Effects of Omalizumab on Serum Levels of Substance P, Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide, Neuropeptide Y, and Interleukin-31 in Patients with Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria.

The mechanism of action of omalizumab in urticaria is still not literally known. This study examines the serum values of substance P (SP), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), neuropeptide Y (NPY), and interleukin-31 (IL-31) in patients using omalizumab. In this study, 30 patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) who were going to be treated with omalizumab and 20 healthy volunteers took part. Demographic data, clinical data, and disease activity scores were noted. For serum SP, CGRP, NPY, and IL-31 values, 10 mL of blood were taken from the patients before starting the treatment, 3 months after the treatment, at the end of the 6th month, and from healthy volunteers all at once. The change in values measured at baseline, 3rd month, and 6th month was analyzed by the Friedman Test. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the parameters obtained from the patients and control groups. The significance level was set at p=0.05. SP, CGRP, NPY, and IL-31 values were all statistically significantly lower in the CSU patient group compared to the control group. After treatment, the levels of SP and CGRP in the serum went up, and the levels of serum IL-31 went down. These changes were statistically significant. This study supports the view that omalizumab does not only affect IgE receptors but also affects mast cells through other mechanisms. According to our knowledge, this is the first study to show that omalizumab therapy and serum CGRP levels are related.

A novel id-iri score: development and internal validation of the multivariable community acquired sepsis clinical risk prediction model.

We aimed to develop a scoring system for predicting in-hospital mortality of community-acquired (CA) sepsis patients. This was a prospective, observational multicenter study performed to analyze CA sepsis among adult patients through ID-IRI (Infectious Diseases International Research Initiative) at 32 centers in 10 countries between December 1, 2015, and May 15, 2016. After baseline evaluation, we used univariate analysis at the second and logistic regression analysis at the third phase. In this prospective observational study, data of 373 cases with CA sepsis or septic shock were submitted from 32 referral centers in 10 countries. The median age was 68 (51-77) years, and 174 (46,6%) of the patients were females. The median hospitalization time of the patients was 15 (10-21) days. Overall mortality rate due to CA sepsis was 17.7% (n = 66). The possible predictors which have strong correlation and the variables that cause collinearity are acute oliguria, altered consciousness, persistent hypotension, fever, serum creatinine, age, and serum total protein. CAS (%) is a new scoring system and works in accordance with the parameters in third International Consensus Definitions for Sepsis and Septic Shock (Sepsis-3). The system has yielded successful results in terms of predicting mortality in CA sepsis patients.

Influenza vaccination prevalence among the elderly and individuals with chronic disease, and factors affecting vaccination uptake.

OBJECTIVE: Our aim is to evaluate influenza vaccination rates among the elderly and individuals with underlying chronic disease, and factors that affect vaccination uptake. METHODS: The study comprised individuals aged 18-65 years with underlying chronic diseases, and individuals aged over 65 years. Literature-based questionnaires prepared by the researcher regarding vaccination were completed through face-to-face interviews by the principal investigator. RESULTS: A total of 818 participants were included in the study, 257 (31.4%) were males. The mean age of participants was 57.47 ± 14.11 years; 274 (33.5%) were aged 65 years and over. One hundred and three (12.6%) participants stated that they received vaccinations against influenza annually, and 144 (17.6%) stated that they had vaccination against influenza in the 2015/16 or 2016/17 season. Fifty-two (19%) participants aged more than 65 years stated that they received vaccinations against influenza annually, 75 (27.4%) stated that they had vaccination against influenza in the 2015/16 or 2016/17 season. The most commonly determined reasons for not receiving vaccination were not knowing that it was necessary (34%) and believing that vaccination was not necessary because they were healthy (26%). Statistically significantly more participants who gained their knowledge from a physician were vaccinated than those whose knowledge came from other sources (p < 0.05). Participants who considered that they had sufficient information about influenza were vaccinated more frequently, the results were statistically significant (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Informing target risk groups about influenza vaccination by physicians and increasing awareness about influenza may contribute to increasing vaccination rates.

