Associations of platelet indices with proteinuria and chronic kidney disease.

OBJECTIVES: Platelet (PLT) indices are predictive in many diseases and conditions. The relationships of these indices with proteinuria and progression of renal disease are not well known. This study aimed to assess PLT indices in patients with primary glomerular nephrotic range proteinuria (PGNRP), with and without chronic kidney disease (CKD), and to compare these indices with those of healthy individuals (His). METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed from January 2015 to May 2015. HIs (n = 57) and patients with PGNRP (n = 41) were enrolled. PLT indices and blood biochemistry parameters were compared between HIs and patients with PGNRP, as well as between subgroups of patients with PGNRP who had CKD (n = 23) and those who did not have CKD (n = 18). RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in any PLT indices (i.e., platelet number, mean platelet volume, plateletcrit, and platelet distribution width) between HIs and patients with PGNRP, or between the subgroups of patients with PGNRP. However, patients with PGNRP who had CKD exhibited higher median C-reactive protein and mean albumin levels, compared with patients who did not have CKD. CONCLUSIONS: Pathological processes in proteinuria and CKD are not associated with PLT indices.

Management of Gigantomastia: Outcomes of Superomedial Pedicle with Vertical Scar or Wise Pattern Skin Excision.

BACKGROUND: Gigantomastia is a rare condition characterized by excessive breast growth and can be physically and psychosocially disabling for the patient. Regarding management of gigantomastia, this study evaluates the outcomes of superomedial pedicle with vertical scar or wise pattern skin excision. METHODS: A total of 425 patients who underwent reduction mammoplasty in our institution were reviewed. Forty eight reduction mammoplasty patients with resection weights greater than 1 kg per breast and treated with superomedial dermoglandular pedicle technique combined with vertical or wise-pattern skin excision were included. RESULTS: The patients were between 19 and 66 years old, with an average of 41 years. Total weight of resection was between 1000 and 2600 g, with an average of 1384 grams for right breast and between 1000 and 3000g, with an average of 1434 grams for left breast. The secondary revisions and wound healing complications were extremely high in vertical scar group compared to wise pattern group (87,5% and 12,5%, respectively). CONCLUSION: The authors concluded that superomedial dermoglandular pedicle in the addition of a wise pattern is an appropriate, safe and reliable method when dealing with significantly larger breasts (>1000g).

Role of ultrasonographic chronic kidney disease score in the assessment of chronic kidney disease.

PURPOSE: Ultrasonography (US) is an inexpensive, noninvasive and easy imaging procedure to comment on the kidney disease. Data are limited about the relation between estimated glomerular filtration rate (e-GFR) and all 3 renal US parameters, including kidney length, parenchymal thickness and parenchymal echogenicity, in chronic kidney disease (CKD). In this study, we aimed to investigate the association between e-GFR and ultrasonographic CKD score calculated via these ultrasonographic parameters. METHODS: One hundred and twenty patients with stage 1-5 CKD were enrolled in this study. The glomerular filtration rate was estimated by the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equation. US was performed by the same radiologist who was blinded to patients' histories and laboratory results. US parameters including kidney length, parenchymal thickness and parenchymal echogenicity were obtained from both kidneys. All 3 parameters were scored for each kidney, separately. The sum of the average scores of these parameters was used to calculate ultrasonographic CKD score. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 63.34 ± 14.19 years. Mean kidney length, parenchymal thickness, ultrasonographic CKD score and median parenchymal echogenicity were found as 96.2 ± 12.3, 10.97 ± 2.59 mm, 6.28 ± 2.52 and 1.0 (0-3.5), respectively. e-GFR was positively correlated with kidney length (r = 0.343, p < 0.001), parenchymal thickness (r = 0.37, p < 0.001) and negatively correlated with CKD score (r = -0.587, p < 0.001) and parenchymal echogenicity (r = -0.683, p < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis for distinction of e-GFR lower than 60 mL/min showed that the ultrasonographic CKD score higher than 4.75 was the best parameter with the sensitivity of 81% and positive predictivity of 92% (AUC, 0.829; 95% CI, 0.74-0.92; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: We found correlation between e-GFR and ultrasonographic CKD score via using all ultrasonographic parameters. Also, our study showed that ultrasonographic CKD score can be useful for distinction of CKD stage 3-5 from stage 1 and 2. We suggested that the ultrasonographic CKD score provided more objective data in the assessment of CKD.

Platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio predicts mortality better than neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in hemodialysis patients.

PURPOSE: Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) were established showing the poor prognosis in some diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases and malignancies. The risk of mortality in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) was higher than normal population. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between NLR, PLR, and all-cause mortality in prevalent hemodialysis (HD) patients. METHODS: Eighty patients were enrolled in study. NLR and PLR obtained by dividing absolute neutrophil to absolute lymphocyte count and absolute platelet count to absolute lymphocyte count, respectively. The patients were followed prospectively for 24 months. The primary end point was all-cause mortality. RESULTS: Mean levels of neutrophil, lymphocyte, and platelet were 3904 ± 1543/mm(3), 1442 ± 494/mm(3), 174 ± 56 × 10(3)/mm(3), respectively. Twenty-one patients died before the follow-up at 24 months. Median NLR and PLR were 2.52 and 130.4, respectively. All-cause mortality was higher in patients with high NLR group compared to the patients with low NLR group (18.8 vs. 7.5 %, p = 0.031) and in patients with higher PLR group compared to patients with lower PLR group (18.8 vs. 7.5 %, p = 0.022). Following adjusted Cox regression analysis, the association of mortality and high NLR was lost (p = 0.54), but the significance of the association of high PLR and mortality increased (p = 0.013). CONCLUSION: Although both NLR and PLR were associated with all-cause mortality in prevalent HD patients, only PLR could independently predict all-cause mortality in these populations.

Outcomes of elderly burn patients requiring hospitalization.

BACKGROUND: The elderly population is more likely to be affected by accidents, such as burns, compared to younger populations because of their diminished host defense. There is limited data about the outcomes of elderly burn patients requiring hospitalization. METHODS: In this retrospective study, we assessed the epidemiology and outcomes of burn injuries in elderly patients (>60 years old) admitted to a burn unit of a tertiary medical center based on patient characteristics, type and extent of burns, treatment, hospital stay and mortality rates. RESULTS: Forty-eight elderly burn patients among 870 burn patients during the study period were evaluated. Fire was the most common cause of burns (77.1%). Most of the burns involved more than 20% of total body surface area. Twenty-six (54.2%) patients died during hospitalization. Although burn surface area slightly and non-significantly increased in patients over 75 years, there was a significantly increased mortality rate in these patients. Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed burn area and age as independent associates of mortality. CONCLUSION: Our data show a high mortality rate in elderly burn patients. Extensive burns and increased age seem to increase the mortality risk.

Treatment of recurrent temporomandibular joint dislocation.

Temporomandibular joint dislocation is defined as the movement of condyle out of the fossa and the advancement of the posterior surface of the condyle in front of the articular eminence. If this condition becomes chronic, surgical treatment is the only option. The goal of surgical treatment is to reposition the condyle and prevent further recurrences. In this study, a retrospective analysis is presented examining 73 patients and 83 joints that were treated with hook-shaped miniplates and miniscrews fixed to otolog bone grafts. Records were obtained from archives of the Uludag University Medical Faculty, Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery Department. The duration of postoperative follow-up was 3-30 months. In one case, the miniplate was fractured, and in two cases, abscesses existed. This study aims to emphasize that using miniplates and otolog bone grafts is more cost effective.

Custom subatmospheric dressing for fingertip injuries.

Fingertip injuries are difficult to treat. Although the best way is to cover the wound with flap or graft without finger shortening, coverage of the wound with flap or graft cannot be suitable in each case. For some cases, secondary wound healing can be an alternative treatment. In the secondary healing process, to promote the granulation tissue and to reduce wound-healing time, subatmospheric dressing (vacuum dressing) can be a useful method. In this study, a new custom-made subatmospheric dressing method designed for fingertip injuries has been described.

