: Results from the EURODEM Study

Background/aim: To describe seasonal variations in epidemiology, management, and short-term outcomes of patients in Europe presenting to an emergency department (ED) with a main complaint of dyspnea. Materials and methods: Anobservational prospective cohort study was performed in 66 European EDs which included consecutive patients presenting to EDs with dyspnea as the main complaint during 3 72-h study periods. Data were collected on demographics, comorbidities, chronic treatment, prehospital treatment, mode of arrival of patient to ED, clinical signs at admission, treatment in the ED, ED diagnosis, discharge from ED, and in-hospital outcome. Results: The study included 2524 patients with a median age of 69 (53­80) years old. Of the patients presented, 991 (39.3%) were in autumn, 849 (33.6%) were in spring, and 48 (27.1%) were in winter. The winter population was significantly older (P < 0.001) and had a lower rate of ambulance arrival to ED (P < 0.001). In the winter period, there was a higher rate for lower respiratory tract infection (35.1%), and patients were more hypertensive, more hypoxic, and more hyper/hypothermic compared to other seasons. The ED mortality was about 1% and, in hospital, mortality for admitted patients was 7.4%. Conclusion: The analytic method and the outcome of this study may help to guide the allocation of ED resources more efficiently and to recommend seasonal ED management protocols based on the seasonal trend of dyspneic patients.

The role of soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (SuPAR) as an indicator of the severity of acute pancreatitis

Background/aim: Soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) has been reported to have a positive correlation with the activation degree of the immune system. This study's aim is to investigate the efficiency of SuPAR serum levels in acute pancreatitis (AP) patients in determining the severity of disease. Materials and methods: This prospective research involves patients who arrived at the emergency service, were over 18 years old, had nontraumatic abdominal pain and diagnosis of AP, and agreed to join the study. Demographic characteristics, contact information, laboratory and imaging test parameters, Ranson's criteria, the Balthazar Severity Index, the Rapid Acute Physiologic Score (RAPS), and the modified Glasgow (Imrie) score of all patients were recorded. Two study groups were created as score of <3 (mild, Group I) and ≥3 (severe, Group II) for pancreatitis according to Ranson's criteria. Results: During the study period, 59 sequential patients with AP were included in the study. It was seen that 79.7% of the study group (n = 47) were in Group I. Etiologically 67.8% (n = 40) cases were biliary and 32.3% (n = 19) were nonbiliary diseases. According to the results, suPAR level was effective in distinguishing the severity of AP (AUC = 0.902, P < 0.001 (95% CI: 0.821­0.984)). With regard to determining severe disease, suPAR had an optimum cutoff value of 6.815 ng/mL, sensitivity of 91.66%, specificity of 82.97%, and negative predictive value of 97.5%. Conclusion: Our study was performed the determine the efficiency of suPAR level in predicting severe disease in AP patients. We found it significant in indicating the severity of disease according to the study results.

Is it possible to objectify the visual pain scale?

OBJECTIVES: To test our hypothesis that a new modified VAS (mVAS) is superior and more objective than VAS in evaluating pain perception and treatment response between genders who have renal colic pain. METHODS: The individuals in patient and control groups were first asked to mark the pain perceived during access of IV line (VASIV score). Then the patients with renal colic were asked to mark the pain they experienced before treatment (VASRC score) and at 15 and 30 minutes after the administration of the first analgesic drug. The modified VAS scores (mVAS score) were obtained by subtracting the VASIV score from VASRC score. RESULTS: When VAS was used, the female patients had significantly higher level of pain at 0, 15, and 30(th) minutes than men (p = 0.012, p = 0.001, and p = 0.003, respectively). However, there was not any significant difference at 0 and 30(th) min between sexes while female patients had significantly higher level of pain scores only at 15(th) minute according to mVAS scores (p = 0.027). CONCLUSION: We think that the mVAS is superior and more objective than VAS in evaluating pain perception and abolished the difference in the perceived level of pain due to gender.

Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio in patients with pesticide poisoning.