Urinary tract infections in the geriatric patients.

OBJECTIVE: Urinary tract infections (UTI) are the second most common infection in geriatric population. This study investigated clinical findings, diagnostic approaches, complicating factors, prognosis, causative microorganisms and antimicrobial susceptibility in geriatric patients diagnosed with UTI. METHODS: A total of 140 hospitalised patients with UTIs were evaluated within three years between January 2011-January 2015 at the Eskisehir Yunus Emre State Hospital. UTI diagnosed when there were systemic and urinary signs and symptoms and a positive dipstick test and urine culture result, leukocyte and CRP like serum parameters. RESULTS: Among the studied patients, 41.4% had urological diseases, 20.7% had diabetes mellitus and 19.2% had neurological diseases. The most common symptoms and signs were fever, dysuria nausea/vomiting, general condition impairment, pyuria, haematuria. The laboratory values for CRP, ESR and leukocyte count were 84 mg/dL, 56 mm/s and 11.9 (10^3µL), with mean values being determined. Among patients having a urinary catheter (17.1%), 27.9% had a history of UTI, while 29.3% had been hospitalised. Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae were the most commonly identified microorganisms. The mean duration for hospitalisation was 7.6 days, while a 5% mortality rate was observed over the course of the disease. CONCLUSION: Because of the potential for serious complications and mortality, elderly patients with urinary tract infection, should receive immediate empirical treatment based on anamnesis, clinical evaluation and urinalysis and should be re-examined using results from cultures and antibiograms upon follow-up.

Quality of life and related factors among chronic hepatitis B-infected patients: a multi-center study, Turkey.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients in Turkey and to study related factors. METHODS: This multicenter study was carried out between January 01 and April 15, 2015 in Turkey in 57 centers. Adults were enrolled and studied in three groups. Group 1: Inactive HBsAg carriers, Group 2: CHB patients receiving antiviral therapy, Group 3: CHB patients who were neither receiving antiviral therapy nor were inactive HBsAg carriers. Study data was collected by face-to-face interviews using a standardized questionnaire, Short Form-36 (SF-36) and Hepatitis B Quality of Life (HBQOL). Values equivalent to p < 0.05 in analyses were accepted as statistically significant. RESULTS: Four thousand two hundred fifty-seven patients with CHB were included in the study. Two thousand five hundred fifty-nine (60.1 %) of the patients were males. Groups 1, 2 and 3, consisted of 1529 (35.9 %), 1721 (40.4 %) and 1007 (23.7 %) patients, respectively. The highest value of HRQOL was found in inactive HBsAg carriers. We found that total HBQOL score increased when antiviral treatment was used. However, HRQOL of CHB patients varied according to their socio-demographic properties. Regarding total HBQOL score, a higher significant level of HRQOL was determined in inactive HBV patients when matched controls with the associated factors were provided. CONCLUSIONS: The HRQOL score of CHB patients was higher than expected and it can be worsen when the disease becomes active. Use of an antiviral therapy can contribute to increasing HRQOL of patients.

KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE OF HEALTH CARE WORKERS TOWARD PATIENTS WITH HEPATITIS C INFECTION.

This study aimed to evaluate the level of knowledge of healthcare workers in Kutahya (a western province of Turkey) about HCV infection and their attitudes toward patients with hepatitis C infection. A total of 335 healthcare workers working in Kutahya Evliya Celebi Research and Training Hospital were included in the study. A questionnaire evaluating demographic characteristics, level of knowledge and attitudes of healthcare workers toward patients with hepatitis C infection was administered to the participants. Thirty-six point four percent of the participants were males. According to the occupations, distributions of the participants were as followings: 54.6% nurse, 25.1% physician, 11.6% trainee nurse, 4.5% intern and 4.2% anesthesia technician. The mean age of healthcare professionals was 30.32±8.10 years. Fifty-eight point eight percent of them experienced percutaneous injury. The mean knowledge score was 18.05±3.01 (from a total of 25). There was a statistically significant relationship between knowledge score and age, working year, occupational group (p<0.001). There was also a significant relationship between total attitude score and gender (p=0.006), age (p=0.002), working year (p=0.021) and occupational group (p<0.001). It was determined that as total knowledge score of the participants increased they exhibited a more positive attitude toward patients with hepatitis C infection (p<0.001). A positive relationship was determined between the level of knowledge of healthcare workers and positive attitudes toward patients with hepatitis C infection. Therefore, increasing the level of knowledge is necessary for more positive attitudes.

