Superficial Temporal Artery Posterior Branch Flap for Reconstruction of Composite Oral/Perioral Defects.

PURPOSE: Defects involving total lower and/or upper lip often extend to intraoral and/or perioral areas. Flaps based on superficial temporal artery, either as pedicled or free flaps, can be used for reconstruction of various head and neck defects. In this clinical study, we tried to demonstrate the application of a pedicled flap based on the posterior branch of superficial temporal artery in 3-dimensional reconstruction of these composite oral/perioral defects as a successful alternative in cases where microvascular tissue transfer cannot be performed. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Six male patients with composite perioral/oral defects who underwent reconstruction with a pedicled flap based on the posterior branch of the superficial temporal artery between April 2020 and December 2020 were evaluated retrospectively. Demographic data, topographic data of defects, and the dimensions of the flaps were gathered from patient files. All patients required reconstruction after tumor resection. RESULTS: All flaps survived without any signs of partial or total necrosis. Postoperatively, the patients did not report any oral incompetence or drooling, and they were able to fully close their mouths. CONCLUSIONS: Pedicled flaps based on the posterior branch of superficial temporal artery provide reliable results in composite perioral/oral reconstruction.

Awake intracerebroventricular delivery and safety assessment of oligonucleotides in a large animal model.

Oligonucleotide therapeutics offer great promise in the treatment of previously untreatable neurodegenerative disorders; however, there are some challenges to overcome in pre-clinical studies. (1) They carry a well-established dose-related acute neurotoxicity at the time of administration. (2) Repeated administration into the cerebrospinal fluid may be required for long-term therapeutic effect. Modifying oligonucleotide formulation has been postulated to prevent acute toxicity, but a sensitive and quantitative way to track seizure activity in pre-clinical studies is lacking. The use of intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) catheters offers a solution for repeated dosing; however, fixation techniques in large animal models are not standardized and are not reliable. Here we describe a novel surgical technique in a sheep model for i.c.v. delivery of neurotherapeutics based on the fixation of the i.c.v. catheter with a 3D-printed anchorage system composed of plastic and ceramic parts, compatible with magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and electroencephalography (EEG). Our technique allowed tracking electrical brain activity in awake animals via EEG and video recording during and for the 24-h period after administration of a novel oligonucleotide in sheep. Its anchoring efficiency was demonstrated for at least 2 months and will be tested for up to a year in ongoing studies.

Morphological, histological and biomechanical comparison of bone marrow aspirate concentrate, micro-fragmented adipose tissue and platelet-rich plasma in prevention of tendon adhesion.

BACKGROUND: Flexor tendon repair often leads to peritendinous adhesions, reducing finger motion and hand function. This study compares the effects of stromal cells from different sources and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on adhesion formation after tendon repair. METHODS: Forty rabbits had their flexor digitorum profundus tendons transected and repaired with a modified Kessler suture technique. The control group received an isotonic solution. PRP, bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC), and micro-fragmented adipose tissue (MFAT) were injected in groups 2, 3, and 4, respectively. Rabbits wore casts for 2 weeks. Assessments included morphology, histopathology, range of motion (ROM), and biomechanical testing at the 3rd and 8th weeks. RESULTS: At 3 weeks, the BMAC group had the thickest and longest adhesions, the highest Tang Score, and inflammation score. However, at 8 weeks, the BMAC group had the lowest Tang Score and inflammation score. ROM was higher in the PRP group at 3 weeks and BMAC group at 8 weeks. No significant differences were found between BMAC and MFAT groups in adhesion measurements. Biomechanical parameters were higher in BMAC and MFAT groups at 8 weeks compared to control. CONCLUSION: BMAC therapy after primary flexor tendon repair improves adhesion formation and maintains ROM. It also enhances the biomechanical properties of the flexor tendon during the later stages of healing.

Increased Total Antioxidant Capacity Value Improves Survival of Fat Grafts in a Rat Model.

