Current Inflammatory Status of Monocyte Ratios in Bell's Palsy.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the contribution of monocyte/high-density lipoprotein (HDL) ratio (MHR) and monocyte/lymphocyte ratio (MLR) to the inflammatory process and the severity and prognosis of the disease in patients with Bell's palsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was designed retrospectively by analyzing our electronic database. A study group consisted of 48 patients who were referred to our clinic with Bell's palsy between January 2018 and June 2020. The control group consisted of 45 healthy individuals. Monocyte, HDL, neutrophil, lymphocyte, and platelet values were recorded. The hematological parameters obtained from the blood tests of the patients in the study group at the time of admission were statistically compared with the values in the control group. Radiologic images were also collected. RESULTS: The MHR value of the study group was 12.85±1.02, while the MHR value of the control group was 12.29±1.33, and it showed a statistically significant difference (p=0.027). However, no statistically significant difference between the groups was found in other parameters, including MLR, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR). A positive correlation was found between the MHR value and the House-Brackmann stage. The NLR value of the patients who showed contrast enhancement in facial nerves on MRI was found to be statistically significant compared to those without contrast enhancement. CONCLUSION: High MHR values in patients with Bell's palsy support the role of inflammatory and ischemic processes in etiopathogenesis. Further studies are needed to confirm our results in a multi-center manner with larger patient populations.

Single Sequence Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Serous Otitis Media.

INTRODUCTION: We evaluated the usability of short-term (approximately 3 minutes) T2 sequence temporal bone magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the diagnosis of serous otitis media (SOM) in our study. METHODS: A prospective study. Otoscopic examination and audiometry-tympanometry were performed on all 73 patients included in the study. All patients underwent short-term T2 sequence temporal bone MRI before the paracentesis procedure. RESULTS: The mean age of 73 patients (30 female and 43 male) was 7.78 ± 3.01 (3 to 17 years). A total of 134 ear paracentesis operations were performed. As a result of the intraoperative paracentesis procedure, 107 Type B tympanogram and 13 Type C tympanogram were found out of 120 ears that had fluid in the middle ear. Out of 14 ears without fluid flow in the middle ear, five were found to be Type B tympanogram and nine to be Type C tympanogram. The sensitivity of the type B tympanogram in the diagnosis of SOM was 89.1%, the specificity was 64.2%, the positive predictive value was 95.5%, and the negative predictive value was 40.9%. The sensitivity and specificity of short-term T2 sequence MRI in diagnosing SOM were found to be 100% and 100%. CONCLUSION:  Among the available methods, the short-term T2 sequence temporal MRI is the most effective method for evaluating fluid in mastoid cells.

Gut barrier protein levels in serial blood samples from critically ill trauma patients during and after intensive care unit stay.

PURPOSE: In an effort to better manage critically ill patients hospitalised in the intensive care unit (ICU) after experiencing multiple traumas, the present study aimed to assess whether plasma levels of intestinal epithelial cell barrier proteins, including occludin, claudin-1, junctional adhesion molecule (JAM-1), tricellulin and zonulin, could be used as novel biomarkers. Additional potential markers such as intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (I-FABP), D-lactate, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and citrulline were also evaluated. We also aimed to determine the possible relationships between the clinical, laboratory, and nutritional status of patients and the measured marker levels. METHODS: Plasma samples from 29 patients (first, second, fifth and tenth days in the ICU and on days 7, 30 and 60 after hospital discharge) and 23 controls were subjected to commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) testing. RESULTS: On first day (admission) and on the second day, plasma I-FABP, D-lactate, citrulline, occludin, claudin-1, tricellulin and zonulin levels were high in trauma patients and positively correlated with lactate, C-reactive protein (CRP), number of days of ICU hospitalisation, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score and daily Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores (P < 0.05-P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The results of the present study showed that occludin, claudin-1, tricellulin and zonulin proteins, as well as I-FABP, D-lactate and citrulline, may be used as promising biomarkers for the evaluation of disease severity in critically ill trauma patients, despite the complexity of the analysis of various barrier markers. However, our results should be supported by future studies.