Severe hand injuries in children related to farm tractors: a report of 70 cases.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to review tractor-related childhood hand injuries. METHODS: Seventy children (53 males, 17 females; range 1 to 11 years) were admitted to our unit. Patients were analyzed according to sex, age, pattern of injury, type of treatment and functional results. The first step of the treatment included extensive debridement and irrigation. Patients with complex tissue defects were treated with multi-stage reconstruction procedures. Patients with amputations or partial amputations were treated with amputation of the devascularized digits. RESULTS: The most common injuries were amputations and complex tissue defects. Other types of injuries were fractures, partial amputations and skin defects. In 20 cases, skin defects were covered with split-thickness skin grafts and the functional results were good. In 40 cases with complex soft tissue injuries, skin defects were covered with flaps. The functional results were good in 30 and fair in 10. In 50 digits with complete amputations, attempts at revascularization immediately after injury failed in all patients. The functional results were good in 40, fair in 5 and poor in 5. All fractures healed in 6 weeks and no complications related with bone healing were observed. CONCLUSION: The concepts of aggressive debridement, fracture reduction, and early soft tissue coverage are central to the care of these hand injuries.

A new autogenous graft choice in pelvic reconstructions: free vascularized rib (a case report).

Primary or secondary bone tumours are not uncommon in pelvic girdle. In some cases, after radical resection, there is a big bony defect where the prosthesis is not applicable; arthrodesis is the only choice for good functional results. In this instance, the major problem is to achieve the fusion. In this case report, we focused on easy harvesting and minimal time consumption with free vascularized rib graft to achieve the fusion between the resected segments. Two year follow up showed fusion with good functional result.

Titanium mesh fracture in mandibular reconstruction.

Mandibular reconstruction is important for providing good functional and cosmetic results after the resection of a mandibulary segment. Reconstruction plates and titanium meshes are usually used to reconstruct the bony defects in mandible. Although their complications are well known there is not a report on the fractures of a titanium mesh after mandible reconstruction in the literature. We reported a case of a broken titanium mesh after mandible reconstruction.

The effect of delayed admission in burn centers on wound contamination and infection rates.

BACKGROUND: Since wound infection rates in patients with delayed admission seemed to be significantly higher, a retrospective study of bacteriology in 320 burn patients, over a 5-year period was carried out in order to analyze the relation between delayed admission and wound infection rates in our Burn unit of Uludag University, Faculty of Medicine. METHODS: The patients were separated into moderate or major burn groups according to burn severity. Wound infection and contamination frequencies were analyzed according to time-delay between burn injury and hospitalization time. RESULTS: Delayed admission was found to be an important factor that causes an increase in wound infection and contamination frequency. This increase was significant especially among patients with moderate burn wounds. In patients with severe burns, wound infection and contamination frequencies were found to be higher for all admission time points. CONCLUSION: Systemic antibiotic prophylaxis should be discussed in patients with moderate burns whose admission-delay is more than 78 hours. Wound infection and contamination rates were high in patients with major burns independent of the admission time. Therefore, systemic antibiotic prophylaxis should also be discussed in this group of patients, although it results in elimination of the normal skin flora.

Complex pulmonary aspergilloma treated with single stage cavernostomy and myoplasty.