BACKGROUND: While studies aiming to increase fat graft survival continue, in this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of different antioxidants on total antioxidant capacity and their effect on graft survival. METHODS: Thirty-two male Wistar rats were divided into four equally sized groups, including a control group and three antioxidant groups receiving either Melatonin (10mg/kg), Zinc (2mg/kg), or Vitamin E and C (100mg/kg). Autologous fat grafts (1.7± 0.4gr) were transferred to the dorsal subcutaneous region, and total antioxidant capacity was measured on day 0 and 1, week 1 and monthly until the third month. Transferred graft volume and mass (1.3± 0.4gr) were measured using the liquid overflow method and precision scales at the end of the study. Routine hematoxylin-eosin staining and immunohistochemistry against perilipin were performed for semiqualitative analysis and h-score for viable adipose cells, respectively. RESULTS: Collected fat grafts measured significantly less in weight and volume and the survival rate was lower in the control group (p<0.01). Control group exhibited a reduction in TAC, while all groups receiving antioxidants had an increase in TAC during the first week (p=0.02, 0.008, and 0.004 for melatonin, zinc, and vitamins, respectively). Immunohistochemistry of the antioxidant group demonstrated a statistically significant excess and reactivity of cells staining with perilipin antibodies. CONCLUSIONS: In this animal study, the beneficial effect of antioxidants on fat graft survival can be related to the significant increase in TAC following the first week of their administration.

Superior Epididymal Artery-Based Paraepididymal Adipofascial Flap: An Experimental Adipofascial Flap Model in the Rat.

BACKGROUND: Flap surgery is widely performed in reconstructive surgery. Experimental research is vital to improve flap viability. However, the number of flap models for animals is still limited. In this study, we define a new adipofascial flap in rats that can be used to investigate pedicled flap and/or adipofascial flap physiology. METHODS: Eight Wistar male rats were used. Under deep anesthesia, paraepididymal adipofascial flaps were harvested. Flap perfusion was assessed using a near-infrared fluorescence imaging system. The length of the flap and the diameter of the flap pedicle were measured. RESULTS: All animals (n = 8) had sufficient sizes of paraepididymal fat pad, and no animals were lost. The only postoperative complication was testicular hematoma, which was observed in 2 animals. The maximum length of the harvested paraepididymal adipofascial flap was 9.7 cm with a mean of 6.6 cm. The maximum width of the flap was 3.3 cm with a mean of 2.6 cm. The mean pedicle diameter of the paraepididymal adipofascial flap was 1.1 mm. Near-infrared fluorescence imaging revealed adequate perfusion in all flaps. CONCLUSIONS: The number of reported adipofascial flap models in animals is low, and they are mostly limited to flaps based on epigastric vessels. Superior epididymal artery-based paraepididymal adipofascial flap can be used as a pedicled flap model for studies focusing on adipofascial and/or pedicled flap physiology. Uncomplicated surgical technique and short operative time make this flap a valuable alternative to other flap models.

A Controlled Study in CPR-Survival in Propensity Score Matched Full-Code and Do-Not-Resuscitate ICU Patients.

BACKGROUND: Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) causes significant injuries and increased cost among transiently resuscitated patients that do not survive their hospitalizations. Descriptive studies show zero and near-zero percent survival for CPR recipients with high Apache II scores. Despite these factors, no controlled studies exist in CPR to guide patient selection for CPR candidacy. Our objective was therefore to perform a controlled study in CPR to inform recommendations for CPR candidacy. We hypothesize that the protective effects of CPR decrease as illness severity increases, and that Full-Code status provides no survival benefit over Do-Not-Resuscitate (DNR) status for patients with the highest predicted mortality by Apache IV score. METHODS: We performed propensity-score matched survival analyses between Full-Code and DNR patients after stratifying by predicted mortality quartiles using Apache IV scores. Primary outcomes were mortality hazard ratios. Secondary outcomes were Median Survival Differences, ICU LOS, and tracheostomy rates. RESULTS: Among 17,710 propensity-score matched ICU encounters, DNR status was associated with greater mortality in the first through third predicted mortality quartiles. There was no difference in survival outcomes in the fourth quartile (HR 0.99, p = .96). There was a stepwise decrease in the mortality hazard ratio for DNR patients as quartiles increased. CONCLUSION: Full-Code status provides no survival benefit over DNR status in individuals with greater than 75% predicted mortality by Apache IV score. There is a stepwise decrease in survival benefit for Full-Code patients as predicted mortality increases. We propose that it is reasonable to consider a very high predicted mortality by Apache IV score a contraindication to CPR given the lack of survival benefit seen in these patients. Larger studies with similar methods should be performed to reinforce or refute these findings.

An ICP-MS Study for Quantitation of Nickel and Other Inorganic Elements in Urine Samples: Correlation of Patch Test Results with Lifestyle Habits.