Is there a relationship between the intensive care scores of patients with COVID-19 and depression and anxiety?

Objective: Coronaviruses that cause respiratory infections in humans are known to be neuropathogenic. The purpose of this study is to determine whether there is an association between the severity of viral pneumonia and anxiety and depression levels in patients admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methods: Prospective study of 165 patients, patients were divided into two groups (intubated and non-intubated) according to whether they were intubated during follow-up. Results: Of 165 patients included, 70 were intubated after the first 7 days of follow-up. The Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) score was 10.37±3.75 (p < 0.001) in these patients. The length of ICU stay was 25±22.3 days (p < 0.001), and the length of overall hospital stay was 28.28±23.37 days, significantly longer than in patients who were not intubated (p < 0.001). The Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment Score scores, as well as GAD-7 and Patient Health Questionnaire-9, were positively associated with length of ICU stay and length of hospital stay (p < 0.01). Conclusion: The presence and exacerbation of anxiety and depression symptoms can provide information about the aggravation and progression of the underlying disease.

Is there a relationship between the intensive care scores of patients with COVID-19 and depression and anxiety?

OBJECTIVE: Coronaviruses that cause respiratory infections in humans are known to be neuropathogenic. The purpose of this study is to determine whether there is an association between the severity of viral pneumonia and anxiety and depression levels in patients admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). METHODS: Prospective study of 165 patients, patients were divided into two groups (intubated and non-intubated) according to whether they were intubated during follow-up. RESULTS: Of 165 patients included, 70 were intubated after the first 7 days of follow-up. The Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) score was 10.37±3.75 (p < 0.001) in these patients. The length of ICU stay was 25±22.3 days (p < 0.001), and the length of overall hospital stay was 28.28±23.37 days, significantly longer than in patients who were not intubated (p < 0.001). The Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment Score scores, as well as GAD-7 and Patient Health Questionnaire-9, were positively associated with length of ICU stay and length of hospital stay (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The presence and exacerbation of anxiety and depression symptoms can provide information about the aggravation and progression of the underlying disease.

Robotic Modification of Epiglottis Trimming in the Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

OBJECTIVE: With the widespread use of drug-induced sleep endoscopy, it has been suggested that epiglottis pathologies are present at high rates in patients with sleep apnea. The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of trimming the curled-inward epiglottis as an updated surgical technique in patients with omega epiglottis. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: Tertiary hospital. METHODS: Among the 283 patients with epiglottis pathology, 21 with isolated omega-shaped epiglottis (age, 33-53 years) fulfilled the inclusion criteria between May 2016 and April 2019. Drug-induced sleep endoscopy was used to detect epiglottic collapse compressed by the lateral parts during inspiration. An epiglottoplasty technique was applied as single-level sleep surgery in patients with an isolated omega-shaped epiglottis. The medical data were also reviewed. RESULTS: The mean pre- and postoperative total apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) scores were 27.89 and 10.58, respectively, and this difference was statistically significant (P < .001). There was a statistically significant difference between the pre- and postoperative supine AHI scores (27.02 vs 10.48, P < .001). Surgical success, defined as AHI <20 and a decrease in AHI by 50%, was documented in 85.71% of patients (18/21), and 12 patients found complete relief from obstructive sleep apnea symptoms (AHI <5); the cure rate was 38.09% (8/21). CONCLUSION: Trimming the curled-inward epiglottis may represent an excellent option for epiglottis surgery in patients with obstructive sleep apnea by being less invasive than techniques currently in use.