OBJECTIVE: Complex pulmonary aspergilloma (CPA) following pulmonary tuberculosis may lead to massive and fatal hemoptysis. Pulmonary resection, as initial therapy, carries high morbidity and mortality. Resection is contraindicated in patients with compromised lung function (FEV1<40%) and in those with bilateral disease. We reviewed the results of patients undergoing single stage cavernostomy and myoplasty as an alternative therapy in patients with normal and compromised lung function. METHODS: Patients suffering from recurrent massive hemoptysis (600ml/24h or >150ml/h) due to CPA were selected for single stage cavernostomy and myoplasty. We performed rib resection, cavernostomy, closure of the bronchial openings and total/partial obliteration of the cavity with a muscle flap as a single stage technique in patients with CPA regardless of pulmonary function or bilateral disease. Patients began oral Itracanozole two weeks prior to surgery and continued for 3 months post-operatively. RESULTS: Three women and four men (median age 38 years; range 24-59 years) with CPA were evaluated. Four patients had either bilateral disease or compromised lung function. Pectoralis major muscle was used for the myoplasty in five and trapezius or latissimus dorsi in the other two patients. The median number of bronchial fistulae closed during the surgery was six (range 2-12). Blood loss was minimal (median 227ml). Two patients underwent successful re-exploration for significant air leak. The median hospital stay was 9 days (6-27days). Six patients are alive and hemoptysis free (median follow-up 57.2 months). CONCLUSIONS: Cavernostomy and myoplasty as a single stage technique is safe and reliable in the management of patients with complex pulmonary aspergilloma. Morbidity is low even in patients with compromised lung function or bilateral disease.

[The prognostic value of the Hand Injury Severity Score in industrial hand injuries]. / El Yaralanmasi Ciddiyet Skoru'nun endüstriyel el yaralanmalarinda prognozu belirlemedeki rolü.

BACKGROUND: We evaluated the value of the "Hand Injury Severity Score" (HISS) in determining the prognosis of industrial hand injuries. METHODS: Hand injury severity scores of 112 patients (17 females, 95 males; mean age 31 years; range 15 to 54 years) were calculated following surgery for industrial hand injuries. During the course of rehabilitation program, the patients were followed-up regularly. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to determine the relationship between the HISS scores and the time intervals from injury to healing and return to work. RESULTS: The mean HISS score was 37.1+/-27 (range 6 to 116). The time to healing ranged from 12 to 210 days (mean 73.7+/-40.7 days). All the patients returned to work after a mean of 80.4+/-52.9 days (range 7 to 300 days), mainly to previous working places with (12%) or without (79%) changing job activities. Nine per cent of the workers had to change their jobs. The HISS scores were found to be correlated with the healing period and the time to work (p<0.05 and p<0.000, respectively). CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicated that HISS was a useful system in predicting the prognosis in the early stages of industrial hand injuries.

[Clinical evaluation and treatment results of 30 patients with necrotizing fasciitis]. / Nekrotizan fasiitli 30 hastanin klinik degerlendirilmesi ve tedavi sonuçlari.

BACKGROUND: We retrospectively evaluated patients who underwent treatment for necrotizing fasciitis within a five-year period. METHODS: Thirty patients (4 females, 26 males; mean age 55 years; range 19 to 78 years) with necrotizing fasciitis were evaluated with respect to age, sex, etiology, predisposing factors, localization of infections, culture results, and treatment methods and results. RESULTS: The most common etiologic and predisposing factors were anorectal lesions (36.7%) and diabetes (53.3%), respectively. Wound cultures yielded Pseudomonas aeruginosa in 50% of the patients. Two strains of aerobic bacteria were isolated in three patients. All patients underwent extensive surgical debridement and received antibiotic therapy. Twenty-nine patients (96.6%) required more than one debridement, with a mean of 4.5 debridements. The ensuing skin defects following debridement were reconstructed with grafts or local flaps. No complications were encountered in the postoperative period. CONCLUSION: Early diagnosis and treatment result in decreased morbidity and prevent mortality in necrotizing fasciitis.

Thermal injuries due to paint thinner.

