Electrocardiographic abnormalities are prognostic of the clinical outcomes and mortality of patients with subarachnoid hemorrhages.

PURPOSE: We explored the relationships between electrocardiographic (ECG) abnormalities and the clinical outcomes and mortality of patients with non-traumatic aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhages (SAHs). METHODS: This retrospective cohort study enrolled consecutive adult patients who presented to emergency departments with non-traumatic aneurysmal SAHs. We recorded their demographics, clinical characteristics, and ECG findings, and explored the relationships between ECG abnormalities, on the one hand, and 28-day mortality and prognosis, on the other. RESULTS: We enrolled 158 patients, 76 females (48.10%) and 82 males (51.90%) of average age 54.70 ± 7.07 years. A total of 107 patients (67.72%) exhibited at least one ECG abnormality, most commonly a T-wave change (n = 54, 34.18%). Such patients evidenced significantly higher Hunt-Hess and Fisher scale scores than those without abnormalities (both p < 0.001). Patients with abnormal ECG findings experienced more unfavorable outcomes and higher mortality than others (both p < 0.001). ECG abnormalities, including PR prolongation, pathological Q waves, QRS widening, left bundle branch blocks, premature ventricular contractions, ST segment changes, and T-wave changes, were more common in non-survivors and patients with Hunt-Hess scores of 4-5 compared to survivors and those with Hunt-Hess scores <4, respectively. Moreover, increased age and presence of abnormal ECG findings were independent predictors of mortality in aneurysmal SAHs. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with abnormal ECG findings exhibited unfavorable clinical outcomes and increased mortality rates. Abnormal ECG findings combined with higher Hunt-Hess or Fischer grade scores usefully predict adverse clinical outcomes in and mortality of SAH patients.

Intradermal Sterile Water Injection: Safe and Effective Alternative for Relief of Acute Renal Colic in the Emergency Department.

BACKGROUND: The optimal pain relief method for acute renal colic in the emergency department remains controversial. OBJECTIVE: We compared the safety and efficacy of intradermal sterile water injection (ISWI) to treatment with intramuscular (IM) diclofenac, intravenous (IV) opioids, and IV paracetamol in patients with acute renal colic. METHODS: This randomized, single-blind study included 320 patients with renal colic to one of four treatment groups. The first group received ISWI at four different points around the most painful flank area. Patients in the DI, PARA, and TRAM groups received 75 mg IM diclofenac, 1 g IV paracetamol, and 100 mg IV tramadol, respectively. Pain intensity was measured using a visual analog scale (VAS) before treatment and 15, 30, and 60 min after treatment. RESULTS: VAS scores 15 and 30 min after treatment were significantly lower in group ISWI than in groups DI, PARA, and TRAM. However, there were no significant differences in the decrease in the pain score at baseline and at 60 min after treatment. In addition, fewer patients required rescue analgesia in group ISWI than in group TRAM. However, no significant differences were observed between group ISWI and group DI or PARA in terms of the need for rescue analgesia. Finally, there were significantly fewer adverse events in group ISWI than in groups DI and TRAM. CONCLUSIONS: ISWI had similar efficacy, faster pain relief, and lower need for rescue analgesia compared with diclofenac, paracetamol, and tramadol for the management of acute renal colic. In addition, ISWI was well-tolerated and had no adverse effects.

Untangling Tetanus: A Comprehensive Case Report Describing Its Diagnosis and Treatment.

Tetanus, caused by a grave and potentially lethal bacteria, is a medical condition that severely affects the central nervous system and demands vigilant attention and comprehensive preventive measures to safeguard public health. The onset of this condition is sudden and characterized by the emergence of intense tonic muscle spasms, underscoring its critical nature. In Türkiye, around 50 cases are officially reported each year; however, it is widely suspected that numerous cases remain unreported, contributing to an even more significant impact. This report aims to shed light on a remarkable case involving a 24-year-old male patient. Despite having a complete vaccination history, this individual contracted tetanus and required intensive care and mechanical ventilation due to the severity of his tetanus infection. This case serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of booster administration, highlighting the significance of continued and timely reinforcement of vaccinations.