Consequences of FFP3 mask usage on venous blood gases.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To investigate the effect of FFP3 mask usage on venous blood gases (VBG) and some subjective symptoms METHODS: VBG analyses and subjective symptom questionary were obtained from 15 healthcare proffesionals before and after 4-h FFP3 mask usage. RESULTS: Wearing an FFP3 mask for 4 hours did not change any venous blood gas parameters between pre- and post-values, statistically. According to an 8-symptom questionary, only nausea did not show any significance. Headache, lightheadedness, visual difficulties, shortness of breath, palpitation, confusion, and difficult communication showed statistically significant difference between pre and post values. CONCLUSION: Four-hour use of FFP3 mask did not cause any significant VBG change. Although the participants complained about some subjective symptoms, this study indicated that long-term use of FFP3 mask did not cause any significant discomforts, and it was well tolerated.

Comparison of natural ostiodilatation and endoscopic sinus surgery in the same patient with chronic sinusitis / Comparação entre a dilatação do óstio natural e a cirurgia endoscópica nasossinusal no mesmo paciente com sinusite crônica

Abstract Introduction Chronic rhinosinusitis is a broad clinical syndrome characterized by mucosal inflammation of the nose and paranasal sinuses. In order for the paranasal sinuses to maintain their physiological functions; the ostiomeatal complex drainage pathways must be open. Surgical procedures are an important treatment option in patients who do not respond adequately to medical treatment. Although the methods and instruments used in functional endoscopic sinus surgery have continued to improve in recent years, the scar tissue formed during operation disrupts the drainage of the sinuses and reduces postoperative success. The natural ostiodilatation method, which is performed by balloon sinoplasty method, has become more and more popular in recent years. Objectives To compare the technique of balloon sinoplasty with the classical functional endoscopic sinus surgery method by considering the severity of chronic sinusitis on the same patient. Methods Total of 61 chronic sinusitis patients was included in the study. Paranasal sinus tomography of the patients was taken and according to the Lund-Mackay scoring, chronic sinusitis levels were determined. Cases were divided into two groups: Group 1 (severe chronic sinusitis group) and Group 2 (mild chronic sinusitis). Results There was no statistically significant difference in the results of comparison of sinuses which underwent balloon sinoplasty and classical functional endoscopic sinus surgery in Group 2 after Lund-Mackay scores. However in Group 1, the results of the comparison of postoperative Lund-Mackay scores of the balloon sinoplasty and the classical endoscopic operation were statistically significantly lower than those of the face half operated with the classical functional endoscopic sinus surgery. Conclusion The success of balloon sinoplasty in patients with mild sinusitis is the same as in classic functional endoscopic sinus surgery. However, as the severity of sinusitis increases, the efficacy of balloon sinoplasty decreases.

Resumo Introdução A rinossinusite crônica é uma síndrome clínica ampla, caracterizada por inflamação da mucosa nasal e seios paranasais. Para que os seios paranasais mantenham suas funções fisiológicas, as vias de drenagem do complexo ostiomeatal devem estar abertas. Os procedimentos cirúrgicos são uma importante opção de tratamento em pacientes que não respondem adequadamente ao tratamento clínico. Embora os métodos e instrumentos utilizados na cirurgia endoscópica funcional dos seios paranasais tenham melhorado continuamente, o tecido cicatricial formado durante a cirurgia interrompe a drenagem dos seios nasais e reduz o sucesso pós-operatório. O método natural de dilatação ostial, que é aplicado por meio da técnica de sinuplastia com balão, tem se tornado cada vez mais popular nos últimos anos. Objetivos Comparar a técnica de sinuplastia com balão com o método convencional de cirurgia endoscópica, no mesmo paciente, considerando a gravidade da rinossinusite crônica. Método Foram incluídos no estudo 61 pacientes com rinossinusite crônica. Por meio de tomografia dos seios paranasais e de acordo a escala de Lund-Mackay foram determinados os graus da rinossinusite crônica. Os casos foram divididos em dois grupos: Grupo 1 (grupo com rinossinusite crônica grave) e Grupo 2 (rinossinusite crônica leve). Resultados No Grupo 2 não houve diferença estatisticamente significante, segundo a escala de Lund-Mackay, no resultado da comparação dos seios paranasais nos quais foram realizadas a sinuplastia com balão e por cirurgia endoscópica convencional. No entanto, no Grupo 1, os resultados da comparação dos escores pós-operatórios de Lund-Mackay mostraram-se estatística e significativamente melhores naqueles submetidos à cirurgia endoscópica funcional dos seios paranasais. Conclusão O sucesso da sinuplastia com balão em pacientes com rinossinusite leve é o mesmo da cirurgia endoscópica funcional dos seios da face tradicional. No entanto, à medida que a gravidade da rinossinusite aumenta, a eficácia da sinuplastia com balão diminui.

