February 6th, Kahramanmaras earthquakes and the disaster management algorithm of adult emergency medicine in Turkey: An experience review.

This compilation covers emergency medical management lessons from the February 6th Kahramanmaras earthquakes. The objective is to review relevant literature on emergency services patient management, focusing on Koenig's 1996 Simple Triage and Rapid Treatment (START) and Secondary Assessment of Victim Endpoint (SAVE) frameworks. Establishing a comprehensive seismic and mass casualty incident (MCI) protocol chain is the goal. The prehospital phase of seismic MCIs treats hypovolemia and gets patients to the nearest hospital. START-A plans to expedite emergency patient triage and pain management. The SAVE algorithm is crucial for the emergency patient secondary assessment. It advises using Glasgow Coma Scale, Mangled Extremity Severity Score, Burn Triage Score, and Safe Quake Score for admission, surgery, transfer, discharge, and outcomes. This compilation emphasizes the importance of using diagnostic tools like bedside blood gas analyzers and ultrasound devices during the assessment process, drawing from 6 February earthquake research. The findings create a solid framework for improving emergency medical response strategies, making them applicable in similar situations.

Emergency Medicine Association of Turkey Disaster Committee Summary of Field Observations of February 6th Kahramanmaras Earthquakes.

An earthquake measuring 7.7 magnitude on the Richter scale occurred at 04:17am on February 6, 2023 in the Pazarcik district of Kahramanmaras province Turkey. In the hours following the 7.7 magnitude event in Kahramanmaras, a second 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck the region and a third 6.4 magnitude earthquake struck Gaziantep, causing extensive damage and death. A total of ten provinces directly experienced the earthquake, including Kahramanmaras, Hatay, Gaziantep, Osmaniye, Malatya, Adana, Diyarbakir, Sanliurfa, Adiyaman, and Kilis. The official figures indicate 31,643 people were killed, 80,278 were injured, and 6,444 buildings were destroyed within seven days of the earthquakes (as of 12:00pm/noon on Monday, February 13th). The area affected by the earthquake has been officially declared to be 500km in diameter. This report primarily relies on observations made by pioneer Emergency Physicians (EPs) who went to the disaster areas shortly after the first earthquake (in the early stages of the disaster). According to their observations: (1) Due to winter conditions, there were transportation problems and a shortage of personnel reaching disaster areas on the first day after the disaster; (2) On the second day of the disaster, health equipment was in short supply; (3) As of the third day, health workers were unprepared in terms of knowledge and experience for the disaster; and (4) The subsequent deployment of health personnel to the disaster area was uncoordinated and unplanned on the following days, which resulted in the health personnel working there not being able to meet even their basic needs (such as food, heating, and shelter). During the first week, coordination was most frequently reported as the most significant problem.

Selective intubation with endotracheal tube introducer in difficult airway: A randomized, prospective, cross-over study.

BACKGROUND: Selective lung intubation is a life-saving procedure in emergency departments. While various equipment can be used in selective lung intubation, most of this equipment is not readily available; therefore, single-lumen endotracheal intubations are performed for rapid interventions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was designed as a randomized, prospective, cross-over study using the 90° rotation technique for selective intubation on a manikin model with and without endotracheal tube introducer (ETI) in difficult airway settings. Forty-six emergency physicians were included in the study. The primary outcome was evaluating time to selective intubations, and secondary outcomes were first and second attempt success rates and the self-perceived difficulty level of each method according to the participants. RESULTS: The mean time to the first successful endotracheal intubation was significantly longer for both right selective and left selective intubations with ETI utilization than without ([39.71 ± 9.83 vs. 21.86 ± 5.94 s], [P < 0.001]), ([42.2 ± 10.81 vs. 26.23 ± 7.97 s], [P < 0.001], respectively). The first-pass success rate did not differ for right selective intubation with or without an ETI (45/46 [97.8%] and 45/46 [97.8%], respectively). However, the first-pass success rate for left selective intubation was significantly higher with ETI as compared to without an ETI (30/46 [65.2%] and 13/46 [28.3%], respectively) (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: While the success rates of right selective intubation were the same, the left selective intubation success rates with ETI are higher than the styletted endotracheal tube, which can be strong evidence for this method's applicability in practice. Expanding the use of ETI and increasing the experience of the practitioners can contribute to further success.

Neurological Symptoms and Evaluation of Cerebral Blood Flow Changes with Synthetic Cannabinoids Use.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the cerebral haemodynamic changes that occur in patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) after synthetic cannabinoid (SC) use in order to clarify the pathophysiology of neurologic adverse effects of SCs. STUDY DESIGN: Observational study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Emergency Department of Kocaeli Derince Training and Research Hospital, Turkey, from June 2017 to January 2018. METHODOLOGY: Patients in whom tetrahydrocannabinol was detected in the urinalysis due to SC use were included in the study. Healthy controls were also included. All the participants were evaluated using transcranial Doppler ultrasonography (TCD). The peak systolic flow rate, mean flow rate, pulsatility index and resistivity index of the right and the left anterior carotid arteries, middle cerebral arteries and posterior cerebral arteries were measured. RESULTS: A total of 74 patients were included in this study - 38 patients in the SC group and 36 patients in the control group. The mean age of all of the subjects was 29.6 ±9.1 years, whereas, 91.9% of them were males. In the synthetic cannabinoids group, statistically significant decrease in the cerebral blood flow peak systolic and mean values as well as increases in the pulsatility index; and resistivity index were found via TCD when compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: Cerebral blood flow and resistance changes due to SC use are likely to play a role in the main pathogenesis of the neurological symptoms, increasing the frequency of ischemic or haemorrhagic strokes.