Nickel (Ni) is a frequently used metal in the production of many products, and Ni exposure occurs in humans through food, inhalation, and skin. Studies reported Ni as the most common allergen diagnosed in the serial patch test. The main purpose of our study was to determine the concentration of Ni and other elements in the urine samples of individuals with Ni-sensitivity and to determine the effect of lifestyle habits on these variables. This study was conducted with 388 participants; additionally, both Ni patch test and inorganic analysis (for 24 elements) method in urine with inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) were applied to all participants. Ninety-two (23.7%) of the participants were found to have nickel sensitivity with a mean urine concentration of 4.475 µg/g creatinine (median=4.260; SD=2.527). The urine nickel concentration was significantly different between female and male participants (p =0.001). We found a significant correlation between Ni and other metals alongside various element pairs. The mean urine Ni concentration of the individuals with a positive Ni sensitivity test result was not different from that of the participants without Ni sensitivity (4.475 vs 4.256 µg/g creatinine, respectively; p = 0.068). The high accuracy, recovery, and repeatability data obtained from the analyses indicate that this study is efficient and appropriate for the quantitative determination of nickel and other elements in urine samples. Ni-containing objects and Ni-rich foods should be of concern for individuals with hypersensitivity reactions to the element.

Propeller and Pre-expanded Propeller Use of a Transversely Oriented Upper Trapezius Perforator Flap in Head and Neck Reconstruction: Clinical Experience and Review of Vascular Anatomy of the Supraspinal Trapezius Muscle.

Conventionally, trapezius musculocutaneous flap is raised to harbour perforators located inferior to the scapular spine (i.e. 'lower trapezius flap'). In this clinical study, we aimed to use trapezius perforators located superior to the scapular spine to raise a transversely oriented propeller fasciocutaneous flap based on the superficial cervical artery to reconstruct head and neck defects. Patients with head and neck defects who underwent reconstruction with a propeller trapezius perforator flap between August 2014 and October 2019 were evaluated. Demographic data of the patients, topographic data on defects and the flaps were analysed. A total of 14 patients underwent reconstruction with upper trapezius perforator flap with equal gender distribution. Defects were due to tumour resections, burn contractures and exposed foreign materials; located in occipital, temporal, parietal, midfacial and cervical areas; with sizes ranging between 8 × 7 cm and 22 × 19 cm. Overall patient satisfaction was assessed subjectively using a pre-determined set of questions. The sizes of the flaps ranged between 15 × 8 cm - 20 × 9 cm in non-expanded and 26 × 15 cm - 30 × 16 cm in expanded cases. One flap suffered distal superficial flap loss, which was treated with wound care. Follow up period of the patients ranged between 3 and 40 months with an average of 29 months. Using trapezius perforators located above the scapular spine provides thin transversely oriented propeller flaps to be used in head and neck reconstruction. In our series, this flap is further enhanced by pre-expansion for wider uses, e.g. facial resurfacing and releasing neck contractures.

A survey of bullous diseases in a Turkish university hospital: clinicoepidemiological characteristics and follow-up

Background/aim: Autoimmune bullous diseases, if left untreated, are life-threatening conditions affecting primarily skin and mucous membranes. These blistering disorders are characterized by epidermal or subepidermal detachment. Autoimmunity plays a key role in pathogenesis; therefore, immunosuppressive agents are the treatment of choice. The aim of this study is to document relative frequencies of different autoimmune bullous diseases, patient characteristics, treatment options, and side effects in patients presenting to our bullous skin disease center at Istanbul University, Cerrahpasa, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty. Materials and methods: Medical files were examined retrospectively for all patients with autoimmune bullous diseases who were followed up between 2003 and 2019 at the Bullous Skin Disease Center at Istanbul University, Cerrahpasa. Results: A total of 346 patient files were examined. Pemphigus vulgaris was the most frequent autoimmune bullous disease, followed by bullous pemphigoid and pemphigus foliaceus, according to our study. There is a general female predominancy for all autoimmune bullous diseases. The most commonly preferred treatment options were high-dose daily corticosteroids. Conclusion: This retrospective study summarizes the patient characteristics, comorbidities, treatment choices, and side effects during 16 years of clinical practice.

Dermatological side effects of immunotherapy drugs and targeted cancer therapies: Importance of dermatology and oncology collaboration.