Comparison of natural ostiodilatation and endoscopic sinus surgery in the same patient with chronic sinusitis.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic rhinosinusitis is a broad clinical syndrome characterized by mucosal inflammation of the nose and paranasal sinuses. In order for the paranasal sinuses to maintain their physiological functions; the ostiomeatal complex drainage pathways must be open. Surgical procedures are an important treatment option in patients who do not respond adequately to medical treatment. Although the methods and instruments used in functional endoscopic sinus surgery have continued to improve in recent years, the scar tissue formed during operation disrupts the drainage of the sinuses and reduces postoperative success. The natural ostiodilatation method, which is performed by balloon sinoplasty method, has become more and more popular in recent years. OBJECTIVES: To compare the technique of balloon sinoplasty with the classical functional endoscopic sinus surgery method by considering the severity of chronic sinusitis on the same patient. METHODS: Total of 61 chronic sinusitis patients was included in the study. Paranasal sinus tomography of the patients was taken and according to the Lund-Mackay scoring, chronic sinusitis levels were determined. Cases were divided into two groups: Group 1 (severe chronic sinusitis group) and Group 2 (mild chronic sinusitis). RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in the results of comparison of sinuses which underwent balloon sinoplasty and classical functional endoscopic sinus surgery in Group 2 after Lund-Mackay scores. However in Group 1, the results of the comparison of postoperative Lund-Mackay scores of the balloon sinoplasty and the classical endoscopic operation were statistically significantly lower than those of the face half operated with the classical functional endoscopic sinus surgery. CONCLUSION: The success of balloon sinoplasty in patients with mild sinusitis is the same as in classic functional endoscopic sinus surgery. However, as the severity of sinusitis increases, the efficacy of balloon sinoplasty decreases.

New wand coblation turbinator vs coblation radiofrequency.

INTRODUCTION: Inferior turbinate hypertrophy is a common reason of nasal obstruction. One of the most preferred surgical metod is radiofrequency tecnique. Coblation submucosal reduction turbinator (SCT);new surgical device; started to use recently. Since the method is new, very few study has been done yet. We compare coblation radiofrequency (CR) with SCT. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients with only inferior turbinate hypertrophy but no other diseases included in study. Paranasal CT was made to all patient to rule out turbinate bone hypertrophy. Group 1 32 patient; performed CR. Group 2 25 patients performed SCT. To all patients preoperative and 3 weeks later post operative mucosiliary activity test was performed. Nasal flow was measured with nasal flow meter preoperatively and 3 weeks post operatively. VAS and NOSE was measured. Results compared between two groups. SCT performed under general; CR performed under local anesthesia. RESULTS: There was significant nasal flow changes in CR group. (p < 0.001) There was no difference in pre-and-post operatively saccharin test results in CR group. (p = 0.385) There was slightly nasal flow gain in SCT group but this was not statistically significant. (p < 0.192) Also there was no statistically significant changes in pre-and-post operatively saccharin test results in SCT group. (p = 0.167) There was no difference between two groups in terms of post operative nasal flow values and mucociliary activity. (respectively p = 0.562, p = 0.355). (Table 2). Both two tecnique has significant increase in VAS and NOSE scores. (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: According to our study two tecnique is suitable and safe for nasal mucociliary activity. Tecniques has positive effect on nasal flow, VAS and NOSE scores.

