Effectiveness of Ankaferd blood stopper in the topical control of active bleeding due to cutaneous-subcutaneous incisions

To assess the effectiveness of Ankaferd blood stopper [ABS] in the topical control of bleeding due to cutaneous/subcutaneous incisions. We included in this study, 69 patients with cancer that were admitted for port insertion to the Emergency Department of Gaziantep University Hospital, Gaziantep, Turkey, between May and July 2008. We used the wet compress form of ABS in 37 patients [group I], and regular dry sterile sponges in 32 patients [group II], to stop the bleeding that occurs during the clinically indicated vascular port insertion in patients with cancer. The success rate in terms of bleeding control, time needed to stop the bleeding, recurrence of bleeding, and complications were recorded. A total of 69 patients were included in this study. The average time needed to stop the bleeding was 32.97 +/- 29.9 seconds for group I, and 123.75 +/- 47.5 seconds for group II. Bleeding restarted in 24% in group I, and in 50% in group II. Among the patients in group I, 13.5% developed localized redness, and 8.1% minor swelling, while 8.1% reported local pain at the wound site; in 5.4% of the patients, the sutures at the wound site opened. The same parameters were recorded for group II; 9.4% for localized redness, 0.0% for minor swelling, 6.2% reported local pain, and the sutures at the wound site opened in 3.2% [p=0.592]. The Ankaferd blood stopper was proven to stop local bleeding in a shorter time, with a lower recurrence rate in comparison with the sterile sponge

effect of chronic carbon-monoxide exposure on the peak expiratory flow values of grill-kebab chefs

To determine the effect of chronic carbon-monoxide [CO] exposure on blood carboxy-hemoglobin [COHb] values in grill-kebab chefs, and if there is any subsequent airway obstruction. The study was carried out in Sahinbey Hospital, Medical School of Gaziantep University, Gaziantep, Turkey, between March 2007 and November 2007. Forty male grill-kebab chefs, working in restaurants for at least 3 years, and 48 non-smoker, male healthy volunteers were gathered for this study. The ages, body mass indexes [BMI], blood pressure [BP], COHb, N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide [NT-proBNP], and peak expiratory flow [PEF] values of the grill-kebab chefs and controls was measured. Statistical analysis was carried out using the SSPS 13.0 software. The average age for the study group was 33.0 +/- 9.1, and for the control group was 34.7 +/- 6.5 years. The average occupation time for the study group was 16.1 +/- 7.3 years. The clinical attributes, ages, BMI, BP, and NT-proBNP values of both groups were similar. The COHb [6.5 +/- 1.5/2.0 +/- 1.1%] values were higher in grill-kebab chefs compared with the control group. The NT-proBNP values were determined as normal [<60 ug/L] in both groups. A higher decrease in PEF speed [average: 65.1/7.1 L/min] was recorded in the grill-kebab chefs. Chronic exposure to CO decreases PEF, with narrowing of the airway in grill-kebab chefs

Perimortem Cesarean Delivery Following Severe Maternal Penetrating Injury

The case of a severely traumatized pregnant patient, in whom a perimortem cesarean section, in the emergency department, led to the birth of a viable baby, with long-term survivor, is described. A postmortem cesarean section, resulting in fetal survival, performed after 45 minutes of maternal cardiopulmonary resuscitation is reported in a patient with multiple penetrating injuries. A 27-year-old primigravida suffered cardiopulmonary arrest at the 34th week of gestation following multiple knife injuries. Although extensive advanced cardiopulmonary resuscitation was performed for 45 minutes, her vital signs did not return to normal levels. A low segment cesarean delivery was performed, and a female baby was delivered. The time interval between cardiopulmonary arrest and delivery, prior maternal health status, and continued cardiopulmonary resuscitation are important determinants of fetal survival. A perimortem cesarean section is advised in case of multiple penetrating injuries, even after 45 minutes of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, since it may result in fetal salvage.