Electrocardiographic abnormalities are prognostic of the clinical outcomes and mortality of patients with subarachnoid hemorrhages.

PURPOSE: We explored the relationships between electrocardiographic (ECG) abnormalities and the clinical outcomes and mortality of patients with non-traumatic aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhages (SAHs). METHODS: This retrospective cohort study enrolled consecutive adult patients who presented to emergency departments with non-traumatic aneurysmal SAHs. We recorded their demographics, clinical characteristics, and ECG findings, and explored the relationships between ECG abnormalities, on the one hand, and 28-day mortality and prognosis, on the other. RESULTS: We enrolled 158 patients, 76 females (48.10%) and 82 males (51.90%) of average age 54.70 ± 7.07 years. A total of 107 patients (67.72%) exhibited at least one ECG abnormality, most commonly a T-wave change (n = 54, 34.18%). Such patients evidenced significantly higher Hunt-Hess and Fisher scale scores than those without abnormalities (both p < 0.001). Patients with abnormal ECG findings experienced more unfavorable outcomes and higher mortality than others (both p < 0.001). ECG abnormalities, including PR prolongation, pathological Q waves, QRS widening, left bundle branch blocks, premature ventricular contractions, ST segment changes, and T-wave changes, were more common in non-survivors and patients with Hunt-Hess scores of 4-5 compared to survivors and those with Hunt-Hess scores <4, respectively. Moreover, increased age and presence of abnormal ECG findings were independent predictors of mortality in aneurysmal SAHs. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with abnormal ECG findings exhibited unfavorable clinical outcomes and increased mortality rates. Abnormal ECG findings combined with higher Hunt-Hess or Fischer grade scores usefully predict adverse clinical outcomes in and mortality of SAH patients.

A high-flow nasal cannula versus noninvasive ventilation in acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

PURPOSE: We investigated the efficacy and safety of a high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) at different flow rates compared to noninvasive ventilation (NIV) in patients with acute chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations. METHODS: This prospective, randomized, single-blind study assigned patients to one of three study groups. The NIV group (n = 47) received bilevel positive airway pressure. The HFNC-30 (n = 44) and HFNC-50 (n = 46) groups received HFNC therapy at flow rates of 30 and 50 L/min, respectively. Demographic and clinical characteristics and arterial blood gas parameters before and 30, 60, and 120 min after treatment were compared among the treatment groups. RESULTS: This study included 137 consecutive patients with acute exacerbations of COPD, comprising 90 males and 47 females, with a mean age of 68.1 ± 10.5 years. A total of 21 patients (15.33 %) were intubated, and the overall mortality rate was 10.2 %. The mean PaCO2 levels on admission were 64.69 ± 10.81, 61.51 ± 9.03, and 62.29 ± 9.87 in the NIV, HFNC-30, and HFNC-50 groups, respectively, with no significant differences observed (p = 0.372). A significant reduction in mean PaCO2 was observed in all treatment groups at 30, 60, and 120 min (p < 0.05 for all). However, the ΔPaCO2 at 60 min was significantly higher in the HFNC-30 group compared to the NIV group (p = 0.042). Additionally, neither intubation rates nor 28-day mortality differed among the treatment groups (p = 0.368 and p = 0.775, respectively). CONCLUSION: HFNC was not inferior to NIV in improving arterial blood gas parameters, particularly PaCO2 in patients with COPD exacerbations, especially those with hypercarbia. Moreover, HFNC at a flow rate of 30 L/min was superior to NIV for reducing PaCO2 levels at 60 min. TRIAL REGISTRY: National Library of Medicine Clinical Trial Registry; No.: NCT06495086; URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06495086.

Intradermal Sterile Water Injection: Safe and Effective Alternative for Relief of Acute Renal Colic in the Emergency Department.

BACKGROUND: The optimal pain relief method for acute renal colic in the emergency department remains controversial. OBJECTIVE: We compared the safety and efficacy of intradermal sterile water injection (ISWI) to treatment with intramuscular (IM) diclofenac, intravenous (IV) opioids, and IV paracetamol in patients with acute renal colic. METHODS: This randomized, single-blind study included 320 patients with renal colic to one of four treatment groups. The first group received ISWI at four different points around the most painful flank area. Patients in the DI, PARA, and TRAM groups received 75 mg IM diclofenac, 1 g IV paracetamol, and 100 mg IV tramadol, respectively. Pain intensity was measured using a visual analog scale (VAS) before treatment and 15, 30, and 60 min after treatment. RESULTS: VAS scores 15 and 30 min after treatment were significantly lower in group ISWI than in groups DI, PARA, and TRAM. However, there were no significant differences in the decrease in the pain score at baseline and at 60 min after treatment. In addition, fewer patients required rescue analgesia in group ISWI than in group TRAM. However, no significant differences were observed between group ISWI and group DI or PARA in terms of the need for rescue analgesia. Finally, there were significantly fewer adverse events in group ISWI than in groups DI and TRAM. CONCLUSIONS: ISWI had similar efficacy, faster pain relief, and lower need for rescue analgesia compared with diclofenac, paracetamol, and tramadol for the management of acute renal colic. In addition, ISWI was well-tolerated and had no adverse effects.

