Vital indicators in predicting burn mortality: A comparison of shock indices and burn shock indices.

Background/aim: In many studies, shock indices have proven to be good tools for predicting mortality. In the present study, burn shock index (BSI), percentage of total body surface area burned (TBSA%) multiplied by shock index; burn modified shock index (BMSI), TBSA% multiplied by modified shock index; burn age shock index (BASI), TBSA% multiplied by age shock index; burn rivers shock index (BrSI), TBSA% multiplied by rivers shock index; burn rivers shock index multiplied by Glasgow Coma Scale score (BrSIG) were examined in burn patients. We defined these burn shock indices for the first time. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of shock indices and burn shock indices in predicting mortality in burn patients. Materials and methods: This study examines retrospectively of burn patients admitted to the emergency department of Dicle University Hospital between January 2010 and December 2022. The patients' vital signs were obtained at the time of presentation to the emergency department, and shock indices were calculated. The effectiveness of shock indices in predicting mortality was compared. Results: A total of 2445 patients were included in the study. Of the patients, 1793 were pediatric, and 652 were adults. BSI (AUC: 0.872, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.812-0.931, p < 0.001) had the highest area under the curve (AUC) value in predicting mortality in children. The optimal cut-off value for BSI in children was 21.79 and its was sensitivity 83.05%, specificity 79.64%, positive predictive value (PPV) 12.19%, negative predictive value (NPV) 99.28%. In adults, BASI had the highest value of AUC (AUC: 0.936, 95% CI: 0.887-0.984, p < 0.001). The optimal cut-off value for BASI in adults was 62.5 and its sensitivity was 86.49%, specificity was 91.71%, PPV was 38.55%, and NPV was 99.12%. Conclusion: Shock indices are easy to calculate and effective in predicting mortality in burn patients admitted to the emergency department. Among the shock indices in the study, BSI was the best in predicting mortality in children, and BASI was the best in adults.

Comparison of the effects of PRP and hyaluronic acid in promoting peripheral nerve regeneration An experimental study with vascular conduit model in rats'.

AIM: Peripheral nerve defects generally occur due to mechanical, chemical, thermal and pathologic causes and the reconstruction is still a challenging problem. In the present study, we aimed to compare the effects of platelet rich plasma (PRP) that has high levels of growth factors and hyaluronic acid (HA) that is known to have positive effects on nerve regeneration by decreasing scar formation in a rat model where they were injected through allogeneic aorta graft in peripheral nerve defects using histopathologic and functional methods. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study involved 20 Wistar Albino male rats that weighed 200 to 250 grams and aged about 1 year old. Of the rats, two were used as donor for PRP and aorta graft harvest. Three random groups of 6 rats were composed. In all of the groups, the left sciatic nerves were used and 1 cm of defects were created. The right sciatic nerves were used as control groups. Group 1 was the group repaired with autograft, Group 2 was the group repaired with HA injected through aorta graft and Group 3 was the group repaired with PRP injected through aorta graft. The findings were evaluated in terms of functional (electromyography and walk test analysis) and histopathologic parameters at 12 weeks. RESULTS: In all of the groups varying degrees of axonal regeneration was observed. Group 1 was the closest group to the control group showing highest rate of nerve regeneration followed by Group 3 where PRP was injected through aorta graft and group 2 where ha was used respectively. CONCLUSION: The study demonstrates that PRP enhances peripheral nerve regeneration more than HA when used in a vascular conduit model. KEY WORDS: Hyaluronic acid, Peripheral nerve regeneration, PRP.

Repairs of Large Defects of the Lower Lid and the Infraorbital Region With Suspended Cheek Flaps With a Dermofat Flap.

After the repair of large defects of the lower lid and the infraorbital region using larger flaps without adequate support, retractions of the lower lid may be observed due to the weight of the flap. In this study, the authors' aim is to present the outcome of the repairs they performed on large defect areas in the lower lid and the infraorbital region using cheek flaps suspended by a dermofat flap.The method was performed on 7 patients between 2011 and 2015. Among the patients, 4 were female, while 3 were male. The mean age of the patients was 61.3 (54-69) years. In all the patients, the defects were secondary to tumor excisions. The mean size of the defects was 4.4 × 5 cm (4 × 4 cm to 6 × 5 cm). In all the patients, the repair of the defect was performed using the Mustarde flaps prepared in the subcutaneous plane. After the flap was advanced to the defect area, a dermofat flap was prepared from the part at the lateral canthal area and was sutured to the periosteum superiorly to the lateral canthus.Patient satisfaction and functionality was high during the long-term follow-up. While minimal scleral show occurred in 1 patient, the lid position was normal in the other patients.The authors are of the opinion that the method they used may reduce the risk of lid deformities that may develop with the cheek flaps used to repair large lid defects.