Discontinuation of Nucleos(t)ide Analogues in HBeAg Negative Chronic Hepatitis B Patients: Risks and Benefits.

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) remains a major threat to global public health, affecting 296 million people worldwide. Although there is no curative treatment for CHB today, the virus can be effectively controlled with current antiviral treatment strategies. Since HBsAg loss can rarely (1%) be achieved with current nucleos(t)ide analogues (NA) options, lifelong treatment is usually required in HBeAg-negative patients. In recent years, guidelines have stated that long-term NA treatments can be discontinued for HBeAg-negative patients without achieving HBsAg loss. There is no general consensus on how discontinuation of NA can be included in the treatment approach. This review aimed to evaluate the current literature regarding the discontinuation of NA treatment in HBeAg-negative patients. Patients with HBeAg-negative CHB who have a higher chance of response after discontinuation of NA therapy can be defined as non-cirrhotic patients who have low HBsAg, HBcrAg, and HBV RNA levels at the discontinuation of treatment and accept close follow-up. The management of relapses that develop after NA discontinuation in patients is also unclear. The agent used in NA treatment itself may also affect the pattern of relapse development. Relapse after NA treatment occurs significantly slower and less frequently with entecavir compared to other regimens, including tenofovir dipivoxil. Prospective studies are needed in order to maintain the chance of HBsAg clearance in case of exacerbation and to treat acute exacerbations that can be fatal in a timely manner. Algorithms to be developed for use after discontinuation of NA treatment will help the clinician manage the patient safely.

Knowledge and Attitudes of Patients About the Rational Use of Antibiotics.

Objective: Antimicrobial resistance can lead to morbidity and mortality in serious infections. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of patients admitted to the outpatient clinics of our hospital about the rational use of antibiotics. Materials and Methods: Patients who applied to Infectious Diseases and Internal Diseases Polyclinics between August 01, 2021 and February 01, 2022 were included. After obtaining written consent from those who agreed to participate in the study, a face-to-face questionnaire was applied to evaluate their knowledge and attitudes about antibiotic use. Results: A total of 735 patients were included in the study; 64.1% were women, and the mean age was 40±15 years. The median of the total correct score on the scale measuring the patients' knowledge level in the study was 5. It was determined that individuals who scored 5 or less did not have sufficient knowledge, and those who scored above 5 had sufficient knowledge. Female gender, being single, being a university graduate, and having a middle income were associated with sufficient knowledge level (p<0.05). The rates of self-starting or using antibiotics until the complaints subsided were higher in the group with insufficient knowledge (p<0.05). Conclusion: The knowledge level of our patients regarding antibiotic use provided better results in all parameters, such as the number of visits to the doctor, self-starting antibiotics, using the antibiotic in the appropriate indication, and complying with the duration. The knowledge level was found to be associated with the appropriate antibiotic use.

A New Biomarker Copeptin in Determining Disease Severity in COVID-19.

Objective: Copeptin is released from the posterior pituitary gland into systemic circulation in response to various stimuli, including stress. We aimed to evaluate the role of copeptin in determining the severity of the disease in patients with COVID-19. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted prospectively in two centers between June 1, 2022, and October 1, 2022. Severe and mild-moderate COVID-19 patients were compared in terms of clinical, laboratory and imaging findings, and serum copeptin levels at hospitalization. Results: A total of 90 patients were included in the study; 45 patients were in severe disease groups. Dyspnea, loss of appetite, and loss of smell were significantly more common in the severe disease group (p<0.001, p=0.025, and p<0.001, respectively). Among the tomography findings, the consolidation frequency was similar in both groups (p=0.259). C-reactive protein (CRP), D-dimer, ferritin, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), procalcitonin, troponin and copeptin levels were higher in the severe group (p<0.05); hemoglobin, total protein and vitamin D levels were lower (p=0.05). The area under the curve (AUC) values for severe disease were 0.643 for copeptin (p=0.019), 0.656 for CRP (p=0.011), 0.684 for procalcitonin (p=0.004), 0.657 for ferritin (p=0.01), 0.72 for D-dimer (p=0), 0.688 for troponin (p=0.002), and 0.672 for age (p=0.005). Conclusion: In our study, copeptin was identified as a new prognostic biomarker indicating the severity of the disease in patients with COVID-19.