Can Platelet Indices Reduce Negative Appendectomy Rates?

Introduction The role of whole blood count parameters in the diagnosis of diseases in which inflammatory processes play a role is one of the more frequently mentioned topics in the literature in recent years. Studies of acute appendicitis have also been carried out in this regard, but studies focused on platelet parameters are few and contradictory. We aimed to investigate the role of mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet distribution width (PDW) in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Materials and methods We retrospectively screened the medical records of patients older than 15 years who had an appendectomy from January 2012 to January 2015 at a training hospital in Kocaeli, Turkey. Patients were divided into three groups according to their pathology results: non-appendicitis (Group 1), uncomplicated appendicitis (Group 2), and complicated appendicitis (Group 3). We calculated the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, the likelihood ratios in the diagnosis of appendicitis for white blood cell (WBC), neutrophil count, c-reactive protein (CRP), MPV, and PDW values were calculated. Results There were no significant differences in the MPV between Group 1 (n = 39; 7.89 ± 1.32 fL), Group 2 (n = 119; 7.80 ± 1.19 fL), and Group 3 (n = 89; 7.70 ± 0.80 fL; p = 0.141). Also, we found no significant differences in PDW between Group 1 (117.38% ± 1.17), Group 2 (17.17% ± 1.04), and Group 3 (17.12% ± 0.64; p = 0.228). Conclusions Only nine of the 208 patients whose pathology reports confirmed appendicitis had healthy values for both CRP and WBC. Many factors affect MPV and PDW. Therefore, platelet indices are not useful markers in diagnosing acute appendicitis.

Evaluation of Cerebral Blood Flow Alterations and Acute Neuronal Damage due to Water-Pipe Smoking

Background: Although water-pipe smoking is a great public health problem, data regarding the acute and chronic effects and the degree of toxin exposure are limited. While water pipe-related malignancy, pulmonary, infectious, cardiac effects, infertility, and biological effects have been described in a meta-analysis, there are no studies in the literature about its neurologic effects. Aims: To evaluate water pipe-related acute neurological effects and cerebral blood flow through transcranial Doppler ultrasonography and serum S100 calcium binding protein calcium binding protein level measurements. Study Design: Prospective observational study. Methods: Vital signs and baseline carboxyhemoglobin and S100 calcium binding protein levels, cerebral flood changes with transcranial Doppler ultrasound were evaluated and recorded before and after water-pipe smoking. Results: The mean age of the 31 volunteers was 30.61 (±5.67) years, and 24 of them (77.42%) were male. A statistically significant difference was determined in heart rate, oxygen saturation, systolic and diastolic arterial pressure values before and after water-pipe smoking (p<0.001, p=0.035, p=0.009, p=0.021, respectively). Mean carboxyhemoglobin level was 2.68% (±1.68) before, 14.97% (±4.83) after water-pipe smoking (p<0.001). The S100 calcium binding protein level was 25.05 µ/mL (±8.34) at the beginning, 40.71 µ/mL (±14.06) after water-pipe smoking (p<0.001). An increase was determined in peak, and median middle, anterior and posterior cerebral artery blood flow rates, and a decrease was determined in both the pulsatility index and resistivity index values after water-pipe smoking using transcranial Doppler ultrasound. Conclusion: Cerebral vasodilation develops due to the increase in cerebral blood flow rate and the decrease in pulsatility index, resistivity index values, and the elevation in carboxyhemoglobin, S100 calcium binding protein level indicates that water-pipe smoking leads to neuronal damage in the acute period.

Could serum S100B be a predictor of neuronal damage and clinical poor outcomes associated with the use of synthetic cannabinoids? S100B to predict neuronal damage of SC in the ED.