Systemic inflammatory markers for distinguishing uncomplicated and complicated acute appendicitis in adult patients.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the predictive power of serum systemic inflammatory markers including neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), monocyte-eosinophil ratio (MER), and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels for distinguishing uncomplicated and complicated acute appendicitis in adult patients admitted to the emergency department (ED). METHODS: This retrospective, cross-sectional, observational, and single-center study enrolled 212 consecutive adult patients with acute appendicitis who were admitted to the ED of our tertiary care university hospital between January 1, 2019 and December 31 2021. Patients were divided into two groups (Group I, uncomplicated acute appendicitis; Group II, complicated appendicitis) according to their surgical findings and histopathological examination. Systemic inflammatory markers measured on admission were compared among patients to identify factors associated with complicated acute appendicitis. RESULTS: A total of 132 patients, 83 male (62.9%) and 49 female (37.1%), were included in the study. The mean age was 34.7±13.40 years. Based on the histopathological examination, the number of patients in Group I was 103 (78.03%) and 29 (21.96%) in Group II. Laboratory findings on admission revealed no significant differences between Groups I and II patients in terms of mean serum NLR, MER, and CRP values (p=0.096, p=0.248, and p=0.297, respectively). However, the mean serum PLR in Group II patients was statistically significantly higher than those in Group I (p=0.032). The mean serum monocyte and monocyte fraction (%) values were significantly lower, and the mean serum neutrophil fraction (%) value was higher in Group II patients compared to those with Group I. Receiving operator characteristic (ROC) analysis identified a serum PLR cutoff value of ≥133.73 for distinguishing uncomplicated and complicated acute appendicitis in adult patients, with 60% sensitivity and 58.4% specificity. In addition, ROC analysis revealed a cutoff monocyte fraction (%) level of ≤6, with 72% sensitivity and 64% specificity, for distinguishing uncomplicated and complicated acute appendicitis in adult patients. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that the mean serum NLR, MER, and CRP values measured on admission to ED in adult patients with acute appendicitis could not predict complicated acute appendicitis. However, mean serum PLR and neutrophil and monocyte counts can be useful in distinguishing complicated cases.

International Smuggling of Illicit Drugs by Body Concealment at a Tertiary Hospital in Istanbul.

ABSTRACT: Smuggling of illicit substances by internal concealment has recently become a preferred method of international drug trade. The drug carriers are known as body packers. This study aimed to assess the demographic features and outcomes of body packers admitted to a referral center in Istanbul. Data were retrospectively evaluated from January 2017 to December 2019 from suspected body packers who were referred to the emergency department of a tertiary-care university by Istanbul Airport narcotics police due to suspected concealment of illicit drugs. Eighty-one cases were identified and included in this study. Of these, 71 subjects were confirmed to be body packers by radiological methods. The 15 women and 56 men had a mean age of 35 years. The most common nationality of the body packers was Nigerian, followed by Turkish and South African. Cocaine was the most commonly smuggled packet, followed by hashish, and heroin. All body packers were conservatively managed using laxatives or watchful waiting. No cases required surgical retrieval of packets. Abdominal radiography and computed tomography are useful tools for the evaluation of suspected body packers. The use of improved packaging material by smugglers and complications due to surgery and endoscopy make the conservative approach preferred.

Suicide attempts and the factors that lead to suicidal ideation: A 3-year analysis.

OBJECTIVE: We explored the epidemiological characteristics of suicide attempts and identified suicide trends and associated factors. METHODS: This retrospective, cross-sectional, observational, and single-center study included consecutive 412 patients who were admitted to Emergency Department for follow-up and treatment after a suicide attempt between June 2019 and June 2022. We assessed patient demographics, suicidal behavior, previous suicide attempts, psychiatric disorders, drug use, visits to the psychiatry clinic within the past 6 months, the persistence of suicidal ideation, and clinical outcomes. RESULTS: The study population consisted of 259 females (62.86%) and 153 males (37.14%), with a mean age of 29.50±11.51 (range: 13-72) years. Females attempted suicide more often than males, but suicide completion was more common in males. Overall, 79.37% (n=327) of the suicide attempters were aged <40 years and most were 20-29 years old (n=147, 35.68%). Non-fatal suicide attempts were more common in single, unemployed, and poorly educated individuals, but this was not the case for suicide completers. However, there was no significant difference in marital status, education, and occupation among suicide completers. Drug poisoning was the major form of suicide attempt (n=345, 83.74%). Mental disorders, family or relationship conflicts, and separation from a partner were common causes of suicidal ideation. Patient numbers were particularly high in the autumn (i.e., September), and at night. CONCLUSION: Females, young adults, singletons, the unemployed, and individuals with psychiatric disorders and low education levels are more likely to attempt suicide, particularly during hours when they are likely to be alone.