Thiamin Status in Adults Receiving Chronic Diuretic Therapy Prior to Admission to a Medical Intensive Care Unit: A Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to determine serum thiamin concentrations in critically ill medical patients who required chronic diuretic drug treatment before admission to a medical intensive care unit (ICU). METHODS: This prospective study was performed in a medical ICU. Subjects who received diuretic drug therapy for at least 6 months prior to ICU admission constituted the diuretic group. The control group was clinically matched adults admitted to the same ICU but without a history of diuretic therapy. RESULTS: A total of 50 subjects were included (25 subjects in each of the diuretic and control groups). In the diuretic group, daily dose of furosemide prior to admission was 40 mg/d (range of 20-160 mg/d). In all subjects, the ICU admission baseline blood thiamin concentrations were 31.2 ± 27.1 ng/mL. In the diuretic group, the baseline whole blood thiamin level was significantly lower compared with levels in the control group (15.5 ± 10.7 vs 46.8 ± 29.5 ng/mL; P < 0.001). On day 2 after entry, thiamin levels remained low (23.2 ± 15.4 ng/mL in the diuretic group vs 49 ± 38 ng/mL in the control group; P = 0.003). Low thiamin levels were found in 96% of patients at baseline and in 72% of patients on the second day in the diuretic group. CONCLUSION: Adults receiving chronic diuretic therapy and then requiring medical ICU care commonly exhibit thiamin depletion on admission to the ICU and during the initial days of ICU care.

Are the blood groups of women with preeclampsia a risk factor for the development of hypertension postpartum?

INTRODUCTION: Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy-related disorder characterized by hypertension (HT) and proteinuria noticeable after 20 weeks of gestation. PE is now considered as a cardiovascular disease risk factor and a number of studies have shown that experiencing PE increases the prevalence of various cardiovascular risk factors, such as metabolic syndrome and HT. In this study, we aimed to investigate any possible relationship between the ABO/Rh blood group system and PE in Turkey. In the second part of the study, we examined the relationship between the ABO blood group system and development of HT after PE. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 250 patients with PE from Kayseri Training and Research Hospital between 2002 and 2012 were included in the study. Patients were classified according to blood groups (A, B, AB, and O) and Rh status (+/-). RESULTS: There was a significant difference between the patients with PE and the control group in terms of distribution of ABO blood groups and the percentage of group AB was found to be higher in patients with PE compared to the control group (P=0.029). The risk of developing PE was significantly higher in group AB than other blood groups (P=0.006). The risk of developing HT after PE was significantly higher in group O than other blood groups (P=0.004). DISCUSSION: In this study, we found that the patients with blood group AB have a higher risk for PE. The patients with PE of blood group O are at high risk of developing HT, and Rh factor was identified as another risk at this point and these patients should be closely followed postpartum.

Acute Pancreatitis Caused By Mushroom Poisoning: A Report of Two Cases.

Of the more than 5000 species of mushrooms known, 100 types are toxic and approximately 10% of these toxic types can cause fatal toxicity. A type of mushroom called Amanita phalloides is responsible for 95% of toxic mushroom poisonings. In this article, we report 2 cases of mushroom poisonings caused by Lactarius volemus, known as Tirmit by the local people. The patient and his wife were admitted to the emergency room with abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting 20 hours after consuming Lactarius volemus, an edible type of mushroom. The patients reported that they had been collecting this mushroom from the mountains and eating them for several years but had never developed any clinicopathology to date. Further examination of the patients revealed a very rare case of acute pancreatitis due to mushroom intoxication. The male patient was admitted to the intensive care unit while his wife was followed in the internal medicine service, because of her relative mild clinical symptoms. Both patients recovered without sequelae and were discharged. In this article, we aimed to emphasize that gastrointestinal symptoms are often observed in mushroom intoxications and can be confused with acute pancreatitis, thus leading to misdiagnosis of patients. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can improve patients' prognosis and prevent the development of complications.