BACKGROUND: Pesticides are highly toxic to human beings, and pesticide poisoning is associated with high morbidity and mortality. The identification of powerful prognostic markers is important for the management of patients with pesticide poisoning in emergency settings. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prognostic value of the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio and hematological parameters measured in patients with pesticide poisoning within the first 24 h after admission to the emergency department (ED). METHODS: All patients (≥15 years old) admitted to the ED from July 2008 through February 2013 due to pesticide poisoning were enrolled in the study. The written and electronic medical charts of patients were reviewed. Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio and platelet-lymphocyte ratio were calculated for each patient using absolute neutrophil, lymphocyte, and platelet counts. Mechanical ventilation requirement and mortality were used as the primary endpoints. RESULTS: A total of 189 patients were included in the study. The mechanically ventilated patients had significantly higher leukocyte and neutrophil counts, and neutrophil-lymphocyte and platelet-lymphocyte ratios (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.003, respectively), whereas they had significantly lower lymphocyte counts compared to nonventilated patients (p = 0.011). Survivors had significantly higher leukocyte and neutrophil counts, and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratios (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.002, respectively), whereas there was no significant difference between groups in terms of lymphocyte counts (p = 0.463), compared to nonsurvivors. CONCLUSION: Leukocyte counts, neutrophil counts, and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratios measured within the first 24 h after admission to the ED are useful and easy-to-use parameters for estimating prognosis in the follow-up of patients with pesticide poisoning.

Epidemiology of geriatric patients presenting to emergency departments in Europe: EGERS study.

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE: Patients aged 65 and above constitute a large and growing part of emergency department (ED) visits in western countries. OBJECTIVE: The primary aim of this European prospective study was to determine the epidemiologic characteristics of elderly patients presenting to EDs across Europe. Our secondary objective was to determine the hospitalization rate, characteristics, and in-hospital mortality rates of geriatric patients presenting to EDs. DESIGN SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: An observational prospective cohort study over seven consecutive days between 19 October and 30 November 2020, in 36 EDs from nine European countries. Patients aged 65 years and older presenting to EDs with any complaint during a period of seven consecutive days were included. OUTCOME MEASURES: Data were collected on demographics, the major presenting complaint, the presenting vital signs, comorbidities, usual medication, and outcomes after the ED, including disposition, in-hospital outcome, and the final hospital diagnosis. The patients were stratified into three groups: old (65-74 years), older (75-84 years), and oldest age (>85 years). MAIN RESULTS: A total of 5767 patients were included in the study. The median age of the patients was 77 (interquartile range: 71-84) years. The majority presented with a non-traumatic complaint (81%) and about 90% of the patients had at least one comorbid disease and were on chronic medication. An ED visit resulted in subsequent hospital admission in 51% of cases, with 9% of patients admitted to an intensive care unit. Overall in-hospital mortality was 8%, and ED mortality was 1%. Older age was associated with a higher female proportion, comorbidities, need for home care service, history of previous falls, admission rates, length of ED, and hospital stay. CONCLUSION: The characteristics of ED elderly patients and their subsequent hospital stay are reported in this prospective study.

Manual cardiopulmonary resuscitation versus mechanical cardiopulmonary resuscitation: Which one is more effective during ambulance transport?

OBJECTIVES: Although studies in the field of emergency medical services (EMS) generally compare survival and hospital discharge rates, there are not many studies measuring the quality of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). In this study, we aimed to compare the mechanical chest compression device and paramedics in terms of CPR quality. METHODS: This is an experimental trial. This study was performed by the EMS of Ankara city (capital of Turkey). Twenty (ten males and ten females) paramedics participated in the study. We used LUCAS™ 2 as a mechanical chest compression device in the study. Paramedics applied chest compression in twenty rounds, whereas mechanical chest compression device applied chest compression in another set of twenty rounds. The depth, rate, and hands-off time of chest compression were measured by means of the model's recording system. RESULTS: The median chest compression rate was 120.1 compressions per minute (interquartile range [IQR]: 25%-75% = 117.9-133.5) for the paramedics, whereas it was 102.3 compressions per minute for the mechanical chest compression device (IQR: 25%-75% = 102.1-102.7) (P < 0.001). The median chest compression depth was 38.9 mm (IQR: 25%-75% = 32.9-45.5) for the paramedics, whereas it was 52.7 mm for the mechanical chest compression device (IQR: 25%-75% = 51.8-55.0) (P < 0.001). The median hands-off time during CPR was 6.9% (IQR: 25-75 = 5.0%-10.1%) for the paramedics and 9% for the mechanical chest compression device (IQR: 25%-75% = 8.2%-12.5%) (P = 0.09). CONCLUSION: During patient transport, according to the chest compression performed by the health-care professionals, it was found that those performed by the mechanical chest compression device were more suitable than that performed by the guides in terms of both speed and duration.

The real victims of the islamic feast of sacrifice: injuries related to the sacrifice.