Evaluation of the trauma-specific frailty index in geriatric trauma patients according to the new World Health Organization age classification.

OBJECTIVE: We compared the 15-variable trauma-specific frailty index and traditional injury scoring systems to determine trauma severity and predict discharge disposition in geriatric trauma patients based on the old and new World Health Organization age classifications. METHODS: This prospective, observational, single-center study included geriatric patients aged ≥65 years with blunt trauma. We categorized patients as elderly based on the old or new World Health Organization age classification into group I (aged 65-79 years) and group II (aged ≥a80 years), respectively. At admission, we used traditional injury scoring systems (e.g., the Glasgow coma scale, injury severity score, and revised trauma score) to determine trauma severity. We compared the Trauma-Specific Frailty Index and traditional injury scoring systems between the patient groups and evaluated them for correlations. RESULTS: We included 169 geriatric patients (80 and 89 in groups I and II, respectively). The mean Trauma-Specific Frailty Index score was significantly higher among females than males (p=0.025) and group II than group I (p=0.021). No significant correlations were observed in terms of the Trauma-Specific Frailty Index and traditional injury scoring systems in both groups. The mean Trauma-Specific Frailty Index score was significantly different between the hospitalized and discharged patients in group I (p=0.005), but not in group II (p=0.526). CONCLUSION: The 15-variable Trauma-Specific Frailty Index score is superior to traditional injury scoring systems for managing and predicting discharge disposition in geriatric trauma patients aged 65-79 years.

Relationship between measures of thoracic diameter and cardiopulmonary resuscitation-induced thoracoabdominal injury.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated the relationship between thoracic diameters and chest compression-related thoracoabdominal injury in patients with non-traumatic out-of-hospital cardiac arrest who had a return of spontaneous circulation after cardiopulmonary resuscitation. METHODS: A total of 63 consecutive adult non-traumatic out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients were enrolled in this prospective study. Computed tomography was performed on each patient and the anteroposterior diameter, skin-to-skin anteroposterior diameter, and transverse diameter of the chest were measured. Patients were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of cardiopulmonary resuscitation-related thoracoabdominal injury. Age, sex, and duration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, anteroposterior diameter, skin-to-skin anteroposterior diameter, and transverse diameter were compared between the groups. The primary outcome was the relationship between thoracic diameters and cardiopulmonary resuscitation-induced thoracoabdominal injuries. RESULTS: Thoracoabdominal injuries were detected in 46% (n=29) of the patients and consisted of rib fractures in 22 (34.9%) patients, pulmonary contusion in 7 (11.1%), and sternal fracture in 3 (4.8%) patients. There were no significant differences in cardiopulmonary resuscitation duration between patients with and without thoracoabdominal injuries (p=0.539). Similarly, there were no significant differences in anteroposterior diameter, skin-to-skin anteroposterior diameter, or transverse diameter between patient groups (p=0.978, p=0.730, and p=0.146, respectively) or between patients who died within the first 28 days and those who survived for longer than 28 days (p=0.488, p=0.878, and p=0.853, respectively). CONCLUSION: The iatrogenic thoracoabdominal injuries caused by cardiopulmonary resuscitation performed according to the cardiopulmonary resuscitation guidelines were independent of thoracic diameters. Therefore, the cardiac compression depth of 5-6 cm recommended by the current cardiopulmonary resuscitation guidelines is reliable for patients with different thoracic diameters.