Evaluation of candidemia risk factors and Candida species distribution in intensive care units among patients with and without COVID-19.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the risk variables related to the types of candidemia for each patient, who was admitted into the intensive care unit regardless of the patient with or without complete diagnosis of COVID-19, during the period of March 2019 to December 2022. METHODS: The evaluation comparison of demographic and clinical data of COVID-19 positive and negative patients with candidemia confirmed in blood, 113 cases were assessed. Variables such as gender, age, age of hospitalization, history of hospitalization, concurrently infection, The acute physiology and chronic health evaluation-II scores, comorbidity checking, intubation, central venous catheter use, parenteral nutrition use, steroid use, antibiotic use, lymphopenia, and laboratory variables were evaluated. Candida species distribution, antifungal susceptibility in blood culture were determined. RESULTS: Coronavirus disease-19 was present in 62.8% of cases confirmed candidemia, and these cases were significantly different from COVID-19 negative cases. Significance was found in more intubation, central venous catheter use, parenteral nutrition, and steroid therapy in Group 2. There was no significance with species distribution and associated infection. In total, COVID-19 positive had higher hemoglobin, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine transaminase, and white blood cell levels, which may be associated with the possibility of revealing and controlling candidemia. CONCLUSION: Candida albicans and Candida Parapsilosis (C. parapsilosis) are the species seen in infected COVID-19 patients, while C. parapsilosis and Candida tropicalis are found in non-COVID-19 ones. Risk factors were intubation, parenteral nutrition, central venous catheter, and steroid in the COVID-19 group.

Xanthomatous hyperplastic polyps of the stomach: clinicopathologic study of 5 patients with polypoid gastric lesions showing combined features of gastric xanthelasma and hyperplastic polyp.

Gastric xanthelasmas are uncommon benign lesions that are macroscopically well-demarcated yellow or yellow-white plaques and are microscopically formed by collections of foamy macrophages. Because gastric hyperplastic polyps may rarely be associated with xanthelasma, we aimed to report 5 cases of combined lesions showing features of gastric xanthelasma and hyperplastic polyps observed over the past 3 years at our institution among 4497 patients who underwent gastric endoscopy. The patients were 3 men and 2 women aged 45 to 78 years. The lesions were located in oxyntic mucosa, except one in the antrum, and measured 2 to 6 mm. Three patients showed associated chronic gastritis; none showed evidence of Helicobacter pylori infection. Combined lesions of hyperplastic polyp with xanthelasma appear to have an association with chronic gastritis, and the lipid accumulation may be the cause of hyperplasia in the overlying mucosa.

The usability of neopterin in determining disease course in COVID-19.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the usability of neopterin in demonstrating the progression of COVID-19. As a result of uncontrolled activation of COVID-19 monocytes and macrophages, IFN gamma increases and the resulting inflammatory response causes organ damage. IFN released from T cells causes an increase in gamma neopterin levels. Therefore, measurement of neopterin levels can be used to indicate immune system activation and disease progression. METHODS: The study was carried out prospectively in two different centers. The patients were divided into two groups (mild-moderate and severe) and clinical, laboratory, imaging findings and neopterin levels at hospitalization were compared. RESULTS: 100 patients were included in our study, 41 of these patients were male. Forty-six patients were identified as severe COVID-19. C-reactive protein, lymphocyte count, fibrinogen, D dimers, lactate dehydrogenase, procalcitonin, troponin and neopterin levels were significant in indicating disease severity. (p<0.05). In ROC analysis, 0.642 for neopterin, 0.698 C-reactive protein, 0.331 lymphocyte count, 0.679 procalcitonin, 0.633 fibrinogen, 0.667 D dimers, 0.655 troponin and 0.706 lactate dehydrogenase were detected and these values were significant. CONCLUSION: In our study, neopterin was detected as an important indicator in determining the course of COVID-19.

