Evaluation of the frequency and risk factors of spontaneous intramuscular hemorrhage associated with dermatomyositis.

Dermatomyositis (DM) is an idiopathic inflammatory myositis (IIM) characterized by skin manifestations and muscle involvement. Spontaneous intramuscular hemorrhage (SIH) is a fatal complication that is very rare in the course of DM, but not well known to rheumatologists. Our aim was to determine the frequency and possible risk factors of DM-related SIH. A retrospective analysis was conducted on a cohort of DM patients who were observed in the rheumatology department of the university hospital between 1998 and January 2024. The clinical, laboratory, radiological data of the patients and the treatments they received during the follow-up were analyzed. To determine possible risk factors for the development of SIH in the course of DM, our patients with DM were analyzed together with other rare SIH cases in the literature. The study included 42 of our DM patients. 32 of the patients (76.2%) were female. The median age of the patients was 53 (24-82) years, the median age of DM diagnosis of the patients was 47 (18-75) years, and the median duration of DM of the patients was 36 (2-276) months. 7.1% of patients had dysphagia, and 16.7% had intertitial lung disease (ILD). 5 (11.9%) patients were diagnosed with malignancy. The incidence rate of SIH development in our DM cohort was 0.238/100 patient years (95% CI 0.006-1.256). We tried to identify independent risk factors for SIH development by comparing our 41 DM patients without SIH with the data of patients with 23 DM-related SIH collected from the literature by adding our 1 patient (24 pts). Male sex (OR 4.97, 95% CI 1.66-14.92, p = 0.003), ILD presence (OR 9.71, 95% CI 2.99-31.47, p < 0.001), anti-MDA5 positivity (OR 16.0, 95% CI 1.60-159.3, p = 0.006), anti-Ro52 positivity (OR 11.6, 95% CI 2.93-46.34, p < 0.001), heparin use (OR 4.42, 95% CI 2.68-7.24, p < 0.001), intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) use (OR 11.7, 95% CI 2.26-60.54, p < 0.001), and steroid dose (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.00-1.05, p = 0.005) were identified as risk factors for the development of SIH in the univariate analysis. The death rate due to hemorrhage was 50%. No single risk factor was found to be associated with death. As a result, SIH may occasionally arise in patients with DM. Rheumatologists should be aware that patients with dysphagia and/or ILD, who are on heparin, getting high doses of steroids, and test positive for anti-MDA5 and/or anti-Ro52 antibodies may develop SIH in the early stages of DM.

Comparison of pan-immune-inflammation value with other inflammation markers of long-term survival after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Atherosclerosis is a process that causes coronary artery disease and is associated with the inflammatory response. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the association of Pan-Immune-Inflammation Value (PIV) with in-hospital and long-term mortality in STEMI patients. METHODS: A total of 658 patients who were admitted to the emergency department of two tertiary centers with the diagnosis of STEMI and underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) between 2018 and 2022 were retrospectively enrolled. PIV and other inflammation parameters were compared for the study population. The primary outcome was one-year all-cause of mortality. RESULTS: The mean age was 58.7 ± 17.1 years and 507 (76.9%) were male. The mean duration of the follow-up was 18.8 ± 8.5 months (median 18.9 months). PIV was superior to the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-lymphocyte ratio, and systemic immune-inflammation index for the prediction of primary and secondary outcomes in STEMI. CONCLUSION: Our study reveals that PIV is a better predictor of mortality in STEMI patients. Prospective studies are needed to validate this biomarker.

The effect of drip versus intermittent feeding on splanchnic oxygenation in preterm infants with intrauterine growth restriction: a prospective randomized trial.