RETROGRADE INTUBATION VIA LARYNGEAL MASK AIRWAY IN A PAEDIATRIC PATIENT WITH FALLOT-TYPE VENTRICULAR SEPTAL DEFECT AND CLEFT PALATE DEFORMITY.

We report the case ofa pediatric patient with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) and cleft palate deformity with difficult intubation in which a laryngeal mask airway (LMA) was used and converted into an endotracheal tube through retrograde intubation. The patient with TOF was scheduled for repair of the congenital bilateral cleft lip and palate. Inhalational induction with 4% sevoflurane was started. Conventional tracheal intubation was impossible because the patient had a difficult airway, and the procedure could cause severe cyanosis and respiratory distress. An LMA was inserted to maintain ventilation and anesthesia and to facilitate intubation. Retrograde intubation and a catheter mount were used to convert the LMA into a conventional endotracheal tube without difficulty. Airway management for patients with TOF and cleft palate deformity is not clear. Retrograde intubation permits replacing an LMA with an endotracheal tube. This method enables maintaining the airway until the LMA is exchanged with an endotracheal tube. This technique seems useful to facilitate difficult airway intubation in pediatric patients with TOF and cleft palate deformity.

Management of Composite Tissue Defect of the Midfoot With a Free Anterolateral Thigh Flap and Iliac Bone Graft: A Case Report.

Composite tissue defects of the midfoot with extensive bone and soft tissue loss represent a unique challenge because they can lead to primary amputation if not reconstructed. One should repair both the bone structure and the soft tissue to obtain satisfactory foot function for basic daily activities. In the present study, we report on a case in which we successfully reconstructed an extensive midfoot defect with iliac bone grafts for metatarsal reconstruction and an anterolateral thigh flap for soft tissue coverage. This technique is a safe, reliable, and functional method, offering single-stage reconstruction compared with other microsurgical techniques used for such defects.

Fire disaster caused by LPG tanker explosion at Lice in Diyarbakir (Turkey): July 21, 2014.

A disaster can be defined as a situation where the affected society cannot overcome its own resources. Our aim was to present the case of a fire disaster caused by a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tanker-based explosion on the Diyarbakir-Bingöl road in Lice to determine the various kinds of challenges and patient groups that an emergency department faces and to discuss more effective interventions for similar disasters. This is a retrospective cross-sectional study. To find out the factors that affected mortality, we investigated the patient conditions presented at the time of admission. Among 69 patients included in the study, 62 were male (89.9%) and seven were female (10.1%). The average age of patients was 32.10±14.01 years, and the burn percentage was 51.1±32.2. One patient died during the first response, and a total of 34 patients (49.3%) died during the patient follow-up. Factors statistically related to mortality were determined to be inclusion in the severe burn group, presence of inhalation injuries, use of central venous catheter on patients, application of fasciotomy, presence of a tracheostomy opening, use of endotracheal intubation and sedoanalgesia, and transfer to centers outside the city (p-values <0.001, <0.001, <0.001, <0.001, <0.001, <0.001, 0.001, and 0.003, respectively). In conclusion, although fire disasters caused by LPG tanker explosions are rare, the frequency of such disasters will increase with the increase in LPG use. The factors affecting mortality should be determined to decrease mortality. We recommend that all personnel members who engage in work related to LPG from production to use, in addition to rescue and first-response personnel, be trained comprehensively and that advanced technological fire equipment be used to prevent such disasters.

A novel flap for the reconstruction of midcheek defects: "rabbit ear flap".

Cheek defects generally occur because of reasons such as trauma, burn, and tumor excisions. In the reconstruction of cheek defects, it is essential to cover the defects using the tissues with compatible color and similar texture. Although many techniques have been described for this purpose, local flaps are more likely to be used.In this study, we describe a new technique named "rabbit ear flap," which we used for the reconstruction of a 4.5 × 7-cm cheek defect due to basal cell carcinoma excision in a 71-year-old male patient. Two separate flaps on the extension of right facial artery with an inferior pedicle on the nasolabial region (hairless skin) and a superior pedicle flap that extended from right oral commissure to the submandibular region (hairy skin) were used. The hairy skin part of the defect was closed via the hairy skin flap, whereas the hairless region was closed with the hairless skin flap. The donor sites were closed primarily.No complication was encountered in the early or long-term follow-ups. In the 28-month follow-up of the patient, it was observed that the color and texture compatibility was fine, the natural beard integrity was obtained, the donor site scarring was minimal, and the scarring was camouflaged well in the anatomical lines.This technique is supposed to be an alternative method for reconstruction of medium-sized cheek defects because it is a simple, reliable, and single-session procedure, and because of its similar color and texture, it offers satisfactory aesthetic and functional outcomes due to natural beard restoration.