AIM: This study aims to evaluate the serum S100B levels to predict neuronal damage and poor clinical outcomes associated with the use of synthetic cannabinoids. METHOD: Thirty patients identified as synthetic cannabinoid users and 30 healthy controls were included in the study. S100B levels were compared between healthy controls and synthetic cannabinoid users. The following were considered to be composite outcomes: the need for endotracheal intubation, incidence of seizures, the need for intensive care unit admission, and in-hospital mortality. Clinical and laboratory findings associated with composite clinical outcomes were examined. RESULTS: The mean S100B level was 19.3 (95% CI: 17.7 to 21.4) pg/mL in patients who use synthetic cannabinoid, and 15.9 (95% CI: 15 to 16.9) pg/mL in the controls; mean df: -3.6 (95% CI: -5.6 to -1.6). In patients with and without composite clinical outcomes, the mean S100B level measured 24.5 (95% CI: 21.2 to 27.9) pg/mL and 17.4 (95% CI: 15.8 to 18.4) pg/mL, respectively; mean df: -7.4 (95% CI: -10.2 to -4.6). With the cut-off value for S100B set at 20pg/mL based on the highest sensitivity, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV for S100B were 89.9%, 52.0%, 44.4%, and 91.9%, respectively; odds ratio: 13.2, 95% CI (2.1 to 28.1). CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that serum S100B levels are elevated in patients using synthetic cannabinoids. These results show that S100B can help clinicians stratify risk or may have a role in excluding those with neuronal damage.

Comparison of loop and primary incision & drainage techniques in adult patients with cutaneous abscess: A preliminary, randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to compare efficacy of loop drainage and standard incision & drainage (I&D) in adult patients with cutaneous abscess in the emergency department. METHODS: This study is an interventional, parallel group, randomized clinical trial. Adult patients with cutaneous abscess were randomized into loop drainage and standard I&D groups. The primary outcome was defined as change in diameter of abscess and cellulitis 7days after procedure. Secondary outcome measures were pain intensity at the end of the procedure and procedure duration. Also patient satisfaction, need for antibiotics and repetitive drainage were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 46 patients were included in the study (23 in each group). Both groups had similar baseline characteristics. Median abscess diameters were 3.2 (1.9-4.0) cm and 3.0 (2.4-4.8) cm in loop drainage and I&D groups respectively. In the loop drainage group there was a -0.6cm (95% CI: -1.7-0.5) difference in abscess diameter compared to the I&D group. There was also a reduction in cellulitis diameter (-1.3cm, 95% CI: -3.4-0.8). No statistically significant difference was found between groups in patient satisfaction, use of antibiotics or need for repetitive drainage. CONCLUSION: This preliminary study revealed that, loop drainage technique is similar to standard I&D technique in abscess resolution and complications. (Clinical Trials Registration ID: NCT02286479).

The Analysis of Escherichia Coli Resistance in Urine Culture and in Antibiograms as Requested by Emergency Service.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the antibiotic resistance of infectious and non-infectious E. coli species in order to increase the success of empirical antibiotic treatment in urinary system infections. METHODS: The antibiotic susceptibility of 464 E. coli strains that were isolated from urine samples of patients who visited Derince Training and Research Hospital Emergency Department between January 1 and December 31, 2012 were retrospectively evaluated from records. The antibiogram results were classified as susceptible, moderately susceptible or resistant. Moderately susceptible strains were assumed to be resistant. RESULTS: Bacterial proliferation was seen in 563 (28.1%) of the 1998 urine cultures tested. One hundred and twelve cultures could not be evaluated due to contamination, and there was no proliferation in 1323 cultures. E. coli strains were isolated in 464 (82.4%) of the cultures in which proliferation was seen. Three hundred and sixty seven (79%) of the patients were female, 97 (21%) were male, and the mean age of all of the patients was 41.1±24.1 years (min: 1, max: 90). The antibiograms of the E. coli strains revealed that meropenem had the lowest resistance (0%), while ampicillin-sulbactam had the highest resistance (36.8%). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we investigated the antibiotic resistance of E. coli strains isolated from urine cultures in our region. Future studies, perhaps similar to this one, can be performed in the future to increase the success of treatments.

Evaluation of geriatric patients with trauma scores after motor vehicle trauma.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to investigate the factors affecting in-hospital mortality among geriatric trauma patients who presented to the emergency department (ED) following a motor vehicle collision. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was carried out in a high-volume tertiary care facility in the central Anatolian Region. Clinical data were extracted from hospital databases for all eligible geriatric patients (either driver, passenger or pedestrian) with entries dated between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2009. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to assess the in-hospital mortality effects of variables including demographic characteristics, trauma mechanisms, injured body parts and various trauma scores. RESULTS: There were 395 geriatric motor vehicle trauma presentations to the ED during the 3-year period. Of these patients, 371 (93.9%) survived, and 24 (6.1%) died in the ED, operating room or intensive care unit. The multivariate logistic regression model included the following variables: heart failure, cranial trauma, abdominal trauma, thoracic trauma, pelvic trauma, Glasgow Coma Score and Injury Severity Score (ISS). These variables were chosen because univariate analysis indicated that they were potential predictors of mortality. The multivariate logistic regression showed that the presence of heart failure (OR: 20.2), cranial trauma (OR: 3.6), abdominal trauma (OR: 26.9), pelvic trauma (OR: 9.9) and ISS (OR: 1.2) were predictors of in-hospital mortality in the study population. CONCLUSION: In our study, heart failure, cranial trauma, abdominal trauma, pelvic trauma, and ISS were found to be the most important predictors of in-hospital mortality among geriatric motor vehicle trauma patients.