The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of drip versus intermittent feeding on splanchnic oxygenation in preterm infants with intrauterine growth restriction. The second objective was to assess the relationship between fetal splanchnic circulation parameters and splanchnic oxygenation during the first week of life. A single-center, prospective, randomized study with 51 fetuses/infants was conducted. Fetal Doppler measurements including umbilical artery, middle cerebral artery, and superior mesenteric artery (SMA) were recorded in IUGR fetuses. After preterm delivery, the infants were randomly assigned to one of two feeding modalities: drip (3-h continuous) or intermittent (bolus in 10 min). Continuous regional splanchnic saturation (rSO2S) monitoring was carried out during the first week of life, simultaneously with continuous oxygen arterial saturation (SaO2) monitoring, and the infants' fractional oxygen extractions (FOE) were calculated. These parameters were evaluated as means on a daily basis for the first week of life, as well as pre-prandial and post-prandial measurements on the seventh day. Fetal Doppler flow velocimetry disturbances were present in 72.5% of the study cohort. The drip (26 infants) and intermittent (25 infants) groups were similar in demographic and clinical characteristics, as well as the prevalence of feeding intolerance and necrotizing enterocolitis. During the first week of life, there was no difference in daily mean rSO2S and FOE values between the drip and intermittent groups, whereas unfed infants had mostly lower rSO2S values. Pre-prandial and post-prandial rSO2S values remained stable in both groups. Also, no association was detected between fetal splanchnic circulation parameters and neonatal splanchnic oxygenation. RSO2S values were strongly correlated to gestational age and birth weight. During the whole week, except for the first 2 days, infants with umbilical catheters had significantly lower rSO2S values than infants without.  Conclusion: Our data suggest that the key factor in splanchnic oxygenation is feeding, not the feeding modality. In addition, the umbilical vein catheter had a negative impact on splanchnic oxygenation.  Clinical Trial Registration: The Effect of Neonatal Feeding Modalities on Splanchnic Oxygenation, NCT05513495,  https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results cond=&term=NCT05513495&cntry=TR&state=&city=&dist= . Retrospectively registered, date of registration: August 2022. What is Known: • It is known that preterm infants with IUGR are at increased risk of hypoxic-ischemic intestinal damage and impaired splanchnic oxygenation. What is New: • The key factor in splanchnic oxygenation of preterm infants with IUGR is feeding, not the feeding modality (drip or intermittent). • In addition, the umbilical vein catheter had a negative impact on splanchnic oxygenation.

Narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy for pityriasis lichenoides: A real-life experience.

INTRODUCTION: Pityriasis lichenoides (PL) is a papulosquamous disease affecting both children and adults, for which narrowband-UVB (NB-UVB) phototherapy is regarded as a commonly used treatment option. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of NB-UVB phototherapy in the management of PL and to compare response rates in pediatric and adult age groups. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This observational, retrospective study included 20 PL patients (12 pityriasis lichenoides chronica; PLC, 8 pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis acuta; PLEVA) who failed to respond to other treatment modalities. The data for this study were collected retrospectively from patient follow-up forms in the phototherapy unit. RESULTS: A complete response (CR) was obtained in all pediatric patients with PL, while 53.8% of adult patients had achieved CR. The mean cumulative dose required to achieve the CR was higher in pediatric patients than adult patients with PL (p < .05). The CR was achieved in 6 (75%) of 8 PLEVA patients, while 8 (66.7%) of 12 PLC patients had reached to CR. The mean number of exposures for patients with PLC to achieve a CR was higher than patients with PLEVA (p < .05). Erythema was the most common adverse effect during phototherapy particularly in 5 (35.7%) of the patients with PL who had achieved CR. CONCLUSIONS: NB-UVB is an effective and well-tolerated treatment option for PL especially in diffuse types. A higher response can be obtained in children with higher cumulative dose. Patients with PLC may require more exposures for CR than patients with PLEVA.

Benefits of treatment with favipiravir in hospitalized patients for COVID-19: a retrospective observational case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Although more than a year past since COVID-19 was defined, there is no specific treatment yet. Since COVID-19 management differs over time, it is hard to determine which therapy is more efficacious. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the regimen with Favipiravir (FPV) and determine if the timing of FPV addition offers any improvement. METHODS: A retrospective observational case-controlled cohort study was performed between March and September 2020, including adults with COVID-19 in a single-center in Turkey. We categorized patients into age-sex matched three groups, group 1 (n = 48) and group 2 (n = 48) included patients treated with the combination of FPV plus Hydroxychloroquine (HQ) early and late, respectively. Group 3 (n = 48) consisted of patients on HQ monotherapy. In Group 2, if the respiratory or clinic condition had not improved sufficiently, FPV was added on or after day 3. RESULTS: We found that starting FPV early had an impact on PCR negativity and the progression of the disease. 'No progression' was defined as the absence of a new finding in the control radiological examination and the absence of accompanying clinical deterioration. Also, the decrease in C-reactive protein (CRP) was greater in Group 1 than Group 3 (p < 0.001). However, we found that early initiation of FPV treatment did not have a positive effect on the estimated survival time. CONCLUSIONS: According to this retrospective study results, we believe that for better clinical outcomes, FPV treatment should be started promptly to enhance antiviral effects and improve clinical outcomes.

