Deaths associated with electric shock injuries in children and adults: A 10-year retrospective examination in Sanliurfa, Southeast Turkey (2012-2022).

Electric shock injuries (EIs) have high rates of morbidity and mortality in both children and adults. The aim of this study was to examine autopsy cases resulting from EIs and to compare pediatric and adult groups with respect to sociodemographic data, clinical characteristics, location of the incident, electricity entry-exit wound characteristics, current direction, pathological effects of the electric shocks on the body, and cause of death. A total of 8075 autopsies conducted between 2012 and 2022 were retrospectively examined. Sanliurfa is a city in the southeast of Turkey with the highest birth rate in the country. Of 123 cases of death resulting from EIs in Sanliurfa, 58 (47.2%) were children (age < 18 years). In the majority of children (81%), a low-voltage injury resulted from a domestic appliance while the children were playing at home in a rural area. In the vast majority of adults, a high-voltage injury (HVI) resulted from a workplace accident due to working with HVI materials in an area outside the home. The manner of death was accidental in all the electric shock injuries. The electricity entry and exit wounds formed as a result of EIs had similar characteristics in both children and adults, with no significant difference identified. In the province of Sanliurfa, Turkey, which borders Syria and where the main occupation is agricultural activities, there is a need to increase electrical safety precautions within the home, educate parents, and increase electrical safety conditions and worker education in the workplace.

Comparison of Cardiac Wall Thicknesses and Coronary Artery Obstructions Between Deaths Resulting From Acute Myocardial Infarction and Deaths From Other Causes.

Objective: The risk factors for myocardial infarction (MI) can be separated into three general categories: non-modifiable factors, modifiable risk factors, and lifestyle. This study aimed to investigate whether or not there was any effect of cardiac wall thickness and coronary artery obstructions on acute MI. Methods: In this retrospective study of histopathological examinations of autopsies, two groups were formed. The first contained 28 cases diagnosed with acute MI and the second 28 cases with no heart pathology and the cause of death was reasons other than heart disease. The subjects in the two groups were similar in age, height, weight, and body mass index. The groups were compared in terms of the left and right ventricular wall thicknesses and the degree of obstruction of the right, left, anterior descending, and circumflex coronary arteries. Results: The mean left ventricular wall thickness was 1.461±0.2767 cm in the acute MI group and 1.386±0.2460 cm in the control group, with no statistically significant difference found between the two groups (p=0.289). A statistically significant difference in the degree of obstruction of the coronary arteries was found between the groups. Conclusions: Although the mean cardiac wall thickness was greater in the acute MI cases, no statistically significant difference was found between the two groups.

An examination of the sociodemographic and psychiatric characteristics of children who have suffered penetrative and non-penetrative sexual abuse in Malatya, Eastern Turkey.

Penetrative and nonpenetrative sexual abuse can cause short- and long-term psychiatric problems in victims. This study aimed to examine the sociodemographic characteristics and psychiatric diseases of children in Malatya, eastern Turkey, according to whether the abuse was penetrative or nonpenetrative. A retrospective examination was conducted on the records of 115 cases of sexual abuse that had been referred to judicial authorities from January 1, 2012-July 30, 2019. The subjects were evaluated by a committee formed of 5-7 separate specialized department faculty members. It was determined that 51.3% (n = 59) of the cases had suffered nonpenetrative sexual abuse, and 48.7% (n = 56) had suffered penetrative sexual abuse. The majority of the perpetrators were known to the child from their close environment. A psychiatric diagnosis was made by the committee in 20.3% (n = 12) of the nonpenetrative cases and in 42.9% (n = 24) of the penetrative cases. There was a significant difference between penetrative and nonpenetrative sexual abuse in terms of psychiatric diagnoses. Of the cases of penetrative sexual abuse, 87.5% (n = 14) had attempted suicide. As a result, early diagnosis of sexual abuse, which has devastating effects on mental health in the early and late periods before it penetrates, can reduce the devastating effects on the child. For this reason, it is crucial for doctors, psychologists, social workers, and teachers who work with children to be informed about this issue.

Evaluation of Incest Cases: 4-Years Retrospective Study.

Incest is specific type of sexual abuse. The aim of this study was to evaluate the sociodemographic data and examination findings of cases referred to our hospital as forensic court cases of incest, and to measure the effect on mental health disorders of the nature of the sexual abuse. Retrospective examination was made of the records of 40 cases of incest victims. Evaluation was made of the age, gender, incident suffered, the perpetrator, form of abuse, examination findings, and mental status. The cases comprised 36 girls and 4 boys. Without penetration sexual abuse was determined in 25 cases and with penetration sexual abuse in 15 cases. At least one mental health disorder was determined in 20 of the cases of simple sexual abuse and in 11 of the major sexual abuse type cases. The most frequently seen mental health disorder was post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in 21 cases. Mental health disorders were determined in 77.5% of the incest cases in this study, at a greater rate 80% in cases of "without penetration sexual abuse" than in cases of "with penetration sexual abuse" 74.33%. Therefore, all cases of incest must be followed up carefully without differentiation of without or with penetration abuse.