The role of blood groups in the development of diabetes mellitus after gestational diabetes mellitus.

INTRODUCTION: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common condition that is defined as glucose intolerance of varying degree with onset or first recognition during pregnancy and it affects approximately 5% of all pregnancies all over the world. GDM is not only associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes such as macrosomia, dystocia, birth trauma, and metabolic complications in newborns, but it is also a strong predictor of transitioning to overt DM postpartum. The association of ABO blood groups with DM has been observed before in several epidemiological and genetic studies and resulted with inconsistent findings, but still there are not enough studies in the literature about the association of ABO blood groups with GDM. In this study, we aimed at investigating any possible relationship between the ABO blood group system and GDM and also the transitioning of GDM to overt DM postpartum, in Turkey. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 233 patients with GDM from Kayseri Training and Research Hospital between 2002 and 2012 were included in the study. The cases that have serologically determined blood groups and Rh factor in the hospital records were included in the study, and the patients with unknown blood groups were excluded. Patients were classified according to blood groups (A, B, AB, and O) and Rh status (+/-). GDM was diagnosed based on the glucose cut-points of the International Association of the Diabetes and Pregnancy Society Groups. The distributions of blood groups of the patients with GDM were compared with the distribution of blood groups of 17,314 healthy donors who were admitted to the Turkish Red Crescent Blood Service in our city in 2012. RESULTS: There was a significant difference between the patients with GDM and control group in terms of distribution of ABO blood groups. Blood group AB was found to be higher in the patients with GDM compared to the control group (P=0.029). When the patients were compared according to the development of DM, the ratio of group O was higher than others, while the ratio of group B was lower in the group developing DM (P=0.001). There was a significant difference between the groups - GDM patients with or without DM - in terms of distribution of ABO blood groups with Rh factor and the ratio of developing DM is found to be higher in patients with +Rh factor among all the blood groups except for group B (P=0.008). CONCLUSION: In this study, we found a higher risk of GDM for the patients with blood group AB, which means that we have to be more careful on the follow-up of pregnant women with blood group AB. The patients with GDM of blood group O are under a higher risk of developing DM and also +Rh factor must be considered as another risk factor, so these patients should be closely followed postpartum by the oral glucose tolerance tests. To our knowledge, this is the first analysis that investigates the association between the ABO blood groups and transitioning to DM after GDM.

Persistence of cardiovascular risk factors in women with previous preeclampsia: a long-term follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: Preeclampsia is a cardiovascular (CV) disease risk factor, and lifestyle modifications are recommended. It was suggested that preeclampsia may increase the prevalence of various CV disease risk factors such as metabolic syndrome, hypertension, insulin resistance, microalbuminuria, and endothelial dysfunction, among others. Here, we investigate the role of serum uric acid in preeclampsia in the development of CV complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was an observational case-control study that compared women with history of preeclampsia (n = 25) with age-matched controls with uncomplicated pregnancies (n = 20) who were followed for at least 5 years. Measurements included clinical and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, ultrasound-measured flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), microalbuminuria, carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and serum uric acid, as well as clinical and demographic features. Cardiovascular disease risk factors were compared in women with and without previous preeclampsia. RESULTS: At the time of index gestation, preeclamptic women had higher serum uric acid values (4.36 ± 0.61 vs 2.27 ± 0.38 mg/dL, P < 0.001). Five years after pregnancy, the patients who had preeclampsia were more likely to have hypertension and had higher serum uric acid levels, higher microalbuminuria and CIMT levels, and lower FMD values than did the patients who did not have preeclampsia. The 2 groups were similar with regard to various ambulatory blood pressure parameters. Univariate associates of FMD were history of preeclampsia and the current hypertension status. Microalbuminuria correlated with gestational uric acid levels (coefficient of correlation of 0.40, P = 0.01 for FMD and coefficient of correlation of 0.37, P = 0.01 for CIMT, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Preeclampsia might be a risk factor for the development of cardiovascular risk factors at least 5 years after index pregnancy. Serum uric acid and microalbuminuria may be mechanistic mediators of heightened risk, along with impaired endothelial function in preeclampsia.