Comparison of manual and mechanical chest compression techniques using cerebral oximetry in witnessed cardiac arrests at the emergency department: A prospective, randomized clinical study.

AIM: We aimed to compare regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO2) levels during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), performed either manually or using a mechanical chest compression device (MCCD), in witnessed cardiac arrest cases in the emergency department (ED), and to evaluate the effects of both the CPR methods and perfusion levels on patient survival and neurological outcomes. METHODS: This single-center, randomized study recruited patients aged ≥18 years who had witnessed a cardiopulmonary arrest in the ED. According to the relevant guidelines, CPR was performed either manually or using an MCCD. Simultaneously, rSO2 levels were continually measured with near-infrared spectroscopy. RESULTS: Seventy-five cases were randomly distributed between the MCCD (n = 40) and manual CPR (n = 35) groups. No significant difference in mean rSO2 levels was found between the MCCD and manual CPR groups (46.35 ± 14.04 and 46.60 ± 12.09, respectively; p = 0.541). However, a significant difference in rSO2 levels was found between patients without return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and those with ROSC (40.35 ± 10.05 and 50.50 ± 13.44, respectively; p < 0.001). In predicting ROSC, rSO2 levels ≥24% provided 100% sensitivity (95% confidence interval [CI] 92-100), and rSO2 levels ≥64% provided 100% specificity (95% CI 88-100). The area under the curve for ROSC prediction using rSO2 levels during CPR was 0.74 (95% CI 0.62-0.83). CONCLUSION: A relationship between ROSC and high rSO2 levels in witnessed cardiac arrests exists. Monitoring rSO2 levels during CPR would be useful in CPR management and ROSC prediction. During CPR, MCCD or manual chest compression has no distinct effect on oxygen delivery to the brain. TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT03238287.

Effect of hyperparathyroidism on coagulation: a global assessment by modified rotation thromboelastogram (ROTEM)

Background/aim: Hyperparathyroidism is an endocrine disorder characterized by hypercalcemia. Because of calcium's effects on parathyroid glands, bone, intestines, and kidneys, it has an important place in homeostasis. The results of studies regarding hyperparathyroidism hemostasis are conflicting. Thromboelastography helps to evaluate all steps of hemostatic system. Our aim in this study was to investigate the possible role of hemostatic mechanisms in the development of thrombosis in hyperparathyroid patients with the modified rotation thromboelastogram (ROTEM). Materials and methods: Twenty-two patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) and 20 healthy controls were involved. This study was conducted in Eskisehir Osmangazi University Faculty of Medicine, Endocrinology and Hematology clinics for 2 years. The complete blood count, fibrinogen, D-dimer levels, prothrombin time, activated prothrombin time, and ROTEM parameters [clot formation time (CFT), clotting time (CT), and maximum clot formation (MCF)] were determined by two activated tests, INTEM and EXTEM analyses. A thromboelastographic evaluation was performed in the preoperative and postoperative (3 months after surgery) periods. Results: In INTEM assay, the CT (p = 0.012) and CFT (p = 0.07) values were increased in preoperative PHPT patients compared with the control group. Although there was a decrease in the postoperative CT and CFT values, no statistical difference was found. Conclusion: The prolongation of the CT and CFT values were consistent with a hypocoagulable state in patients with PHPT. Hyperparathyroidism causes a hypocoagulable state that can be successfully assessed by ROTEM. Hemostatic changes, do not seem to have an effect on increased cardiovascular mortality.

Hemotologic Indices for Predicting Internal Organ Involvement in Henoch-Schönlein Purpura (IgA vasculitis).