New Treatment Options in Chronic Hepatitis B: How Close Are We to Cure?

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the leading cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. HBV-infected patients are at a lifetime risk of developing liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Today, pegylated interferon (Peg-IFN) and nucleos(t)ide analogs (NAs) are used in the treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Both treatment options have limitations. Despite effective viral suppression, NAs have little effect on covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), the stable episomal form of the HBV genome in hepatocytes. Therefore, the cure rate with NAs is low, and long-term treatment is required. Although the cure rate is better with Peg-IFN, it is difficult to tolerate due to drug side effects. Therefore, new treatment options are needed in the treatment of HBV infection. We can group new treatments under two headings: those that interfere with the viral life cycle and spread and those that modulate the immune response. Clinical studies show that combinations of treatments that directly target the viral life cycle and treatments that regulate the host immune system will be among the important treatment strategies in the future. As new direct-acting antiviral (DAA) and immunomodulatory therapies continue to emerge and evolve, functional cures in HBV treatment may be an achievable goal.

COVID-19 in Elderly Patients: Risk Factors for Disease Severity.

Objective: Determining the clinical characteristics associated with SARS-COV-2 infection may contribute to reducing mortality in elderly patients, considering the age-related sensitivity and the excess of complications. Our study aimed to evaluate the factors that determine the severity of the disease in elderly patients followed up in our hospital. Materials and Methods: The files of definite or probable COVID-19 patients over 65 years old who were followed up by the infectious diseases clinic of our hospital between March 15 and October 1, 2020, were evaluated retrospectively. Results: A total of 134 patients were included in the study, 52.2% of the patients were male, and the mean age was 75.11±7.15 (min 65-max 94). Multimorbidity was detected in 42.5% of the patients, and the most common comorbidities were hypertension (53.7%) and diabetes mellitus (36.6%). Severe COVID-19 was present in 39.6% of patients. The most common complaints were fatigue (70.9%), cough (59.7%), and shortness of breath (59%). When the patients' computed tomography (CT) images of thorax were evaluated, ground-glass was observed in 94.8% (n=127), infiltration in 42.5% (n=57), and consolidation in 32.8% (n=44). Involvement was bilateral in 93.3% (n=125) of the patients. The most common antiviral treatment used for patients was favipiravir 73.1% (n=98). The average hospitalization period of the patients was 12±6.36 days, the rate of follow-up in the intensive care unit was 20.1% (n=27), and death occurred in 9.7% (n=13) of the patients. In the multivariate analysis, cough and shortness of breath at admission, atelectasis and pleural effusion on thorax CT were found to be significant for severe COVID-19 disease (p<0.05). Conclusion: Providing early medical support to these patients, especially, in the presence of cough and shortness of breath on admission and the presence of pleural effusion and atelectasis on thoracic CT, may help reduce the poor clinical course.

Prospective Evaluation of Infections in Geriatric Patients in Intensive Care Units.

Objective: Nosocomial infections (NIs) are major health problems with morbidity and mortality. Geriatric patients require intensive care unit (ICU) admission more frequently, and serious challenges occur during treatment. We aimed to evaluate the risk factors of NI and mortality in geriatric patients admitted to the ICU. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted between April 2018 and April 2019 in two hospitals. We prospectively recorded the data on the forms prepared according to daily ICU visits. Results: During the study period, 600 patients were hospitalized in the ICUs. Geriatric patients constituted 446 (74.3%) of the total number. The NI rate was 59% in adult patients and 80% in geriatric patients. The most frequent NI in geriatric patients was pneumonia (42%). Furthermore, the need for mechanical ventilation support, prolongation of hospital stay, total parenteral nutrition, and tracheostomy were statistically higher in geriatric patients with NI. The mortality rate in geriatric patients was statistically higher than in non-geriatric. We found the rates of prolonged hospitalization, NI development, malignancy, and cerebrovascular disease diagnosis significantly higher in geriatric patients than in non-geriatric patients. Conclusion: NI and mortality rate are higher in geriatrics than in adult patients. Pneumonia is the most common type of NI in the ICU. Identification of risk factors regarding NI and mortality in geriatric patients in ICU will contribute to developing strategies for prevention.