Relationship between measures of thoracic diameter and cardiopulmonary resuscitation-induced thoracoabdominal injury

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: We investigated the relationship between thoracic diameters and chest compression-related thoracoabdominal injury in patients with non-traumatic out-of-hospital cardiac arrest who had a return of spontaneous circulation after cardiopulmonary resuscitation. METHODS: A total of 63 consecutive adult non-traumatic out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients were enrolled in this prospective study. Computed tomography was performed on each patient and the anteroposterior diameter, skin-to-skin anteroposterior diameter, and transverse diameter of the chest were measured. Patients were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of cardiopulmonary resuscitation-related thoracoabdominal injury. Age, sex, and duration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, anteroposterior diameter, skin-to-skin anteroposterior diameter, and transverse diameter were compared between the groups. The primary outcome was the relationship between thoracic diameters and cardiopulmonary resuscitation-induced thoracoabdominal injuries. RESULTS: Thoracoabdominal injuries were detected in 46% (n=29) of the patients and consisted of rib fractures in 22 (34.9%) patients, pulmonary contusion in 7 (11.1%), and sternal fracture in 3 (4.8%) patients. There were no significant differences in cardiopulmonary resuscitation duration between patients with and without thoracoabdominal injuries (p=0.539). Similarly, there were no significant differences in anteroposterior diameter, skin-to-skin anteroposterior diameter, or transverse diameter between patient groups (p=0.978, p=0.730, and p=0.146, respectively) or between patients who died within the first 28 days and those who survived for longer than 28 days (p=0.488, p=0.878, and p=0.853, respectively). CONCLUSION: The iatrogenic thoracoabdominal injuries caused by cardiopulmonary resuscitation performed according to the cardiopulmonary resuscitation guidelines were independent of thoracic diameters. Therefore, the cardiac compression depth of 5-6 cm recommended by the current cardiopulmonary resuscitation guidelines is reliable for patients with different thoracic diameters.

Serum SCUBE-1 Levels and Return of Spontaneous Circulation Following Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation in Adult Patients.

Background SCUBE 1-has been used as a biomarker for the diagnoses of myocardial infarction, stroke, mesenteric ischemia, and gastric cancer in some recent studies. In this study, we investigated the relationship between serum SCUBE-1 levels and return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) in patients who received cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Methods Patients over 18 years of age who were not pregnant and received CPR were divided into two groups: those who achieved ROSC and those who died. There were 25 patients in each group. SCUBE-1 and other routine biochemical parameters were studied in blood samples taken at the time of admission. Results There was no significant difference between the age and gender distribution of the patients between the two groups. The SCUBE-1 value of the ROSC group was significantly higher than that of the non-survivor group ( p ˂ 0.05). At a cut-off value of 9 ng/mL, SCUBE-1 had a sensitivity of 100%, a positive predictive value of 65.8%, specificity of 48%, and a negative predictive value of 100% in predicting ROSC. Conclusions The SCUBE-1 values were found to be significantly higher in the ROSC group compared with the non-survivor group.

Predictors of mortality in patients less than 50 years old with coronavirus disease 2019: a multicenter experience in Istanbul.

OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study were to identify predictors of mortality in young adult patients with coronavirus disease 2019 and to assess the link between blood type and mortality in those patients. METHODS: This multicenter retrospective study, which was conducted in seven training and research hospitals in Istanbul, involved young adults who aged ≥18 and <50 years and hospitalized with coronavirus disease 2019. RESULTS: Among 1,120 patients, confusion at admission (p<0.001) and oxygen saturation (p<0.001) were significantly predictive factors of mortality. Blood type O was significantly associated with mortality compared to those discharged from the hospital (p<0.001). Among co-morbidities, the most reliable predictive factors were cerebral vascular disease (p<0.001) and chronic renal failure (p=0.010). Among laboratory parameters, high C-reactive protein (p<0.001) and low albumin (p<0.001) levels were predictors of mortality in young adult patients with coronavirus disease 2019. CONCLUSIONS: SpO2 at admission was the best predictor of mortality in young adult patients with coronavirus disease 2019. The mortality rate was increased by cerebral vascular disease and chronic renal failure. Also, high C-reactive protein and low albumin levels were predictive factors of mortality. Moreover, blood type O was associated with a higher mortality rate than the other types.