Henoch-Schönlein purpura is the most common vasculitis of childhood. This study investigated the values of hematologic indices that can help predict internal organ involvement. The study included 112 patients followed up between January 2007 and May 2017 and 81 healthy children. Leukocyte, neutrophil, monocyte, lymphocyte and platelet counts, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were compared between patients with and without internal organ involvement. Overall, 57 (50.8%) patients had internal organ involvement. Leukocyte, neutrophil, and monocyte counts, NLR, and CRP levels were significantly higher in patients with internal organ involvement than in patients without internal organ involvement. There was no difference between the groups in terms of lymphocyte count, platelet count, and PLR. The cutoff values were found to be ≥10.8×10/L [area under the curve (AUC), 0.734] for leukocyte, ≥6.0×10/L (AUC, 0.665) for neutrophil, ≥0.710×10/L (AUC, 0.681) for monocyte, ≥3.95×10/L (AUC, 0.609) for NLR, and 2.41 mg/dL (AUC, 0.635) for CRP. Logistic regression analysis revealed that leukocyte count is a risk factor for internal organ involvement. Leukocyte, neutrophil, monocyte counts, NLR, and CRP levels are useful in predicting internal organ involvement in the acute phase of Henoch-Schönlein purpura. Leukocyte count is an important risk factor for internal organ involvement and its predictive value is more reliable than the other hematologic indices.

Perfusion Index Measurement in Predicting Hypovolemic Shock in Trauma Patients.

BACKGROUND: Perfusion index (PI) derived from pulse oximeter shows the ratio of the pulsatile blood flow to the nonpulsatile blood flow or static blood in peripheral tissue. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between PI and blood transfusion necessity in 24 h and stage of hemorrhagic shock, as well as the utility of PI according to laboratory and clinical parameters, and determining the major risk of hemorrhage. METHODS: PI was measured with a pulse oximeter in 338 patients (235 males, average age 41.8 ± 17.94 years). Laboratory parameters (hemoglobin, hematocrit, lactate, base deficits, pH) and clinical parameters (pulse rate, respiratory rate, SpO2, systolic blood pressure [SBP] and diastolic blood pressure [DBP]), shock index (SI) and revised trauma score (RTS) were recorded. Univariate analysis was used to determine major risk for bleeding, and the receiver operating characteristic curves were performed to compare parameters. RESULTS: PI was < 1 in 39 (11.5%) patients. Positive correlation between PI and hemoglobin (p < 0.001; r: 0.320), hematocrit (p < 0.001; r: 0.294), base deficit (p < 0.001; r: 0.315), pH (p < 0.05; r: 0.235), SBP (p < 0.001; r: 0.146), DBP (p < 0.001; r: 0.259), SpO2 (p < 0.001; r: 0.197), RTS (p < 0.001; r: 0.344), and negative correlation with lactate (p < 0.05; r: -0.117), pulse (p < 0.001; r: -0.326), respiratory rate (p < 0.001; r: -0.231), and SI (p < 0.001; r: -0.257) were detected. A difference was detected between class 1 and 2, and class 1 and 3 (both p < 0.05) in hemorrhagic shock. Thirty-one with PI < 1 had blood transfusion within 24 h (p < 0.001; odds ratio 111.98, sensitivity 75.6%, specificity 97.3, positive predictive value 79.5%, negative predictive value 96.7%). The main risk factors of the need for blood transfusions were PI, pulse rate, and SpO2. PI was more significant than lactate, base deficit, RTS, and SI measurements. CONCLUSION: PI might be beneficial in the detection and exclusion of critical patients and blood transfusion needs in the emergency department. PI can be used with vital signs and shock parameters in the early diagnosis of hemorrhage.

Diagnostic value of point-of-care ultrasound in deep vein thrombosis in the emergency department.

PURPOSE: Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has been demonstrated as one of the primary diagnostic tools for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) screening in the emergency department, but there are quite different results in the literature regarding its diagnostic value. The aim of this study is to assess the diagnostic value of POCUS in DVT diagnosis. METHODS: Patients with a clinical suspicion of DVT who underwent POCUS and were monitored by the radiology department via ultrasonography (US) or venography for DVT were retrospectively examined. POCUS examination for DVT was performed in the femoral and popliteal regions by a two-point compression technique. The inclusion criteria were age >18 years and patients with both a POCUS report and venography or US examinations performed by the radiology department (RUS) and reported by the radiology clinic. RUS and venography were considered as the gold standards. RESULTS: The study included 266 patients. POCUS had a sensitivity of 93% (95% CI: 84-98) and specificity of 93% (95% CI: 89-96). Its positive likelihood ratio (LR+ ) was 14 (95% CI: 8-24), and its negative likelihood ratio (LR- ) was 0.08 (95% CI: 0.03-0.19). POCUS also had a positive predictive value (PPV) of 83% (95% CI: 74-89) and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 97% (95% CI: 94-99). CONCLUSIONS: Our study verifies that POCUS has high specificity and sensitivity for the examination of the popliteal and femoral veins by an emergency physician to evaluate patients with a preliminary diagnosis of DVT.