BACKGROUND: During the Feast of Sacrifice in Muslim countries, thousands of animals are slaughtered every year. Many injuries occur during the sacrifice. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the demographic characteristics of patients, their slaughtering experience, types of injury, and related hospital costs. METHODS: This prospective observational study was conducted in Emergency Departments (EDs) of Gazi University and Ankara Training and Research Hospital. One hundred and twenty adult patients were admitted to EDs with injuries related to the slaughter and processing of meat during two consecutive Feasts of Sacrifice. RESULTS: The average age of patients was 41.85 +/- 13.6, and 101 patients (84.2%) were male. One hundred sixteen patients (96.7%) were not professionals. Ninety-seven patients (80.8%) were admitted to EDs on the first day of the feasts. Ninety-nine injuries (82.5%) were related to cutting tools, and 21 patients (17.5%) were admitted with complaints of either falling or being harmed by animals. Fourteen patients (11.7%) with tendon lacerations, finger amputations, extremity fractures, and eye traumas were taken into surgery. Hospital costs were a median 104.76 [67.48-322.12] Turkish Liras (74.30 [47.86-228.45] USD). CONCLUSION: Proper conditions for slaughter should be provided and professionals should perform the slaughter and/or processing of the meat. EDs should be supplied both more equipment and physicians, especially on the first days of the feast.

[Ultrasonographic findings and evaluation of white blood cell counts in patients undergoing laparotomy with the diagnosis of acute appendicitis]. / Akut apandisit tanisiyla laparotomi uygulanan hastalarda ultrasonografi bulgulari ve lökosit sayisinin degerlendirilmesi.

BACKGROUND: Acute appendicitis (AA) is one of the most frequent pathologies among surgical illnesses. Diagnosis is easy in typical cases, but difficult in atypical cases. In this study, ultrasonographic (USG) findings and leukocyte counts of patients were examined to determine their values in the diagnosis of AA. METHODS: Data for 85 patients seen in the first six months of 2006 were examined retrospectively. Histopathological diagnosis together with leukocyte counts and USG findings were compared, and sensitivities in the diagnosis were determined. RESULTS: The average age of the patients was 33.5, and 44.7% were female. In 95.3% of the patients, leukocyte counts were 10000/mm3 and above. In 74.1% of the patients (63 patients), USG was performed, and 58.7% of the cases (37 patients) were compatible with AA. In four (4.7%) of the patients, AA was not found histopathologically (negative laparotomy). The sensitivity of leukocyte counts (> or =10000/mm(3)) was 98.8% and its selectivity was 75%. The sensitivity of USG was 61.0% and its selectivity was 75%. When the areas under the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve were compared, leukocyte counts were more sensitive in determining the diagnosis. CONCLUSION: In this study, the sensitivity of USG was lower than the high sensitivity ratios reported in the literature. However, the sensitivity of leukocyte counts was significantly higher than that of USG.

Comparison of vitreous and plasma levels of vascular endothelial growth factor, interleukin-6 and hepatocyte growth factor in diabetic and non-diabetic retinal detachment cases.

We compared the vitreous and plasma levels of proinflammatory cytokines in diabetic patients who underwent pars plana vitrectomy. Levels of proinflammatory cytokines in the vitreous were higher in the diabetic patients than the non-diabetics while the levels of plasma cytokines were similar. It is thought that this increase in the vitreous is effective in the progression of angiogenesis and the development of proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

How successful is "pleural sound sign" in the identification of pneumothorax?

OBJECTIVE: In the present study, in thorax ultrasonography (USG) Doppler images obtained from cases with occult pneumothorax, we investigated the status of pulsatile pleural sounds over the pleural line and called these as the pleural sound sign (PSS). The purpose of the present study was to identify the efficacy of the proposed PSS in diagnosing pneumothorax and to compare it with the other USG findings including the sliding lung sign (SLS) and seashore sign (SSS). METHODS: The present study included 66 consecutive patients who were referred to the emergency unit with a blunt trauma from October 2009 to January 2010 at a tertiary university hospital. RESULTS: Of the 66 patients, 34 were in the patient group, and 32 were in the control group. Males accounted for 66.7% (n=44) of the study population. In predicting pneumothorax, the areas under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves of PSSmax and PSSdifference were 0.989 and 0.990, respectively. While the sensitivity of the SLS was 88% and the sensitivity of the SSS was 56%, the specificities of the SLS and SSS were 100%. Based on our findings, accuracy ranking was as follows: PSSmax = PSSdifference > SLS > SSS. CONCLUSION: New applications of thorax USG are rapidly growing. Our findings have to be confirmed in a large patient series. PSS is not a novel method, but it enhanced the importance of USG in the diagnosis of pneumothorax. We can stipulate that it can replace thorax computed tomography imaging particularly for the diagnosis of occult pneumothoraxes.