Correction of true hanging columella using medial crural tuck-up technique.

BACKGROUND: The nasal tip and columella are the two main key components that affect the results of a successful and aesthetically satisfactory rhinoplasty. A true hanging columella is a deformity in which the caudal border of the columella has a downward bowing appearance due to disproportion between the ala nasi and the columella, which is usually congenital. In the management of this challenging deformity, a thorough understanding and consideration of tip dynamics and the anatomical causes address the proper technique to be used. In this study we present our clinical experience with the medial crural tuck-up technique used on 53 consecutive patients with a true hanging columella. METHODS: A total of 1,421 patients underwent rhinoplasty between January 2005 and September 2011; 53 of those patients (age range=20-37 years; mean=27.3 years), who underwent this technique, were involved in the study. Thirty-eight patients were followed up for more than 1 year. RESULTS: The results were evaluated by comparing postoperative photos with preoperative photographic documentation. The appearance of the nasal tip and columella remained fine and stable over the 1 year of follow-up. CONCLUSION: Despite its limitation of applicability in secondary cases, the advantages of this technique are that it does not require conchal or costal cartilage and the desired tip rotation and projection can be done with ease. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

ß-Glucan treatment prevents progressive burn ischaemia in the zone of stasis and improves burn healing: an experimental study in rats.

Saving the zone of stasis is one of the major goals of burn specialists. Increasing the tissue tolerance to ischaemia and inhibiting inflammation have been proposed to enable salvage of this zone. After a burn, excessive inflammation, including increased vascular permeability, local tissue oedema and neutrophil activation, causes local tissue damage by triggering vascular thrombosis and blocking capillaries, resulting in tissue ischaemia and necrosis. Oxygen radicals also contribute to tissue damage after a burn. However, macrophages play a pivotal role in the response to burn. We studied ß-glucan because of its many positive systemic effects that are beneficial to burn healing, including immunomodulatory effects, antioxidant effects (free-radical scavenging activity) and effects associated with the reduction of the inflammatory response. There were four test groups in this study with eight rats in each group. Group 1 was the control group, group 2 was administered a local pomade (bacitracin+neomycin sulphate), group 3 received ß-glucan (50 mg kg(-1), orally) + the local pomade and group 4 received ß-glucan. Burns were created using a brass comb model. Macroscopic, histopathological and statistical assessments were performed. Samples were harvested on the 3rd, 7th and 21 days for analysis. The neutrophilic infiltration into the zone of stasis was analysed on day 3. Macrophage infiltration, fibroblast proliferation, angiogenesis and re-epithelialisation ratios in the zone of stasis were analysed on days 7 and 21. The ß-glucan groups (groups 3 and 4) exhibited lower neutrophil counts on the 3rd day, and macrophage infiltration, fibroblast proliferation, angiogenesis and re-epithelialisation were very high in these groups on the 7th day. In particular, re-epithelialisation on the 21st day was significantly better in the ß-glucan groups. This study demonstrated that ß-glucan may prevent neutrophil-dependent tissue damage and burn-induced oxidative injury through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. We speculate that the inhibition of neutrophil activation preserves vascular patency by preventing capillary blockage. ß-Glucan is also a powerful macrophage stimulator, and is therefore very effective in saving the zone of stasis.

Management of extravasation injuries: a retrospective study.

The extravasation of many agents during administration by way of the peripheral veins can produce severe necrosis of the skin and subcutaneous tissue. The incidence of an extravasation injury is elevated in the populations prone to complications, including the younger age groups. The severity of the necrosis depends on properties of the extravasated agent (vinca alkaloids, antracyclines, catecholamines, cationic solutions, osmotically active chemicals) including the type, concentration, and the quantity injected. In general, the primary diseases were chronic diseases such as hepatic or ischaemic encephalopathies, cardiac or pulmonary diseases, diabetes mellitus, and oncological diseases. The aim of this article was to explore the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of extravasation injuries with a review of the literature. From January 2009 to August 2011, 22 patients were reviewed. Ten patients were children, and the others were adults. The surgical interventions were delayed until the development of the necrosis. A topical boric acid 3% solution was applied to all wounds with repetitive debridement. Debridement was performed once every 2 days and was continued until healthy tissue was obtained. The wounds of eight patients were repaired with split-thickness skin grafts, the wounds of six patients were reconstructed with randomised fasciocutaneous flaps, and the wounds of five patients healed by secondary intention. The wounds of three patients with massive swelling of the forearms were treated with only conservative modalities and limb elevation for 24-48 hours. Boric acid was found to promote granulation tissue in the wounds. The extravasation injuries can be prevented by using appropriate measures, such as the avoidance of perfusion under pressure, patient participation in pain follow-up, wound management by experienced health professionals, and preference for large and suitable veins.