The influence of corneal geometrical and biomechanical properties on tonometry readings in keratoconic eyes.

PURPOSE: To identify the effect of corneal geometrical and biomechanical parameters on the intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements obtained by Goldmann Applanation Tonometer (GAT), non-contact tonometer, iCare Pro Rebound Tonometer (IRT), Tonopen and Ocular Response Analyzer (ORA, Goldmann-correlated IOP: IOPg, corneal compensated IOP: IOPcc). METHODS: We prospectively recruited patients with a tomographically confirmed diagnosis of keratoconus. IOP measurements were performed in the following order: non-contact tonometry, ORA, IRT, GAT and Tonopen. The means of the three IOP measurements were used for the analysis. Correlation analyses were performed to assess the association between tonometer readings and the corneal geometrical and biomechanical parameters including ORA waveform parameters. Tonometer variability was assessed using a stepwise linear regression analysis. RESULTS: Fifty-one patients with keratoconus (27 females, mean age 30.8 ± 8.7 years) were evaluated. The highest mean IOP was measured by IOPcc (14.6 ± 2.3 mmHg) followed by IRT IOP (13.0 ± 3.2 mmHg), Tonopen IOP 12.0 ± 2.6 mmHg), GAT IOP (11.7 ± 3.1 mmHg), NCT IOP (10.2 ± 3.2 mmHg) and IOPg (10.2 ± 3.6 mmHg). NCT and IOPg were affected from all corneal parameters including thickness, curvature and biomechanical parameters. While GAT and IRT had significant correlations with corneal resistance factor (CRF) and corneal hysteresis, IOPcc only had a significant correlation with CRF. None of the corneal factors had any statistically significant correlation with Tonopen. CRF predicted tonometer measurement variability in 7 of the 15 inter-device variability assessments. CONCLUSION: Tonopen was the least affected from the corneal parameters followed by IOPcc and GAT. CRF was a strong determinant of tonometer variability.

Circulating endothelial cells in Behçet's disease: is there a relationship with vascular involvement?

OBJECTIVES: Circulating endothelial cells (CEC) are identified in conditions with vascular damage such as systemic vasculitis. Our aim was to investigate if EPC, CEC, and/or its subgroups activated CEC (aCEC) or resting CEC (rCEC) related with vascular involvement in Behçet's disease (BD). METHODS: In total 60 patients were included in this study, divided into 4 groups: 1) Behçet patients with a history of vascular involvement: vascular BD; 2) Behçet patients with mucocutaneus involvement: mucocutaneus BD; 3) patients with history of thrombosis due to other causes: thrombosis; 4) 20 healthy controls were also included: control group. Percentages of CEC, aCEC, rCEC and EPCs in peripheral blood mononuclear cells were measured by flow cytometry. RESULTS: CEC (3.75 (1.80-7.20), 1.80 (0.70-3.53), 3.50 (1.83-7.23), 2.45 (1.28- 4.60)) and aCEC (2.40 (1.28-4.28), 1.10 (0.77-2.20), 3.15 (1.48-7.20), 3.20 (1.15-9.80) levels were did not show a statistically significant difference between groups (p:0.077 and p:0.054, respectively). EPC and rCEC levels were higher in vascular BD and thrombosis groups than mucocutaneus BD and control groups (EPC:10.5 (7.20-18.3), 11.6 (7.30-20.9) vs. 7.15 (5.55-8.25), 10.2 (5.93-18.6), rCEC: 5.35 (3.13-7.90), 6.45 (4.60-10.8) vs. 4.95 (3.05-7.55), 3.40 (1.88-4.30), p:0.042 and p:0.007, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: CEC, EPC, aCEC and rCEC may have role in the assessment of vascular involvement in BD. Longitudinal studies would be needed to identify the utility of these cells for the follow up and risk stratification of BD patients with vascular involvement for recurrences or identify BD patients at risk of vascular involvement.