Real-World Data from Turkey: Is Sofosbuvir/Ledipasvir With or Without Ribavirin Treatment for Chronic Hepatitis C Really Effective?

BACKGROUND: In this study, we aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of sofosbuvir-based therapies in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C in real-world clinical practice. METHODS: Data from patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with SOF/LDV ± RBV or SOF/RBV in 31 centers across Turkey between April 1, 2017, and August 31, 2018, were recorded in a nationwide database among infectious disease specialists. Demographics, clinical, and virological outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 552 patients were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 51.28 ± 14.2, and 293 (55.8%) were female. The majority had HCV genotype 1b infection (65%), 75.04% of the patients underwent treatment, and non-cirrhosis was present at baseline in 381 patients (72.6%). SOF/LDV ± RBV treatment was given to 477 patients and 48 patients received SOF/RBV according to HCV genotype. The total SVR12 rate was 99% in all patients. Five patients experienced disease relapse during the study and all of them were genotype 2. In patients infected with HCV GT2, SVR12 was 77.3%. SVR was 100% in all patients infected with other HCV genotypes. All treatments were well tolerated by patients without causing severe adverse events. Side effects and side effects-associated treatment discontinuation rates were 28.2% and 0.4%, respectively. Weakness (13.7%) was the common side effect. CONCLUSION: The present real-world data of 525 patients with HCV genotypes 1, 1a, 1b, 3, 4, and 5 who underwent SOF/LDV ± RBV treatment in Turkey demonstrated a high efficacy and safety profile. HCV GT2 patients should be treated with more efficacious treatment.

A snapshot of geriatric infections in Turkey: ratio of geriatric inpatients in hospitals and evaluation of their infectious diseases: A multicenter point prevalence study.

INTRODUCTION: The human population is aging at an astonishing rate. The aim of this study is to capture a situation snapshot revealing the proportion of individuals aged 65 years and over among inpatients in healthcare institutions in Turkey and the prevalence and type of infections in this patient group in order to draw a road map. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Hospitalized patients over 65 years at any of the 62 hospitals in 29 cities across Turkey on February 9, 2017 were included in the study. Web-based SurveyMonkey was used for data recording and evaluation system. RESULTS: Of 17,351 patients 5871 (33.8%) were ≥65 years old. The mean age was 75.1±7.2 years; 3075 (52.4%) patients were male. Infection was reason for admission for 1556 (26.5%) patients. Pneumonia was the most common infection. The median length of hospital stay was 5 days (IQR: 2-11 days). The Antibiotic therapy was initiated for 2917 (49.7%) patients at the time of admission, and 23% of the antibiotics prescribed were inappropriate. Healthcare-associated infections developed in 1059 (18%) patients. Urinary catheters were placed in 2388 (40.7%) patients with 7.5% invalid indication. CONCLUSION: This study used real data to reveal the proportion of elderly patients in hospital admissions. The interventions done, infections developed during hospitalization, length of hospital stay, and excessive drug load emphasize the significant impact on health costs and illustrate the importance of preventive medicine in this group of patients.