INTRODUCTION: Novel anti-cancer drugs such as targeted cancer therapies and immune check-point inhibitors (ICIs) have adverse events, especially concerning the skin. The aim of this study is to report an overview of the commonly consulted dermatological side effects of ICIs and targeted cancer therapies in clinical practice, along with their management. METHODS: In this single-center study, we evaluated consecutive oncological patients who were referred from the oncology outpatient clinic to the dermatology outpatient clinic due to skin side effects of ICIs and targeted therapies. All patients were examined and treated at the same day of referral by experienced dermatologists. Patient characteristics, clinical findings, diagnostic workups and treatments were retrieved from outpatient records. RESULTS: Sixty three patients were enrolled. Most common diagnoses were lung carcinoma, melanoma and colon carcinoma. Fifty patients (79%) were using targeted therapies while 13 (21%) were using ICIs. Xerosis was the most common side effect (44%), followed by acneiform rash, paronychia, eczema and pruritus. Majority of the side effects were grade 2 and 3. Psoriasis was a common side effect of ICIs. One patient had a newly developed dysplastic nevus on vemurafenib treatment. Oncological treatment was not withheld in any of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed the most commonly consulted skin side effects of novel anti-cancer drugs and their management in daily practice. We underlie the importance of collaborative work of oncology and dermatology professionals as early management of cutaneous side effects of targeted therapies and ICIs improves patient outcomes.

Radiation recall dermatitis with dabrafenib and trametinib: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Radiation recall dermatitis has been defined as the "recalling" by skin of previous radiation exposure in response to the administration of certain response-inducing drugs. Although the phenomenon is relatively well known in the medical world, an exact cause has not been documented. CASE SUMMARY: Here, we report the rare occurrence of radiation recall dermatitis after palliative radiotherapy for bone metastases in a metastatic melanoma patient treated with a combination of dabrafenib and trametinib. CONCLUSION: We present a case of radiation recall dermatitis after completion of palliative radiotherapy while being treated with a combination of dabrafenib and trametinib. This is a very rare toxic event, and there is insufficient data to describe prevention strategies. Increased awareness and reporting of cases will help to better explain the association between targeted therapy and the radiation recall phenomenon.

Nivolumab-induced lichen planus.

INTRODUCTION: Renal cell carcinomas account for 90% of all malignant neoplasms of the kidney. The most common types of renal cancer in adults are clear cell and papillary renal cell carcinoma; sporadic cases of renal carcinomas containing chromosomal translocations are rare, more usually occurring in children and young adults. Nivolumab (a fully human immunoglobulin G4 PD-1 checkpoint inhibitor antibody) has received the Food and Drug Administration approval for the treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma in patients who have received prior antiangiogenic therapy. Skin reactions are the most common side-effects under treatment with anti-PD-1 antibodies and play an important role for patients. CASE REPORT: We report a nivolumab-induced lichen planus as an immune-related adverse event in a young woman who was treated for advanced renal cell carcinoma. After the ninth dose of nivolumab treatment, she was consulted to the dermatologist because of skin lesions, and lichen planus was diagnosed. MANAGEMENT AND OUTCOME: She was treated with topical corticosteroids and clobetasol propionate cream. Her lesions regressed after the local therapy within one month, allowing for uninterrupted nivolumab therapy. DISCUSSION: Skin adverse events are the most common side-effects under immunotherapy and play an important role for patients and usually develop early in the course of treatment. The most frequent skin reactions are rash, pruritus, and vitiligo. Serious skin adverse events are rare and do not usually require dose reductions or treatment discontinuation. We report a nivolumab-induced lichen planus after the ninth dose of nivolumab.

The Effect of SLT Laser Application on Iris to Treat Sectorial Heterochromia: A Promising Technique.

The purpose of this study is to report a new and promising method for changing iris color in a sectorial heterochromia iridis patient. A 22-year-old man with a complaint of innate color disparity between his eyes presented to our clinic to seek medical advice. He underwent a comprehensive ophthalmic examination, including visual acuity, biomicroscopy, fundoscopy, intraocular pressure measurements, endothelial cell count, and evaluation of iridocorneal angle. The causes of acquired heterochromia were excluded. After a detailed explanation of the procedure and probable side effects, the patient underwent an application with a laser device that produces a frequency-doubled 532 nm wavelength Nd:YAG laser beam with a spot size of 400 µm (selective laser trabeculoplasty laser device). The heterochromic areas (brown) were divided into zones and a gradual treatment pattern was performed to avoid inflammation and flare. The patient showed no side effects such as increased intraocular pressure, pain, corneal edema, hypopyon formation, decrease in visual acuity, synechia, or iris defect. After two complete sessions, the color difference disappeared and a solid eye color was achieved.