[Effectiveness of early fasciotomy in the management of snakebites]. / Erken fasyotominin yilan isiriklari tedavisindeki etkinligi.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to emphasize that early fasciotomy performed in the treatment of snakebites in the absence of the classic compartment syndrome criteria accelerates the clinical recovery and reduces the progressive tissue damage. METHODS: Fourteen patients with snakebite were examined retrospectively. Five of them healed with routine treatments. Six patients who did not respond to the treatment underwent early fasciotomy procedure in 48 hours. All of the patients had edema, pain, ecchymosis, bulla formation, and progressive skin necrosis over the extremity. Fasciotomy was performed in three patients who were referred in the late period with compartment syndrome. Fasciotomy incisions were closed after 4-6 days. RESULTS: After the early fasciotomy, edema diminished rapidly, the skin became more viable and local necrosis did not progress. Further, the toxic symptoms like local temperature increase and fever also diminished. The healing process in the three patients who underwent late fasciotomy was much slower compared with the early fasciotomy group. In particular, necrosis on the muscle and skin had deteriorated. CONCLUSION: Fasciotomy has a special place in snakebites. In cases of compartment syndrome, all necessary treatments including early fasciotomy should be performed before the full clinical symptoms develop or the compartment pressure reaches the threshold value.

Comparision of clinical and histopathological results of hyalomatrix usage in adult patients.

Clinical and histopathological results of the hyaluronic acid skin substitute treatment of the patients who admitted to Inonu University Medical Faculty Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery clinic between january 2011 and march 2012 were evaluated. The patients were divided into two groups. HA were used for treatment of Hypertrophic scar (HS) or Keloid (K) in 10 patients of the first group. Skin biopsies obtained at peroperative and postoperative 3rd month were subjected to histopathologic examination in this group. In the second group, 10 patients with full thickness soft tissue loss secondary to burns, trauma or excisional reasons were also treated with HA application. Vancouver scar scale were used to determine the scar quality in both groups. Mean age was 25. 2 ± 10.2 and mean follow-up duration was 6.3±3.6 months in group 1. Preoperative and postoperative VSS scores in group 1 were 10.7±1.16 and 6.2±0.91, respectively. This difference was statistically significant (p<0,005). No HS or K development was seen in any patient in group 2 during the following period. Collagenisation scores of preoperative skin biopsies were significantly higher than postoperative scores (p<0,0001).Vascularisation scores of preoperative skin biopsies were significantly lower than postoperative scores (p<0,00001). The use of HA skin substitute in adults for treatment of HS or K provided the desired clinical healing in the 6 months' follow-up periods. At the same time, HA application as an alternative to other treatment modalities led to a durable skin coverage in full thickness tissue loss in adult patients.

An autoprosthesis technique for better breast projection in free nipple graft reduction mammaplasty.

BACKGROUND: Reduction mammaplasty for macromastia provides relief from uncomfortable symptoms and improves self-confidence and the ability to participate in sports activities. Reduction mammaplasty using the free nipple graft technique may result in bottoming-out deformity and a lack of upper-pole projection. We describe a modified breast reduction technique that combines the Graf and Thorek methods. METHODS: We operated on 26 patients with gigantomastia using this novel technique. Preoperative markings were planned according to the classic Thorek amputation technique using a Wise pattern. A 10-cm × 14-cm pyramidal inferior-based dermoglandular flap was prepared, passed under a transverse pectoral muscle loop, and then back-folded over the pectoral loop, thereby establishing an autoprosthesis to increase upper-pole fullness and prevent bottoming-out deformity. RESULTS: The average weight of the removed breast tissue was 1,634 g (range = 1,120-2,140 g) for the right breast and 1,630 g (range = 1,110-2,120 g) for the left breast. The average follow-up period was 22 months (range = 11-37 months). All samples were pathologically assessed. Minor complications included wound breakdown at the T-junction, fat necrosis, hypertrophic scarring, and partial necrosis of the nipple-areola complex (NAC). Loss of nipple projection and partial hypopigmentation of the NAC occurred in most patients. Mild glandular ptosis was observed in two patients, with no flattening or deflation, but no severe bottoming-out deformity was observed during long-term follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: All patients were happy with their new bra size, breast projection, and breast weight. Our combined autoprosthesis technique resulted in satisfactory long-term breast projection and upper-pole fullness. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Atypical presentation of skull metastasis from rectal adenocarcinoma as an initial symptom of recurrence.