Effect of Patch Testing on the Course of Allergic Contact Dermatitis and Prognostic Factors That Influence Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) has been shown to adversely affect the quality of life of patients. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to study the effect of patch test on the severity of dermatitis, the quality of life of patients, and the prognostic factors influencing the outcome. METHODS: The study included 111 patients patch tested with the preliminary diagnosis of ACD. Patients with clinically relevant positive patch test reactions were included in the ACD group. All patients were assessed with the Investigator Global Assessment and the Dermatology Quality of Life Index before and 6 months after patch testing. RESULTS: At the sixth-month control, more significant regressions in the mean Investigator Global Assessment and Dermatology Quality of Life Index scores were noted in the ACD group. The allergens were correctly remembered by 75% of the patients. The improvement was more significant in patients with ACD who correctly remembered the allergens and made appropriate lifestyle changes. Multiple allergen positivity was identified as a poor prognostic factor. CONCLUSIONS: The effect of patch test on the prognosis of contact dermatitis depends not only on providing necessary information to patients but also on the number of positive reactions, patient's ability to recall the allergens, how much the avoidance was achieved, and patient-related factors such as sex.

Second evaluation of the mesenteric tissue after ethanol fixation improved the total and metastatic number of lymph nodes in colorectal resections.

CONTEXT: There is a correlation between prognosis of the colorectal carcinomas and the number of retrieved and metastatic lymph nodes (LNs) from mesentery/mesorectal region. At least 12 LNs must be sampled for accurate evaluation of patients. A number of factors related to surgeon, pathologist, patient and disease could affect the total LN number. For maximizing LN yield, pathologist can use ancillary methods, as fat clearance and special solutions. AIMS: This study investigates the effect of second evaluation after ethanol fixation on total and metastatic LN number and assesses factors that influence the dissected LN number. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 177 colorectal resections were refixed with ethanol for a night, after standard LN sampling. Mesentery/mesorectal tissue was reevaluated for missed LNs. Results were statistically analyzed, P values <0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: Mean LN number increased from 26 to 30 (median: 20 to 25, P < 0.001) after ethanol fixation. Fourteen cases had additional metastatic LNs after reevaluation of the fat tissue and 5 of them upstaged. 22.5% (44/177) of the patients had <12 LNs before ethanol fixation and this decreased to 14.3% (26/177) after ethanol fixation. Resection type and length, tumor localization, size and histologic degree, pT and neoadjuvant therapy (P < 0.001) had an impact on the LN number (P = 0.034 for histologic degree, P = 0.02 for pT, P < 0.001 for others). CONCLUSIONS: Carrying out a second evaluation with ethanol fixation increased total and metastatic LN number and could lead upstage of pN. Ethanol fixation is cost-effective, easy accessible and applicable method; it may improve accuracy of LN assessment and staging, which are important for patients' outcome.

The Role of Serum Procalcitonin, Interleukin-6, and Fibrinogen Levels in Differential Diagnosis of Diabetic Foot Ulcer Infection.

AIMS: We aimed to evaluate the roles of interleukin-6 (IL-6), PCT, and fibrinogen levels in the differential diagnosis of the patients with infected diabetic foot ulcer (IDFU) and noninfected diabetic foot ulcer (NIDFU) and to compare those with C-reactive protein (CRP), white blood cell (WBC), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). METHODS: Patients over 18 years with a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus and DFU who were followed up in our hospital between 1 January 2016 and 1 January 2017 were included in the study. In addition to this patient group, patients with diabetes but without DFU were determined as the control group. RESULTS: Thirty-eight patients with IDFU, 38 patients with NIDFU, and 43 patients as the control group were included in the study. Fifty-six point three percent of the patients who participated in the study were males, and the mean age was 61.07 ± 11.04 years. WBC, ESR, CRP, IL-6, and fibrinogen levels of the cases with IDFU were determined to be significantly higher compared to the cases in NIDFU (p < 0.01). The area under the ROC curve (AUROC) value was highest for CRP (0.998; p < 0.001), and the best cut-off value for CRP was 28 m/L. The best cut-off values for fibrinogen, IL-6, ESR, and WBC were 480 mg/dL, 105.8 pg/mL, 31 mm/h, and 11.6 (103 µ/L), respectively. CONCLUSION: Serum PCT levels were not found to be effective in the discrimination of IDFU and NIDFU. Serum IL-6 and fibrinogen levels seem to be two promising inflammatory markers in the discrimination of IDFU.