Advanced oxidation protein products and serum total oxidant/antioxidant status levels in rosacea.

INTRODUCTION: Rosacea is a chronic, inflammatory dermatosis which develops due to the effect of genetic and environmental factors. AIM: To evaluate the oxidative stress in rosacea patients by measuring serum total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI) and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) levels in our study. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Our study included rosacea patients and healthy volunteers aged between 18 and 65 years. Total antioxidant status, TOS and AOPP levels were measured and OSI was calculated. RESULTS: The study included 70 rosacea patients and 30 healthy volunteers as a control group. When TAS, TOS, OSI and AOPP levels were compared between rosacea and control groups, there was no difference for OSI levels; while TAS, TOS and AOPP levels were significantly higher in the rosacea group (p = 0.151, p = 0.013, p = 0.034, p = 0.017, respectively). In the rosacea group, there was no correlation between TAS, TOS, OSI and AOPP levels and disease duration. Besides there was no difference between family history, rosacea type, symptom frequency and ocular involvement and TAS, TOS, OSI and AOPP levels in the rosacea group. CONCLUSIONS: We observed that serum TAS, TOS and AOPP levels were significantly higher in rosacea patients, but there was no significant difference among the disease activity parameters. These results can support the role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of rosacea.

Trichoscopic findings in alopecia areata and their relation to disease activity, severity and clinical subtype in Turkish patients.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Trichoscopic studies of alopecia areata are helpful in the non-invasive diagnosis and prediction of the course of the disease. The objective was to determine the relationship of trichoscopic findings in alopecia areata with disease activity, severity and clinical subtype in Turkish patients. METHODS: Trichoscopic examinations of 39 patients with alopecia areata were compared with 309 alopecia patients including psoriasis (n = 31), seborrhoeic dermatitis (n = 112), female androgenetic alopecia (n = 138), male androgenetic alopecia (n = 63), female androgenetic alopecia of male pattern (n = 5), telogen effluvium (n = 22) and trichotillomania (n = 4). A χ(2) test and logistic regression analysis were used for the statistical analysis. The odds ratios were calculated by cross tabulation. RESULTS: There was no relationship between the alopecia areata subtype and trichoscopic findings. On the other hand, a honeycomb hyperpigmentation pattern, cumulus-like clustered white dots, white dots and black dotted pigmentation related to severe disease, while exclamation mark hairs related to mild disease. Exclamation mark hairs were found to be related to active disease while atypical red vessels and white dots were negatively related to disease activity. CONCLUSION: In our study, further characteristic trichoscopic findings were detected in alopecia areata such as clustered white dots, multi-hair follicular unit, hidden hairs and black dotted pigmentation, in addition to previous findings. Hence, it is concluded that the identification and prediction of alopecia areata might be straightforward with the help of these new signs such as activation and severity findings.

Simple clinical risk score for no-reflow prediction in patients undergoing primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention with acute STEMI.

OBJECTIVES: To identify the STEMI patients at high risk in terms of no-reflow during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with a simple risk score system that can be used before reperfusion. METHODS: Total 173 patients who had undergone primary or rescue percutaneous coronary intervention following the diagnosis of STEMI, were classified as "no-reflow" developers and "no-reflow" non-developers, during the procedure. The pre-procedural ECGs, laboratory parameters, demographic data, time for the treatment, and the treatment methods were evaluated with univariate analysis. The independent predictors were identified by multivariate logistic regression analysis among the no-reflow risk factors. Using the independent predictors, we developed a simple risk score system proportional to area under the ROC (AUROC) curves. RESULTS: The independent predictors of "no-reflow" phenomenon were identified as follows: high values of blood glucose at reference; long symptom-onset-to-balloon-time; and low lymphocyte count. The incidence rates of "no-reflow" in patients with low (0-1), moderate (2-3) and high (4-6) risk factors were 13.3%, 40.0%, and 46.7%, respectively. The risk score system demonstrated a good risk prediction between patients with various risk levels of the development of "no-reflow" with a c-statistics of 0.734 (95% CI 0.654-0.814). CONCLUSION: The development of "no-reflow" which is an adverse event in STEMI treatment can be predicted efficiently by simple clinical risk scoring method.