Predictors of mortality in patients less than 50 years old with coronavirus disease 2019: a multicenter experience in Istanbul

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study were to identify predictors of mortality in young adult patients with coronavirus disease 2019 and to assess the link between blood type and mortality in those patients. METHODS: This multicenter retrospective study, which was conducted in seven training and research hospitals in Istanbul, involved young adults who aged ≥18 and <50 years and hospitalized with coronavirus disease 2019. RESULTS: Among 1,120 patients, confusion at admission (p<0.001) and oxygen saturation (p<0.001) were significantly predictive factors of mortality. Blood type O was significantly associated with mortality compared to those discharged from the hospital (p<0.001). Among co-morbidities, the most reliable predictive factors were cerebral vascular disease (p<0.001) and chronic renal failure (p=0.010). Among laboratory parameters, high C-reactive protein (p<0.001) and low albumin (p<0.001) levels were predictors of mortality in young adult patients with coronavirus disease 2019. CONCLUSIONS: SpO2 at admission was the best predictor of mortality in young adult patients with coronavirus disease 2019. The mortality rate was increased by cerebral vascular disease and chronic renal failure. Also, high C-reactive protein and low albumin levels were predictive factors of mortality. Moreover, blood type O was associated with a higher mortality rate than the other types.

The effects of synthetic cannabinoids on the cardiovascular system: A case-control study.

OBJECTIVES: Limited clinical studies have investigated the effects of synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) on the cardiovascular system (CVS). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of SCs on the CVS. METHODS: The patient group of this single-center, prospective, case-control study consisted of adult patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with symptoms of SC use. Vital signs and electrocardiogram (ECG) after use of SC of patients were followed. A control group with a similar number of patients and patient demographics were formed following the patient admission process. Pulse rate, arterial blood pressure (ABP), and ECG of patient and control groups were compared using Mann-Whitney U and Chi-squared tests. RESULTS: A total of 148 people were included in the study, 74 in the patient group and 74 in the control group. Systolic and diastolic ABPs of patient group were statistically significantly lower than those of the control group (P < 0.001). P-wave width and amplitude in the patient group were significantly higher compared to the control group (P: 0.027 and P: 0.004, respectively). QRS width on patient group ECGs was significantly higher than in the control group, while T-wave amplitude was significantly lower (P: 0.045 and P < 0.001, respectively). ST elevation was seen in 12 (16.2%) subjects in the patient group, while no ST elevation was seen in the control group (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: SCs can reduce systemic tension and SCs may cause changes in ECG, especially P wave, ST segment, T wave, and QRS. Further large-scale studies are needed to show whether these changes are associated with fatal arrhythmias or myocardial infarction.

The utility of serum miRNA-93 and miRNA-191 levels for determining injury severity in adults with multiple blunt trauma.

BACKGROUND: Various scoring systems have been developed to determine the trauma severity and prognosis of patients following multiple blunt trauma (MBT). However, these scoring systems do not provide exactly the desired severity assessment. In recent years, serum concentration of many specific microRNAs (miRNAs), especially for head trauma, has been shown to play an important role in determining the diagnosis, severity, and prognosis of injury. To date, however, no studies have investigated serum miRNAs in patients with MBT. Thus, this study measured the expression of miRNA-93 and -191 in the serum of adults with MBT and examined the correlations of Injury Severity Score (ISS) and Revised Trauma Score values with serum miRNA-93 and -191 levels in these patients with the aim of predicting trauma severity based on the miRNA levels. METHODS: This prospective case-control study enrolled 50 consecutive adults with MBT and age- and sex-matched 60 healthy controls. The patients were divided into ISS >16 (Group 1, major or severe trauma) and ISS ≤16 (Group 2, minor or mild-moderate trauma) groups. Serum miRNA-93 and -191 levels were assessed using quantitative real-time reverse transcription-PCR. We evaluated whether the miRNAs were differentially expressed in major and minor MBT patients and determined their utility for assessing the severity of injury. RESULTS: The mean serum miRNA-93 and -191 levels were significantly elevated in the patients compared to the controls and were higher in patients with ISS >16 compared to those with ISS ≤16, although the difference was not significant. In the patients with multitrauma, ISS was significantly, negative and weak correlated with serum miRNA-191 level (rho=-0.320, p=0.023) but not with the serum miRNA-93 level. No optimal cutoff for the serum miRNA-93 level was found with respect to trauma severity (AUC 0.617, [0.455-0.779]). However, an optimal cutoff value for serum miRNA-191 was identified, with values <1.94 indicating severe trauma (AUC 0.668 [0.511-0.826]; 65.6% sensitivity, 77.8% specificity). CONCLUSION: miRNA-191 and -93 levels were significantly upregulated in multitrauma patients compared to controls. The level of miRNA-191 in conjunction with ISS, but not that of miRNA-93, may be a useful biomarker for determining injury severity in patients with multitrauma.