Most malignant rectal tumors are histopathologically characterized as adenocarcinoma and generally metastasize to distant organs such as the lungs or the liver. Metastasis of rectal carcinomas to the skull is extremely rare. This study reports the initial diagnosis of rectal adenocarcinoma recurrence in a 65-year-old female with scalp metastasis. The patient's history indicated a colorectal adenocarcinoma that was resected five years earlier. A skull metastasis from a rectal adenocarcinoma has not yet been reported in the literature as an initial symptom for recurrence. This paper suggests that skull metastasis from any part of the body must be considered in the differential diagnosis of soft tissue tumors in the skull even in the absence of intestinal symptoms.

Isolated congenital hypoplasia of nasal lower lateral cartilages and its correction with helical rim and conchal cartilage composite grafts.

Isolated congenital absence of the alar cartilages and nasal septum is rarely reported. We report here an example for the phenotype of carbamazepine embryopathy with lower lateral cartilage hypoplasia and our surgical approach to solve the nasal problems. This unusual presentation and the literature surrounding infant nasal surgery are discussed.

The influence of reduction mammaplasty on dermato-psychiatric disorders.

OBJECTIVE: Macromastia can cause psychiatric disorders, such as anxiety and depression, and decreases in self-esteem and self-confidence. These problems often externalize themselves on the skin, causing lesions characterized by various degrees of excoriations and lichenified plaques. Mammaplasty operations are very effective in the treatment of neurotic excoriations and similar skin lesions as well as any underlying psychiatric disorders. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 17 patients with macromastia and neurotic excoriation lesions who underwent psychiatric treatment for various reasons. Follow ups were performed using routine photographs used in breast surgeries. RESULTS: During the postoperative follow ups, the excoriations for nearly every patient healed within 2 weeks. Some lesions healed with atrophic scars and some with permanent hyperpigmentation. Patients' physical complaints, such as backache, shoulder ache and submammary pruritic dermatitis, were also observed to heal. In addition, the patients stated that they felt better psychologically, and most also reported stopping psychiatric treatment. CONCLUSION: The psychological problems caused by macromastia include neurotic excoriation and similar skin problems, and aesthetic reduction mammaplasty surgeries are very effective in the treatment of these lesions. Body image perception comprises an important part of self-respect and self-esteem, and psychological-status cosmetic surgery can be evaluated as an alternative to psychological treatment.

Effects of montelukast on burn wound healing in a rat model.

PURPOSE: Montelukast, a selective cysteinyl leukotriene D4-receptor antagonist, is used in the treatment of asthma. In a rat model, our aim was to investigate the effects of montelukast, alone or in combination with topical antibiotics, on local burn wound healing. METHODS: Rats were randomly allocated to four groups after local burn development: Group 1; rats were left to secondary healing without treatment, Group 2; a dose of 10 mg/kg montelukast was given by gastric gavage once a day for 10 days, Group 3; rats were treated with topical pomade (bacitracin neomycin sulphate), and Group 4; rats were treat with a combination of topical antibiotic and montelukast (10 mg/kg were given by gastric gavage once a day for 10 days). Skin biopsies were taken on days 3, 10, 14, and 20 relative to burn induction. RESULTS: Reepithelialization in the pomade and montelukast+pomade groups on the 10th day was significantly greater, in comparison with control and montelukast groups (p < 0.05). For the montelukast group, edema (on the 14th day) and angiogenesis, fibroblast proliferation, edema and macrophage infiltration (on the 20th day) were statistically improved in comparison with the control group (p < 0.05). For the montelukast+pomade group, angiogenesis, fibroblast proliferation and macrophage infiltration (on the 10th day), and angiogenesis, fibroblast proliferation, edema and macrophage infiltration (on the 14th and 20th days) were statistically improved in comparison with the control group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, montelukast was effective on burn wound healing. Moreover, the effect was amplified when combined with topical antibiotics applied in the early stage of burn wound healing.