Is hypertriglyceridemia a prognostic factor in sepsis?

INTRODUCTION: Sepsis and septic shock are important causes of mortality in intensive care unit patients, hence early diagnosis and therapy are important in management of their treatment. The available information on sepsis patients is not enough to recommend or to discard the routine evaluation of triglyceride (TG) levels at the onset of sepsis. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of hypertriglyceridemia and clinical outcome (or mortality) in patients with severe sepsis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 1 and December 31, 2011, a total of 84 patients with sepsis from the intensive internal care unit at the Kayseri Training and Research Hospital, Kayseri, Turkey, were investigated retrospectively. Sepsis was defined according to the American College of Chest Physicians/Society of Critical Care Medicine/European Society of Intensive Care Medicine consensus conference definitions. For each patient, survival was recorded at the end of the last day of hospitalization as dead or alive. The TG values were taken retrospectively from the records, which were performed routinely for each patient with sepsis at the time of diagnosis. TG >150 mg/dL was considered as hypertriglyceridemia. RESULTS: The percentages of male and female patients were 44% and 56%, respectively. The mean age of patients was 71.49±11.071 years. The percentage of patients with TG values more than 150 mg/dL was 81% (25/31) in the non-survivor group and 19% (6/31) in the survivor group. There was a significant difference regarding TG values between groups (P=0.039). DISCUSSION: It was observed in this study that patients in the intensive care unit with sepsis had high TG levels. We also observed that the TG level >150 mg/dL at 0 hour (onset of sepsis) was a significant predictive marker of sepsis mortality rate. The contribution of hypertriglyceridemia to mortality might be modest compared to increase in severity of illness, but, nevertheless, these simple measurements represent a potential therapeutic target in sepsis.

Colchicine intoxication: a report of two suicide cases.

Colchicine, an old and well-known drug, is an alkaloid extracted from Colchicum autumnale and related species. Colchicine inhibits the deposition of uric acid crystals and is an inhibitor of mitosis. Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, with a massive loss of fluid and electrolytes are the first clinical symptoms of colchicine poisoning. Stomach lavage and rapid gastric decontamination with activated charcoal are crucial. An acute dose of about 0.8 mg/kg of colchicine is presumed to be fatal. We report the clinical outcomes of two different cases of colchicine intoxication for attempted suicide. The dose required for morbidity or mortality varies significantly. The dose of 1 mg/kg in the first case was directly related with mortality, while the dose of 0.2 mg/kg in the second was related with survival. The other difference between the patients was the time of arrival to hospital after ingestion. This period was 4 hours for case 1 and only 1, hour for case 2. The initiation of treatment later than 2 hours after ingestion of colchicine may significantly impair treatment because the absorption time for colchicine after oral administration is about 30-120 minutes. The rising lactate level and high anion gap metabolic acidosis in our patient (case 1) were attributed to lactic acidosis, so hemodialysis was performed, and the duration of hemodialysis was prolonged. Lactic acidosis in the first case was one of the reasons for mortality. The most important parameters which define the chance of survival are the dose of ingested drugs and the arrival time to hospital after ingestion. The patients must be monitored closely for lactic acidosis and the decision to start hemodialysis must be made promptly for patients who develop lactic acidosis.

A case of bismuth intoxication with irreversible renal damage.

Bismuth is a chemical element symbolized as Bi and is a trivalent poor metal, which chemically resembles arsenic and antimony. Colloidal bismuth subcitrate (CBS) and bismuth subsalicylate are the bismuth salts widely used in the treatment of peptic ulcers, functional dyspepsia, and chronic gastritis. Intoxications with CBS are rare. In a few case reports, acute renal failure was described, but the literature review revealed no chronic renal failure related to CBS intoxication. In this case report we present a 21-year old female with chronic renal failure after a one year follow-up of CBS intoxication.