Comparison of the BIG Score and Pediatric Trauma Score for Predicting Mortality.

OBJECTIVES: The BIG score (base deficit + [2.5 × international normalized ratio] + [15 - Glasgow Coma Score]) was compared with the Pediatric Trauma Score (PTS) for predicting mortality in pediatric patients with multiple trauma. METHODS: This retrospective, single-center study included 318 consecutive pediatric patients (aged 1-18 years) with multiple trauma who were admitted to the emergency department between January 1, 2021, and December 31, 2023. The demographic characteristics, clinical characteristics, and trauma scores (BIG score and PTS) were compared between survivors and nonsurvivors to identify factors associated with mortality. RESULTS: A PTS of 7 had 100% sensitivity and 81.03% specificity for predicting mortality, with an area under the curve of 0.97 (95% confidence interval 0.9-0.99). Although the positive predictive value (PPV) was low (33.7%), the negative predictive value (NPV) was 100%. A BIG score of 13.7 was identified as the cutoff for mortality, with 92.86% sensitivity and 95.52% specificity (area under the curve 0.98, 95% confidence interval 0.96-0.99). The PPV was 66.7% and the NPV was 99.3%. CONCLUSIONS: Both the PTS and the BIG score were strong predictors of mortality in pediatric patients with multiple trauma. The BIG score had a higher specificity and PPV, whereas a PTS of 7 had 100% sensitivity and a higher NPV.

Jellybean-Induced Intoxication: A Case Series of Unintentional Synthetic Cannabinoid Exposure in Children and Adults.

ABSTRACT: Synthetic cannabinoids are illegal substances designed to mimic the effects of natural cannabinoids, typically smoked, although liquid formulations have emerged recently. This report highlights a series of cases ranging from a 2-year-old child to an adult who presented with symptoms of intoxication after consuming jellybeans containing liquefied synthetic cannabinoids. A 2-year-old child exhibited mental status changes, somnolence, tachycardia, dilated pupils, and flushed skin, and the 8- and 11-year-old children presented with anxiety, abdominal pain, vomiting, and nausea. The adult patient was more complicated, as his symptoms were consistent with acute coronary syndrome, but his angiography showed normal coronary arteries. It is important for forensic medical professionals and emergency physicians to be aware of the possibility of unintentional atypical exposure to synthetic cannabinoids and to handle suspected cases with care as part of their medical approach. These substances can have a range of effects on the body, and their use can lead to serious health consequences and even mortality.

Prognostic role of serum copeptin levels in adults with graded traumatic brain injury.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of copeptin in patients with severe head injuries remains unclear. AIMS: To investigate the role of serum copeptin levels in detecting intracranial injury, assessing trauma severity, and predicting outcomes in adults with graded traumatic brain injury (TBI). METHODS: This prospective non-randomized controlled study enrolled 78 adults with isolated head trauma, as well as 59 age- and sex-matched controls. Baseline serum copeptin levels were measured in both groups. Patients were categorized by head trauma severity using Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores (severe GCS 3-8, moderate GCS 9-13, mild GCS 14-15) and by the presence of intracerebral or extracerebral lesions on cranial computed tomography (CCT). Patients were also classified as survivors or non-survivors. Serum copeptin levels were compared among these. RESULTS: Mean serum copeptin levels were significantly higher in patients with graded TBI than in controls. Furthermore, patients with severe and moderate head trauma had significantly higher copeptin levels compared with patients exhibiting mild trauma. An optimal copeptin cutoff value of > 1147 pg/mL was identified, indicating the presence of moderate or severe trauma in TBI patients. Patients with abnormal CCT findings had significantly higher mean serum copeptin levels compared with patients exhibiting normal CCT scans. Non-survivors also showed significantly higher serum copeptin levels compared with survivors. CONCLUSION: Serum copeptin levels rise after graded TBI and can distinguish between patients with and without intracranial or extracranial lesions evident on CCT. Copeptin levels also aid in identifying moderate or severe TBI and in predicting 28-day mortality.