Choroidal thickness changes determined by EDI-OCT on acute anterior uveitis in patients with HLA-B27-positive ankylosing spondylitis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the choroidal thickness on acute anterior uveitis in patients with HLA-B27-positive ankylosing spondylitis. METHODS: In this study, 32 eyes of 16 HLA-B27 positive AS patients with anterior uveitis and age-matched 19 eyes for control group were analyzed between January 2014 and April 2015. Assessment criteria were uveitis activity, visual acuity, flare existence, subfoveal choroidal thickness and central macular thickness measurements. RESULTS: The mean subfoveal choroidal thicknesses in affected eye group (Group 1), unaffected eye group (Group 2) and control group (Group 3) were 348.31 ± 72.7, 301.12 ± 49.2 and 318.0 ± 74.3, respectively, in active periods. (p = 0.04 between Group 1 and Group 2, p = 0.234 between Group 1 and Group 3) The mean central macular thicknesses of Group 1, Group 2 and Group 3 were 268.50 ± 16.5, 267.31 ± 16.3 and 249.7 ± 30.5, respectively, in active periods. (p = 0.84 between Group 1 and Group 2, p = 0.029 between Group 1 and Group 3). However, in convalescence period, the mean subfoveal choroidal thicknesses of Group 1, Group 2 and Group 3 were 322.40 ± 48.5, 300.75 ± 47.7 and 318.0 ± 74.3, respectively. (p = 0.22 between Group 1 and Group 2, p = 0.854 between Group 1 and Group 3) The mean central macular thicknesses of Group 1, Group 2 and Group 3 were 269.75 ± 21.9, 256.62 ± 21.5 and 249.7 ± 30.5, respectively. (p = 0.09 between Group 1 and Group 2, p = 0.03 between Group 1 and Group 3). CONCLUSIONS: In HLA-B27 positive ankylosing spondylitis patients with anterior uveitis, the choroidal thicknesses of the affected eyes were found as thicker than fellow unaffected one or control eyes in active period. The central macular thicknesses are not affected on both active and convalescent period.

The role of patient's systemic characteristics and plateletcrit in developing toxic anterior segment syndrome after uneventful phaco surgery: A case-control study.

PURPOSE: To compare the systemic and ocular characteristics and laboratory findings of patients developing toxic anterior segment syndrome (TASS) after uneventful phaco surgery with unaffected subjects undergoing the same surgery in the same session. DESIGN: A retrospective case-control study. METHODS: The study group consisted of 26 eyes of 26 patients who underwent uneventful phaco surgery and who went on to develop TASS, while the control group included 39 subjects who had routine phaco surgery in the same session by the same surgeon. The sterilization stages of reusable instruments, disposable instruments, and compositions were recorded. The preoperative systemic diseases, complete blood count parameters, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), biochemical parameters, thyroid hormone profiles, and the surgical features were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), systemic hypertension (HT), hyperlipidemia, chronic ischaemic heart disease, and chronic renal failure were significantly more common in the TASS group (p < 0.05). Proliferative diabetic retinopathy was also more frequent in the TASS group (p = 0.003). Mean HbA1c% values, white blood cell count, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, platelet counts, platelet distribution width, and plateletcrit parameters were significantly higher in the TASS group (p < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that a high plateletcrit level (p = 0.001, odds ratio [95% CI]; 22.27 [3.36-147.76]) and systemic HT (p = 0.044, odds ratio [95% CI]; 7.13 [1.05-48.12]) are independently associated with the development of TASS. CONCLUSION: Although TASS may arise as a result of insufficient sterilization of instruments or intraocular solutions, patient factors may also contribute to its development. Systemic vascular disorders such as uncontrolled type 2 DM, systemic hypertension, and hyperlipidemia may increase the risk of TASS after uneventful phaco surgery. Abnormal parameters associated with systemic inflammation, such as higher plateletcrit level, may facilitate the development of TASS. These findings may be a predicting factor of TASS development for uneventful cataract surgeries.

Efficacy of golimumab on recurrent uveitis in HLA-B27-positive ankylosing spondylitis.