Long-term oncological and reproductive outcomes of fertility-sparing cytoreductive surgery in females aged 25 years and younger with malignant ovarian germ cell tumors.

AIM: To evaluate the long-term oncological and reproductive outcomes of patients aged 25 years and younger who were treated by fertility-sparing cytoreductive surgery (FSCS) plus adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) or observation alone for malignant ovarian germ cell tumors (MOGCT). METHODS: Records of 42 eligible female patients treated for MOGCT between 1 May 1995 and 31 December 2010 at two centers were analyzed retrospectively. A telephone questionnaire was performed to gather reproductive and menstrual history. RESULTS: One patient was treated without FSCS and two patients were lost to follow-up. The mean age of the remaining 39 patients was 18.4 ± 3.2 years. Eighteen of the tumors were histologically pure dysgerminomas (PD) and 21 were non-dysgerminomatous tumors (non-DT). Thirteen patients (33%) presented with stage II-III disease. Optimal cytoreduction was achieved in 34 of the 39 patients (87%). Systematic pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy was performed in 31 of the 39 patients (79.5%). The frequency of lymph node metastasis was 29% (9/31). Twenty-seven patients (69.2%) received ACT. Disease recurred in six (15.3%) patients, all in the non-DT group. Four of six underwent secondary optimal FSCS followed by chemotherapy. Retroperitoneal nodal recurrence was detected in two of these four patients (50%). Four deaths occurred, three due to chemoresistant aggressive disease and one due to secondary acute myelocytic leukemia. The overall survival rates for patients with PD and non-DT were 100% and 81.4%, respectively. Twenty-three of 27 patients who received ACT continued their regular menses. Sixteen spontaneous pregnancies and one pregnancy by intrauterine insemination were achieved by 21 patients who attempted conception. CONCLUSION: Either primary or secondary FSCS followed by ACT seems to be a feasible and safe approach to preserving future fertility and hormonal function in young patients with MOGCT.

Efficacy and safety of secukinumab in psoriasis: five-year real life experience.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy and safety of secukinumab in psoriasis patients has been demonstrated in randomized controlled clinical trials. OBJECTIVES: The authors aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of secukinumab in plaque psoriasis patients followed in our clinic. METHODS: Data from 101 plaque psoriasis patients who received at least 16 weeks of secukinumab treatment between June 2018 and June 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: Fifty-three (53%) of the patients were bionaive. PASI-75, -90, -100 response rates were 72%, 50%, 30% respectively at week 16 in all patients. PASI-75 and -90 responses were higher in naive patients at weeks 16 and 28 (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.01, p = 0.01, respectively). The percentage of patients with PASI ≤ 1, ≤ 3, ≤ 5 were 50%, 77%, and 92%, respectively at week 16. They were higher in the naive group than in nonnaive group at weeks 16 and 28 (p = 0.02, p < 0.01, p = 0.05, p = 0.07, p < 0.01, p = 0.03, respectively). At week 52, PASI-75, -90, -100 responses were significantly lower in smoking patients (p = 0.04, p = 0.03, p < 0.01, respectively). The mean duration of secukinumab treatment was 19.80 ±â€¯12.76 months. Secukinumab was discontinued 14 (26.4%) naive patients and 28 (58.3%) nonnaive patients at one occasion during treatment (p < 0.001). The most common adverse event in patients was mucocutaneous candida infection (8%). No hepatitis B or C reactivation and no active or reactivation tuberculosis were observed in any of the patients during the follow-up period. LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY: This is a single-center retrospective study with relatively few patients including only the Turkish population. CONCLUSION: Secukinumab seems to be effective in plaque psoriasis, particularly in bionaive and non-smokers. Moreover, it is safe in patients with inactive hepatitis or tuberculosis.

Emergency complications during dermatological, surgical, or cosmetic procedures: A cross-sectional study among dermatologists.