Suicide attempts and the factors that lead to suicidal ideation: A 3-year analysis.

OBJECTIVE: We explored the epidemiological characteristics of suicide attempts and identified suicide trends and associated factors. METHODS: This retrospective, cross-sectional, observational, and single-center study included consecutive 412 patients who were admitted to Emergency Department for follow-up and treatment after a suicide attempt between June 2019 and June 2022. We assessed patient demographics, suicidal behavior, previous suicide attempts, psychiatric disorders, drug use, visits to the psychiatry clinic within the past 6 months, the persistence of suicidal ideation, and clinical outcomes. RESULTS: The study population consisted of 259 females (62.86%) and 153 males (37.14%), with a mean age of 29.50±11.51 (range: 13-72) years. Females attempted suicide more often than males, but suicide completion was more common in males. Overall, 79.37% (n=327) of the suicide attempters were aged <40 years and most were 20-29 years old (n=147, 35.68%). Non-fatal suicide attempts were more common in single, unemployed, and poorly educated individuals, but this was not the case for suicide completers. However, there was no significant difference in marital status, education, and occupation among suicide completers. Drug poisoning was the major form of suicide attempt (n=345, 83.74%). Mental disorders, family or relationship conflicts, and separation from a partner were common causes of suicidal ideation. Patient numbers were particularly high in the autumn (i.e., September), and at night. CONCLUSION: Females, young adults, singletons, the unemployed, and individuals with psychiatric disorders and low education levels are more likely to attempt suicide, particularly during hours when they are likely to be alone.

Evaluation of the trauma-specific frailty index in geriatric trauma patients according to the new World Health Organization age classification.

OBJECTIVE: We compared the 15-variable trauma-specific frailty index and traditional injury scoring systems to determine trauma severity and predict discharge disposition in geriatric trauma patients based on the old and new World Health Organization age classifications. METHODS: This prospective, observational, single-center study included geriatric patients aged ≥65 years with blunt trauma. We categorized patients as elderly based on the old or new World Health Organization age classification into group I (aged 65-79 years) and group II (aged ≥a80 years), respectively. At admission, we used traditional injury scoring systems (e.g., the Glasgow coma scale, injury severity score, and revised trauma score) to determine trauma severity. We compared the Trauma-Specific Frailty Index and traditional injury scoring systems between the patient groups and evaluated them for correlations. RESULTS: We included 169 geriatric patients (80 and 89 in groups I and II, respectively). The mean Trauma-Specific Frailty Index score was significantly higher among females than males (p=0.025) and group II than group I (p=0.021). No significant correlations were observed in terms of the Trauma-Specific Frailty Index and traditional injury scoring systems in both groups. The mean Trauma-Specific Frailty Index score was significantly different between the hospitalized and discharged patients in group I (p=0.005), but not in group II (p=0.526). CONCLUSION: The 15-variable Trauma-Specific Frailty Index score is superior to traditional injury scoring systems for managing and predicting discharge disposition in geriatric trauma patients aged 65-79 years.

Systemic inflammatory markers for distinguishing uncomplicated and complicated acute appendicitis in adult patients.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the predictive power of serum systemic inflammatory markers including neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), monocyte-eosinophil ratio (MER), and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels for distinguishing uncomplicated and complicated acute appendicitis in adult patients admitted to the emergency department (ED). METHODS: This retrospective, cross-sectional, observational, and single-center study enrolled 212 consecutive adult patients with acute appendicitis who were admitted to the ED of our tertiary care university hospital between January 1, 2019 and December 31 2021. Patients were divided into two groups (Group I, uncomplicated acute appendicitis; Group II, complicated appendicitis) according to their surgical findings and histopathological examination. Systemic inflammatory markers measured on admission were compared among patients to identify factors associated with complicated acute appendicitis. RESULTS: A total of 132 patients, 83 male (62.9%) and 49 female (37.1%), were included in the study. The mean age was 34.7±13.40 years. Based on the histopathological examination, the number of patients in Group I was 103 (78.03%) and 29 (21.96%) in Group II. Laboratory findings on admission revealed no significant differences between Groups I and II patients in terms of mean serum NLR, MER, and CRP values (p=0.096, p=0.248, and p=0.297, respectively). However, the mean serum PLR in Group II patients was statistically significantly higher than those in Group I (p=0.032). The mean serum monocyte and monocyte fraction (%) values were significantly lower, and the mean serum neutrophil fraction (%) value was higher in Group II patients compared to those with Group I. Receiving operator characteristic (ROC) analysis identified a serum PLR cutoff value of ≥133.73 for distinguishing uncomplicated and complicated acute appendicitis in adult patients, with 60% sensitivity and 58.4% specificity. In addition, ROC analysis revealed a cutoff monocyte fraction (%) level of ≤6, with 72% sensitivity and 64% specificity, for distinguishing uncomplicated and complicated acute appendicitis in adult patients. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that the mean serum NLR, MER, and CRP values measured on admission to ED in adult patients with acute appendicitis could not predict complicated acute appendicitis. However, mean serum PLR and neutrophil and monocyte counts can be useful in distinguishing complicated cases.