Low serum corin levels predict end-organ damage in patients with hypertensive crisis.

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to investigate the predictive power of serum corin levels for distinguishing between hypertensive urgency (HU) and hypertensive emergency (HE) in patients with hypertensive crisis (HC) admitted to the emergency department. METHODS: A total of 120 consecutive consenting adult patients diagnosed with HC and 55 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were enrolled. Blood pressure measurements [(systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressure (MAP)] and the evidence of end-organ damage at the first admission were recorded. Patients with HC were classified as patients with HE or HU according to the presence or absence of acute end-organ damage. Serum corin levels were compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: The mean serum corin level was significantly lower in the HC group than in the control group; it was also lower in the HE group than in the HU group (p<0.001 for all). In the HE group, clinical features associated with end-organ damage included ST-elevation myocardial infarction (n=28, 46.7%), hemorrhagic stroke (n=11, 18.3%), ischemic stroke (n=11, 18.3%), and non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (n=10, 16.7%). The receiving operator characteristic (ROC) analysis identified a serum corin cutoff value of 45 pg/mL for distinguishing patients with HE from patients with HU with 98.3% sensitivity and 95% specificity. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that serum corin levels play an important role in regulating blood pressure and are involved in the pathogenesis of HC. Low serum corin levels may predict end-organ damage and serve as a guide for diagnostic decision making in patients with HC.

Impacts of Demographic and Clinical Characteristics on Disease Severity and Mortality in Patients with Confirmed COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: We investigated potential predictive factors for mortality and disease severity from demographic and clinical data, comorbidities, and laboratory findings in patients with confirmed COVID-19 who were consecutively admitted to our tertiary hospital. METHODS: In this retrospective, single-center, observational study, we enrolled consecutive 540 adult patients who had COVID-19 confirmed by a molecular method. Patients were categorized into three groups based on disease severity. Patients' demographic and clinical characteristics, mortality rates, and mortality-associated factors were analyzed. RESULTS: The overall mortality rate was 4.3% (23/540). Disease severity was mild in 40.9% (n = 221), severe in 53.7% (n = 290), and critical in 5.4% (n = 29) of the patients. There were significant differences among groups in terms of median white blood cell (WBC), hemoglobin, neutrophil, lymphocyte, and thrombocyte counts, as well as C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatinine, albumin, D-dimer, ferritin, troponin, and fibrinogen levels. Furthermore, there were significant differences between surviving and non-surviving patient groups in terms of median WBC, hemoglobin, neutrophil, and lymphocyte counts, as well as CRP, procalcitonin, LDH, creatinine, albumin, D-dimer, and ferritin levels. CRP level (odds ratio [OR]: 1.020, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.009-1.032; p < 0.001), and CURB-65 score (OR: 4.004, 95% CI: 1,288-12,447; p = 0.017) were independently associated with disease severity and mortality. CONCLUSION: On admission, WBC, neutrophil, lymphocyte, and platelet counts can be used to predict disease severity in patients with COVID-19. CRP, ferritin, LDH, creatinine, troponin, D-dimer, fibrinogen, and albumin levels can also be used to predict disease severity in these patients. Finally, elevated CRP level and high CURB-65 score were predictors of disease severity and mortality.