This study was designed to evaluate the epidemiology and outcome of burn injuries due to paint thinner in a local burn center. During a 10-year period, 32 patients were admitted to our Burn Unit for paint thinner thermal burn. Patients were reviewed regarding the age, sex, etiologic factors, extent and localization of burn, treatment methods, length of hospitalization, and results. There were 30 males and 2 females. The mean age of patients was 25.9 +/- 11 years. The most common etiologic factor was kindling a fire with paint thinner. The mean extent of burn was 33.6 +/- 24% of the total body surface area. All patients sustained burn injury on the face, arms, and hands and five patients among them had extended burn areas on the trunk and/or lower extremity. The mean length of hospitalization for the survivors was 34.5 +/- 21.6 days. Twenty-eight patients were treated by early excision and split-thickness skin grafting. In four patients, burn wounds were healed by conservative management. Five patients with burn size of over 75% of the total body surface area died. In conclusion, paint thinner may be the cause of a catastrophic thermal injury and should not be used for the purpose of kindling fire.

Using the sac membrane to close the flap donor site in large meningomyeloceles.

If a large transposition flap with or without muscle is used for closure of a large meningomyelocele defect, then, a part of the donor site of the flap can be closed by split thickness skin graft, which produces an additional donor wound for the patient. We used the sac membrane instead of split thickness skin graft for closure of donor sites of fasciocutaneous flaps and latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flaps employed to cover large meningomyelocele defects. This technique was used in three thoracolumbar and in two lumbosacral meningomyelocele patients. The sac membrane was prepared like a full thickness skin graft. Follow-up in five patients has ranged from 1 to 18 months, with a mean of 10.6 months. The donor sites that were closed by the sac membrane exhibited complete healing in all patients. We conclude that the sac membrane supplies a reserve of epithelialised tissue that can be used for repair of the meningomyelocele defects.

[A retrospective analysis of 204 mandibular fractures]. / Mandibula kiriklari: 204 olgunun retrospektif analizi.

BACKGROUND: We retrospectively reviewed patients who were treated and followed-up for mandibular fractures within a 10-year period. METHODS: A total of 204 patients (158 males, 46 females; mean age 22.4 years; range 5 to 72 years) were retrospectively evaluated with respect to age groups, sex, etiology, associated injuries, localization and type of the fractures, treatment methods, and early and late complications. The follow-up period ranged from four months to 10 years. RESULTS: The most common cause of injury was traffic accidents (44.1%), followed by falling (31.8%), and violence (17.1%). The highest incidence occurred at ages 21 to 30 years. Of 283 fractures detected, the most common fracture sites were the parasymphysis (83 fractures, 29.3%) and the angulus (52 fractures, 18.4%). Forty-eight patients (24%) had associated injuries. The type of the fractures was simple in 80 patients (39.2%), and complex in 62 patients (30.4%). Treatment included open reduction with titanium mini-plates and screws in 130 patients, and intermaxillary fixation in the remaining patients. The fractures recovered without any complications in 167 patients (81.8%). No occlusion-related complications occurred in the late follow-ups. Complications were encountered in 37 patients (18.1%), being in the early (malocclusion in 5.9%, infections in 2.5%, inferior alveolar nerve injuries in 2.5%) or late (plate-screw exposition in 4.4%, ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint in 2%, and orocutaneous fistula in 1%) postoperative periods. CONCLUSION: Rigid fixation should be the first choice of treatment in mandibular fractures.

An unusual cause of burn injury: fig leaf decoction used as a remedy for a dermatitis of unknown etiology.

Medicinal plant extracts are commonly used worldwide. Their use relies mostly on historical and anecdotal evidence and might be so hazardous. Phytophotodermatitis is a well-known entity that is caused by the sequential exposure to certain species of plants containing furocoumarins and then to sunlight. In this article, superficial burn lesions caused by fig leaf decoction that was applied to a patient's both upper extremity as a remedy for a dermatitis of unknown etiology is reported. Direct sun exposure is an essential component of phytophotodermatitis. All reported cases to date have in common that patients are exposed to direct sunlight or to artificial UVA lights (like solarium) of varying durations. In our case neither direct sun exposure, other than inevitable indoor UVA influence, nor blister formation was present. The etiologic factors, symptoms, signs, course, and treatment alternatives for phytophotodermatitis are also reviewed briefly.