Evaluation of the risk factors for falls in the geriatric population presenting to the emergency department.

BACKGROUND: We evaluated risk factors and frailty assessments to identify fall-prone geriatric patients in the emergency department (ED). METHODS: This prospective study included 264 consecutive patients aged ≥65 years who presented to the ED. The participants were divided into those who had fallen or not. The patient groups were compared in terms of age, sex, presenting complaints (falls vs. others), comorbidities, medications, frailty assessment tools, and orthostatic hypotension (OH). RESULTS: In total, 264 patients were included: 129 (48.8%) patients who had fallen and 135 (51.2%) who hadn't fallen. The mean ages of patients who had fallen and those who had not fallen were 80.48±8.38 and 79.42±7.94 years, respectively. In addition, 62.01% (n=80) and 51.85% (n=70) of patients were females. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of age or sex (P=0.290 and P=0.096, respectively). In total, 89.92% (n=116) of patients who had fallen had at least one chronic medical condition. There was a significant difference in the proportion of patients with OH between the groups. Frailty scores such as the Edmonton Frail Scale, Frail Non-Disabled Questionnaire, PRISMA-7 questionnaire, Identification of Seniors at Risk test, and Rockwood Clinical Frailty Scale scores were also significantly different between the groups. A higher PRISMA-7 score at admission was found to be an independent predictor of fall risk. CONCLUSION: Falls occur more frequently in the older population and in females. In addition, the frailty assessment scores, except for the FRESH Frailty Scale, were associated with falls in geriatric patients. After elimination of non-significant variables in multivariate analysis, a high PRISMA-7 questionnaire score at admission was identified as an independent predictor of fall risk.

The Evaluation of the First Bahname Written in Turkish in the Ottoman Era Concerning Current Urology.

OBJECTIVE: Our study investigated the oldest known Turkish bahname, translated by Musa b. Mes'ud, in comparison with the current literature. MATERIAL AND METHODS: First, the original manuscript of the translation was transcribed in Latin. The final version of the text was analyzed in the results. In discussion, findings were examined and interpreted within the framework of current knowledge of sexology, urology, and andrology. RESULTS: Although the work mostly mentions supportive and therapeutic practices in sexual health, it also provides advice on sexuality and sexual life, discussing several topics regarding sexual intercourse types, explaining which ones are good or harmful, and their timing or frequency. The author recommends many foods and compounds or specific drugs and ointments to enhance sexual stamina and avoid erectile dysfunc tion. In addition, he also tries to find solutions to some other sexual health problems related to men and women. These issues are generally evaluated in the context of health; a religious perspective is also provided when needed. CONCLUSION: Interestingly, the author's recommendations on sexual health and herbal or animal drugs are consistent with the current literature. Nevertheless, some information and suggestions in works are entirely irrational and unscientific. Consequently, this study is an original investigation of the first translated bahname into Turkish. There is no other study examining the bahnames with this method. Thus, we believe that our work will be a significant contribution to the research literature.

Relationship between measures of thoracic diameter and cardiopulmonary resuscitation-induced thoracoabdominal injury.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated the relationship between thoracic diameters and chest compression-related thoracoabdominal injury in patients with non-traumatic out-of-hospital cardiac arrest who had a return of spontaneous circulation after cardiopulmonary resuscitation. METHODS: A total of 63 consecutive adult non-traumatic out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients were enrolled in this prospective study. Computed tomography was performed on each patient and the anteroposterior diameter, skin-to-skin anteroposterior diameter, and transverse diameter of the chest were measured. Patients were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of cardiopulmonary resuscitation-related thoracoabdominal injury. Age, sex, and duration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, anteroposterior diameter, skin-to-skin anteroposterior diameter, and transverse diameter were compared between the groups. The primary outcome was the relationship between thoracic diameters and cardiopulmonary resuscitation-induced thoracoabdominal injuries. RESULTS: Thoracoabdominal injuries were detected in 46% (n=29) of the patients and consisted of rib fractures in 22 (34.9%) patients, pulmonary contusion in 7 (11.1%), and sternal fracture in 3 (4.8%) patients. There were no significant differences in cardiopulmonary resuscitation duration between patients with and without thoracoabdominal injuries (p=0.539). Similarly, there were no significant differences in anteroposterior diameter, skin-to-skin anteroposterior diameter, or transverse diameter between patient groups (p=0.978, p=0.730, and p=0.146, respectively) or between patients who died within the first 28 days and those who survived for longer than 28 days (p=0.488, p=0.878, and p=0.853, respectively). CONCLUSION: The iatrogenic thoracoabdominal injuries caused by cardiopulmonary resuscitation performed according to the cardiopulmonary resuscitation guidelines were independent of thoracic diameters. Therefore, the cardiac compression depth of 5-6 cm recommended by the current cardiopulmonary resuscitation guidelines is reliable for patients with different thoracic diameters.