Tissue adhesives to secure peripheral intravenous catheters: A randomized controlled trial in patients over 65 years.

INTRODUCTION: Peripheral venous catheterization is one of the most used medical procedures in hospitals worldwide. Recent researches state that using intravascular devices is a risk factor for both local and systemic complications. In this study, we aimed to test that addition of tissue adhesive to the insertion site of peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVC) in the emergency department (ED) would reduce the device failure rate at 6 h and 24 h following insertion. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We designed a single-site, two-arm, randomized, controlled trial. We inserted 115 PIVCs into 115 adult patients. RESULTS: PIVC device failure for the 6th hour follow up was 15.4% in the tissue adhesive group (95% CI: 4.1-26.7) vs. 25.6% with standard care group (95% CI: 11.9-39.3). There was no statistically significant difference between two groups (p = 0.33).The number of patients for 24 h follow-up was not enough and the obtained data could not be included in the study. DISCUSSION: In this study, the routine use of tissue adhesives in addition to standard care to reduce PIVC failure for patients 65 years or older in ED was not supported due to not clear benefits and cost effectivity. CONCLUSION: Even though the routine use of tissue adhesives is not recommended according to the study results, it may be reasonable to use tissue adhesives for long term hospitalization expected patients to protect from related complications due to current literature.

Vasoconstriction and analgesic efficacy of locally infiltrated levobupivacaine for nasal surgery.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we compared the use of preincisional lidocaine 2% with epinephrine (LA) and levobupivacaine 0.25% plain (LB) for postoperative analgesia and vasoconstriction in patients undergoing nasal surgery. METHODS: Sixty patients were randomly assigned to receive preincisional local infiltration under general anesthesia. Group LB received levobupivacaine 0.25%, and group LA received epinephrine plus lidocaine 2% (add volume injected). Intraoperative hemodynamic changes, pre- and postoperative hemoglobin and hematocrit values were recorded. Visual analog scale values 30 min and 1, 2, 8, 12, and 24 h postoperatively and the need for rescue analgesic treatment in the first 24 h of all patients was recorded. RESULTS: At 30 min and 1, 2, 8, and 12 h postoperatively, visual analog scale values were lower in group LB than in group LA (P < 0.0001, P = 0.002, P = 0.023, P < 0.0001, and P = 0.011, respectively). The analgesic requirement was significantly lower in group LB when compared with that in group LA (P = 0.038). Group LB had significant differences between preoperative and postoperative hemoglobin and hematocrit values (P = 0.014 and 0.025). Group LA had significant differences between preoperative and postoperative hemoglobin and hematocrit values (P = 0.031 and 0.024). CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that postoperative analgesia in nasal surgery with local infiltration of levobupivacaine was significantly more potent and longer lasting than that achieved by lidocaine plus epinephrine.

Phenytoin induced dystonia.

Acar T, Alkan G, Çaksen H, Ertekin B, Ergin M, Koçak S, Cander B. Phenytoin induced dystonia. Turk J Pediatr 2018; 60: 111-112. The abnormalities of dopaminergic activity in the basal ganglia have been emphasized to be effective in dystonia. We hereby report a case of a 2.5-year-old male patient who presented with tonic-clonic sezures and who developed dystonia after being given phenytoin. Biperidene hydrochloride was administered intramuscularly; primidone was added to the treatment regimen. After a 7-day-follow-up at the hospital, the patient had no dystonia and was discharged.

The role of oxidative stress in α-amanitin-induced hepatotoxicityin an experimental mouse model.

BACKGROUND/AIM: This study aimed to evaluate oxidative stress markers of liver tissue in a mouse α-amanitin poisoning model with three different toxin levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The mice were randomly divided into Group 1 (control), Group 2 (0.2 mg/kg), Group 3 (0.6 mg/kg), and Group 4 (1.0 mg/kg). The toxin was injected intraperitoneally and 48 h of follow-up was performed before sacrifice. RESULTS: Median superoxide dismutase activities of liver tissue in Groups 3 and 4 were significantly higher than in Group 1 (for both, P = 0.001). The catalase activity in Group 2 was significantly higher, but in Groups 3 and 4 it was significantly lower than in Group 1 (for all, P = 0.001). The glutathione peroxidase activities in Groups 2, 3, and 4 were significantly higher than in Group 1 (P = 0.006, P = 0.001, and P = 0.001, respectively). The malondialdehyde levels of Groups 3 and 4 were significantly higher than Group 1 (P = 0.015 and P = 0.003, respectively). The catalase activity had significant correlations with total antioxidant status and total oxidant status levels (r = 0.935 and r = -0.789, respectively; for both, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our findings support a significant role for increased oxidative stress in α-amanitin-induced hepatotoxicity.

Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase-A2 activity and its diagnostic potential in patients with acute coronary syndrome and acute ischemic stroke.

BACKGROUND: The study examined the Lp-PLA2 activity at the patients presented to the emergency department with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or acute ischemic stroke (AIS), as well as its diagnostic value. METHODS: The prospective study included consecutive male and female patients aged >18 years that presented to the our emergency department with ACS or AIS between November 2009 and January 2010. Blood samples were obtained immediately following diagnosis in the ACS and AIS groups. The diagnostic value of Lp-PLA2 was determined based on receiver operating characteristic curves, sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, likelihood ratios and accuracy rates. RESULTS: In all, 34 ACS and 32 AIS patients were included in the study, and the control group included 35 patients. Lp-PLA2 enzyme activity was significantly lower in the ACS and AIS groups than in the control group (26.7 ± 13.8, 31.4 ± 13.6, and 41.4 ± 8.1 nmol min-1·mL-1, respectively; p < 0.0001, p = 0.022). In the ACS group the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.825 (95%CI: 0.722-0.929), sensitivity was 71% for an optimal Lp-PLA2 cut-off value of 31.4 nmol min-1·mL-1, and specificity was 91%, whereas in the AIS group the AUC was 0.768 (95%CI: 0.652-0.884), sensitivity was 75% for an optimal Lp-PLA2 cut-off value of 38.1 nmol min-1·mL-1, and specificity was 74%. CONCLUSIONS: Lp-PLA2 enzyme activity was significantly lower during the early stage of both ACS and AIS. The obtained statistic data suggest that low Lp-PLA2 enzyme activity can be used for diagnostic purposes.

Pediatric silicone oil surgery.

PURPOSE: To evaluate clinical characteristics, surgical aspects, and visual outcomes of pediatric patients who underwent pars plana vitrectomy and silicone oil injection for complicated retinal detachment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The records of 24 patients (25 eyes) younger than 18 years were retrospectively reviewed. All patients underwent pars plana vitrectomy and silicone oil injection for complicated retinal detachment between January 1995 and June 2004 in the Ophthalmology Department of Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey. All patients had follow-up at or beyond 6 months. RESULTS: Nineteen (79.2%) boys and 5 (20.8%) girls were included. Mean age was 12.6 years (standard deviation, +/- 3.5; range, 5 to 17). Five eyes (20%) had blunt ocular trauma. Eleven eyes (44%) had penetrating trauma. Three eyes (12%) had high myopia. Four eyes (16%) had congenital cataract surgery. One eye (4%) had redetachment 1 month after vitreoretinal surgery performed at another clinic. One case had bilateral proliferative vitreoretinopathy with an undefined cause. The retina remained attached in 18 (72%) of 25 eyes at the final examination (17 were totally attached; 1 was partially attached). Mean follow-up was 23.4 months (standard deviation, +/- 20.5; range, 6 to 108). Postoperative visual acuity improved to 1/10 or better only in 6 eyes (24%) at the last examination. CONCLUSION: In pediatric patients with complicated retinal detachment, silicone oil injection for intraocular tamponade is an option for treatment, but visual outcome is poorer than for adults.

An experimental comparative study on classic tube thoracostomy and thoracostomy with a newly designed thorax drainage catheter.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The collection of fluids, blood, pus, or air in the pleural cavity is a pathological condition requiring pleural drainage. A newly designed thorax drainage catheter in the prototype phase was used in this experimental study to test its efficacy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A hemopneumothorax was first caused by a penetrating injury on the frontal axis of the sixth intercostal space on the right hemithorax with a scalpel on 6 female Sus domesticus swine subjects. After resting for 5 min, a tube or catheter was inserted. The same procedure with a tube thoracostomy or thorax drainage catheter was repeated on the left hemithorax. The time periods were recorded. After all procedures were completed, the thoracic organs were assessed for iatrogenic injuries. RESULTS: In terms of time elapsed for procedure, statistically significant differences between the tube thoracostomy and thorax drainage catheter applications were identified (P < 0.05). Additional iatrogenic injuries were nonexistent for both groups. During the thorax drainage catheter application, a surgical set or the use of sutures was not required. CONCLUSION: This study showed promising results regarding the efficacy of the thorax drainage catheter for convenient use in prehospital and hospital settings by physicians with little experience with tube thoracostomy.