BACKGROUND: Medical emergency complications may occur during dermatological, surgical, and cosmetic procedures. AIMS: This study aimed to investigate the frequency of dermatologists who experienced emergency complications as well as their level of knowledge regarding emergencies and basic life support. METHODS: The cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted online among 240 dermatologists to whom a questionnaire was sent via email and a closed social media group. The survey instrument asked about emergency complications during dermatological, surgical, or cosmetic procedures and the dermatologists' level of knowledge regarding emergencies and basic life support. RESULTS: Among the dermatologists, 53% reported emergency complications during dermatological and surgical procedures and 43.2% during cosmetic procedures. The most common complications were vasovagal syncope, hypotension/bleeding, and seizures. Emergency complications were more common among specialists, those with more than 15 years of professional experience, those working in their private clinics, and those performing an average of 10-50 dermatological/surgical procedures per week and fewer than 10 cosmetic procedures per week (p < 0.05). The knowledge level of dermatologists was highest among residents, dermatologists with 0-4 years of professional experience, those working in university hospitals, and those who had both theoretical and practical training in basic life support. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows a relatively high frequency of dermatologists who experienced emergency complications during dermatological, surgical, or cosmetic procedures. Although these complications seem to be common; most of them are mild, self-limiting, and not life-threatening. Nevertheless, dermatologists should be competent and prepared to intervene in medical emergencies in daily practice.

Outcomes of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation of Oncologic Patients in Emergency Department.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the outcomes of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) of oncological cases versus non-oncological admitted to the emergency department as out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) or in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA). STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Emergency Department (ED) of Eskisehir Osmangazi University Hospital, between January 2014 to January 2020. METHODOLOGY: Victims over the age of 18 years who had OHCA and IHCA were inducted. The outcomes of 109 patients with an oncological diagnosis and 109 controls without cancer underwent CPR and were compared. RESULTS: The median age of the participants was 65 (58-76) years. Patients with an oncological diagnosis were more likely to have an IHCA [OR: 2.98 (95% CI: 1.68-5.30), p <0.001]. The IHCA and OHCA rates of patients without an oncological diagnosis were similar. Solid-organ malignancies were observed in 102 patients (93.6%). The initial rhythm of 88 patients (80.7%) in the oncological arrest group was asystole versus 77 patients (70.6%) in the control group. Pulseless electrical activity was observed in 17 patients (15.6%) in the study group and in 24 patients (22.0%) in the control group. Although the non-oncological group was found to have a longer stay. No statistically significant difference was found between the study and control groups regarding duration of stay in the intensive care unit. Only one patient (2.0%) with cancer was discharged in stable state as against 10 (21.3%) of non-oncological arrests [OR: 12.97 (95% CI: 1.59-105.93), p = 0.008]. CONCLUSION: The presence of cancer is not a favourable prognostic factor for the success of CPR. KEY WORDS: Oncology, Cardiac arrest, IHCA, OHCA, Emergency department.

Clinical characteristics and in-hospital outcomes of COVID-19 patients with history of heart failure: a propensity score-matched study.

BACKGROUND: Data on the clinical course and outcomes of COVID-19 disease among patients with a history of heart failure (HF) are scarce. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the clinical characteristics, prognostic biomarkers and in-hospital outcomes of patients with a history of HF hospitalised with confirmed COVID-19. METHODS: A total of 8321 consecutive patients hospitalised with suspected COVID-19 disease were screened. Furthermore, 3849 patients with laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection were included in the study. Two hundred and forty COVID-19 patients with a history of HF and 240 without HF paired with PSM were evaluated. RESULTS: Mean age was 72.7 ± 9.90 years, and 64.6% were men. Oxygen saturation, systolic and diastolic blood pressure at admission were significantly lower and heart rate was significantly higher in patients with a history of HF compared to those without. Patients with HF, compared to those without, had significantly higher leukocyte count, D-dimer, CRP, procalcitonin, hsTnI, lactate and lower albumin and lymphocyte. Compared with patients without HF, those with previous HF had a longer length of stay at ICU (6.22 d vs. 3.71 d; p < 0.001), increased risk of mechanical ventilation (42.1% vs. 15.4%; p < 0.001), in-hospital death (39.2% vs. 15.4%; p < 0.001) and composite outcomes (52.9% vs. 17.1%; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: History of HF is associated with a higher risk of mechanical ventilation, cardiogenic shock, mortality and longer ICU stay in patients hospitalised for COVID-19, therefore the diagnosis of HF alone is important for predicting clinical outcomes.