Impacts of Demographic and Clinical Characteristics on Disease Severity and Mortality in Patients with Confirmed COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: We investigated potential predictive factors for mortality and disease severity from demographic and clinical data, comorbidities, and laboratory findings in patients with confirmed COVID-19 who were consecutively admitted to our tertiary hospital. METHODS: In this retrospective, single-center, observational study, we enrolled consecutive 540 adult patients who had COVID-19 confirmed by a molecular method. Patients were categorized into three groups based on disease severity. Patients' demographic and clinical characteristics, mortality rates, and mortality-associated factors were analyzed. RESULTS: The overall mortality rate was 4.3% (23/540). Disease severity was mild in 40.9% (n = 221), severe in 53.7% (n = 290), and critical in 5.4% (n = 29) of the patients. There were significant differences among groups in terms of median white blood cell (WBC), hemoglobin, neutrophil, lymphocyte, and thrombocyte counts, as well as C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatinine, albumin, D-dimer, ferritin, troponin, and fibrinogen levels. Furthermore, there were significant differences between surviving and non-surviving patient groups in terms of median WBC, hemoglobin, neutrophil, and lymphocyte counts, as well as CRP, procalcitonin, LDH, creatinine, albumin, D-dimer, and ferritin levels. CRP level (odds ratio [OR]: 1.020, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.009-1.032; p < 0.001), and CURB-65 score (OR: 4.004, 95% CI: 1,288-12,447; p = 0.017) were independently associated with disease severity and mortality. CONCLUSION: On admission, WBC, neutrophil, lymphocyte, and platelet counts can be used to predict disease severity in patients with COVID-19. CRP, ferritin, LDH, creatinine, troponin, D-dimer, fibrinogen, and albumin levels can also be used to predict disease severity in these patients. Finally, elevated CRP level and high CURB-65 score were predictors of disease severity and mortality.

Relationship between measures of thoracic diameter and cardiopulmonary resuscitation-induced thoracoabdominal injury

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: We investigated the relationship between thoracic diameters and chest compression-related thoracoabdominal injury in patients with non-traumatic out-of-hospital cardiac arrest who had a return of spontaneous circulation after cardiopulmonary resuscitation. METHODS: A total of 63 consecutive adult non-traumatic out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients were enrolled in this prospective study. Computed tomography was performed on each patient and the anteroposterior diameter, skin-to-skin anteroposterior diameter, and transverse diameter of the chest were measured. Patients were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of cardiopulmonary resuscitation-related thoracoabdominal injury. Age, sex, and duration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, anteroposterior diameter, skin-to-skin anteroposterior diameter, and transverse diameter were compared between the groups. The primary outcome was the relationship between thoracic diameters and cardiopulmonary resuscitation-induced thoracoabdominal injuries. RESULTS: Thoracoabdominal injuries were detected in 46% (n=29) of the patients and consisted of rib fractures in 22 (34.9%) patients, pulmonary contusion in 7 (11.1%), and sternal fracture in 3 (4.8%) patients. There were no significant differences in cardiopulmonary resuscitation duration between patients with and without thoracoabdominal injuries (p=0.539). Similarly, there were no significant differences in anteroposterior diameter, skin-to-skin anteroposterior diameter, or transverse diameter between patient groups (p=0.978, p=0.730, and p=0.146, respectively) or between patients who died within the first 28 days and those who survived for longer than 28 days (p=0.488, p=0.878, and p=0.853, respectively). CONCLUSION: The iatrogenic thoracoabdominal injuries caused by cardiopulmonary resuscitation performed according to the cardiopulmonary resuscitation guidelines were independent of thoracic diameters. Therefore, the cardiac compression depth of 5-6 cm recommended by the current cardiopulmonary resuscitation guidelines is reliable for patients with different thoracic diameters.