To evaluate the efficacy of golimumab on severe and frequent recurrent anterior uveitis in patients with HLA-B27-positive ankylosing spondylitis. In this study, 15 eyes of 12 HLA-B27-positive AS patients with resistant anterior uveitis who received 50 mg of subcutaneous golimumab (Gol) per month due to frequent uveitis recurrences were analyzed retrospectively between May 2013 and October 2015. Assessment criteria were uveitis activity, the number of recurrence of uveitis, visual acuity, systemic corticosteroid, or other drug requirement for maintenance of remission of AU. Twelve patients (15 eyes) with HLA-B27-positive ankylosing spondylitis and anterior uveitis have been treated with golimumab 50 mg/month. Remission of uveitis was observed in 12 eyes out of 15. Malign hypertension developed in one subject after the second dose of golimumab therefore the treatment was stopped and this subject was excluded from the study. Median follow-up time was 11 months (interquartile range: 8-18). No uveitic reaction was seen except in the patient who stopped treatment. No topical or systemic steroid necessity was needed except in two cases with oral 4 mg systemic maintenance. Visual acuity was significantly increased (p = 0.002). Golimumab may be a new and effective choice for maintaining remission and the prevention of recurrences of severe, resistant anterior uveitis in patients with HLA-B27-positive ankylosing spondylitis.

Comparison of serum thiol-disulphide homeostasis and total antioxidant-oxidant levels between exudative age-related macular degeneration patients and healthy subjects.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to calculate serum total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), and dynamic thiol-disulphide (T-D) homeostasis in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and compare the results with healthy individuals. METHODS: Thirty-three exudative AMD patients and 33 healthy controls were included in this case-control study. Participants' serum TAS and TOS levels were measured. In addition, total thiol (TT), native thiol (NT), and disulphide (DS) concentrations were assessed using a novel automated method of measurement. RESULTS: In comparison with the control group, serum TAS, TT, and NT levels were found to be significantly lower (p < 0.0001, p = 0.004, p = 0.003, respectively) and TOS levels were detected higher (p = 0.032) in AMD patients. Serum DS levels were elevated in the AMD patient group, but the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.219). DS/TT and DS/NT ratios were significantly higher (p = 0.012, p = 0.013, respectively) in AMD patients. A positive correlation was found between TT and NT (p < 0.0001) in AMD group. CONCLUSIONS: Serum TOS levels are higher, TAS levels are lower, and the T-D balance is shifted to the DS bond side in AMD patients. These results suggest that increased oxidative stress and decreased antioxidant levels may play a role in AMD progression. Further studies are needed to confirm the pathophysiologic role of T-D homeostasis in AMD.

Health-care conditions in elementary schools and teachers' knowledge of childhood asthma.

BACKGROUND: For the adequate control of asthma in school-age children, it is recommended that teachers, school health personnel and administrators should have sufficient knowledge of how to manage asthma during school hours. AIM: To investigate asthma health care in elementary schools, and teachers' knowledge of childhood asthma and its management. METHODS: The extent of knowledge of childhood asthma in 2779 teachers in 141 elementary schools (children aged 6-14, grades 1-8) in Bursa, the fourth largest city in Turkey, was evaluated. Section I comprised questions about asthma health-care in schools, Section II teachers' knowledge of the main characteristics of asthma and Section III (Likert Scale) teachers' detailed knowledge of the signs, triggering factors, treatment and general knowledge of asthma. RESULTS: The findings of Section I demonstrated that the organisation of health-care for asthma in schools was insufficient. Of the teachers questioned, 14·7% were not even aware and only 1% and 9·6% of the teachers had been made aware by school health personnel and school records, respectively, of asthmatic children. Only 27·3% of the teachers stated that they were responsible for the health of an asthmatic child. The majority of teachers (70%) said that asthmatic children could use the medication (e.g. inhalers) themselves. In Section II, there were between 44·1% and 75·5% correct answers, while in Section III this figure ranged from 3·3% to 78·4%. The correct answer rate was 60·4% for Sections II and III combined. The results of Sections II and III showed that the teachers' knowledge of asthma was poor in many respects. Teachers who stated that they had asthma or had first-degree relatives with asthma, or those with 10 or more years' experience provided significantly more correct answers in Sections II and III combined than did those without these characteristics (P<0·001). CONCLUSIONS: There is a need to improve and standardise health care for asthma (asthma management policies) in schools. The implementation of asthma education programmes for teachers and other staff responsible for pupils' health should result in better control of this common disease.