Circulating furin, IL-6, and presepsin levels and disease severity in SARS-CoV-2-infected patients.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has resulted in a vast number of infections and deaths that deeply affect the world. When the virus encounters the host cell, it binds to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, then the S protein of the virus is broken down by the transmembrane protease serine 2 with the help of furin, allowing the virus to enter the cell. The elevated inflammatory cytokines suggest that a cytokine storm, also known as cytokine release syndrome, may play a major role in the pathology of COVID-19. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between circulating furin levels, disease severity, and inflammation in patients with SARS-CoV-2. A total of 52 SARS-CoV-2 patients and 36 healthy control participants were included in this study. SARS- CoV-2 patients were scored by the disease activity score. Serum furin, presepsin, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were assessed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The mean furin, presepsin, and IL-6 levels were significantly higher in the peripheral blood of SARS-CoV-2 compared to the controls (p < 0.001). There were close positive relationship between serum furin and IL-6, furin and presepsin, and furin and disease severity (r = 0.793, p < 0001; r = 0.521, p < 0.001; and r = 0,533, p < 0.001, respectively) in patients with SARS-CoV-2. These results suggest that furin may contribute to the exacerbation of SARS-CoV-2 infection and increased inflammation, and could be used as a predictor of disease severity in COVID-19 patients.

Prognostic value of the C-reactive protein to albumin ratio in patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

Background/aim: This study investigated whether baseline serum level of C-reactive protein (CRP)/albumin ratio is associated with infarct localization, number of vascular lesions, and in-hospital mortality in patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for acute ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Methods: The study population consisted of 116 patients diagnosed with STEMI. The CRP/albumin ratio at first admission, cardiac troponin-I (cTnI), PCI results, and clinical outcomes were recorded. Results: The mean CRP/albumin ratio, cTnI level, and mean number of vascular lesions were significantly higher in non-survivors than in survivors (p = 0.006, p = 0.004, and p = 0.007, respectively). Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the CRP/ albumin ratio and number of coronary artery lesions were independent predictors of mortality in STEMI patients. According to these analyses, the presence of ≥ 2 vessel lesions was the most important predictor of mortality, with an odds ratio of 2.009 (95% confidence interval: 1.191­3.387, p = 0.009). Conclusion: This study demonstrates the potential utility of the CRP/albumin ratio for predicting the clinical outcome of patients with STEMI. In addition, the presence of ≥ 2 vascular lesions contributed to a 2-fold increase in mortality rate in STEMI patients.

Safety and efficacy of hydroxychloroquine in 152 outpatients with confirmed COVID-19: A pilot observational study.

PURPOSE: We investigated the efficacy and safety of hydroxychloroquine for empirical treatment of outpatients with confirmed COVID-19. METHODS: In this prospective, single-center study, we enrolled ambulatory outpatients with COVID-19 confirmed by a molecular method who received hydroxychloroquine. The patients were divided into low- and moderate-risk groups based on the Tisdale risk score for drug-associated QT prolongation, and the QT interval was corrected for heart rate using the Bazett formula (QTc). The QTc interval was measured by electrocardiography both pretreatment (QTc1) and 4 h after the administration of hydroxychloroquine (QTc2). The difference between the QTc1 and QTc2 intervals was defined as the ΔQTc. The QTc1 and QTc2 intervals and ΔQTc values were compared between the two risk groups. RESULTS: The median and interquartile range (IQR) age of the patients was 47.0 (36.2-62) years, and there were 78 men and 74 women. The median (IQR) QTc1 interval lengthened from 425.0 (407.2-425.0) to 430.0 (QTc2; 412.0-443.0) milliseconds (ms). However, this was not considered an increased risk of ventricular tachycardia associated with a prolonged QTc interval requiring drug discontinuation, because none of the patients had a ΔQTc of >60 ms or a QTc2 of >500 ms. Moreover, the median (quartiles; minimum-maximum) ΔQTc value was higher in patients in the moderate-risk group than those in the low-risk group (10.0 [-4.0-18.0; -75.0-51.0] vs. 7.0 [-10.5-23.5; -53.0-59.0 ms]) (p = 0.996). Clinical improvement was noted in 91.4% of the patients, the exceptions being 13 patients who presented with non-serious adverse drug reactions or who had severe COVID-19 and were hospitalized. Adverse effects related to hydroxychloroquine were non-serious and occurred in 52.8% (n = 80) of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show that hydroxychloroquine is safe for COVID-19 and not associated with a risk of ventricular arrhythmia due to drug-induced QTc interval prolongation. Additionally, hydroxychloroquine was well tolerated, and there were no drug-related non-serious adverse events leading to treatment discontinuation in the majority of patients who were stable and did not require hospitalization.