Diastolic Strain Parameters are Associated with Short Term Mortality and Rehospitalization in Patients with Advanced Heart Failure. / Parâmetros de Strain Diastólico Estão Associados à Mortalidade em Curto Prazo e à Reinternação em Pacientes com Insuficiência Cardíaca Avançada.

BACKGROUND: Heart failure (HF) is a leading cause of hospitalization and mortality worldwide and places a great economic burden on healthcare systems. Identification of prognostic factors in HF patients is of great importance to establish optimal management strategies and to avoid unnecessary invasive and costly procedures in end-stage patients. OBJECTIVES: In the current study, we aimed to investigate the association between diastolic strain parameters including E/e' SR, and short-term outcomes in advanced HF patients. METHODS: The population study included 116 advanced HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) patients. Clinical, laboratory, and echocardiographic evaluations of the patients were performed within the first 24 hours of hospital admission. Patients were followed for one month and any re-hospitalization due to worsening of HF symptoms and any mortality was recorded. The level of significance adopted in the statistical analysis was 5%. RESULTS: E/e' SR was significantly higher in the patient group compared to the control group (p=0.001). During one-month follow-up, 13.8% of patients died and 37.1% of patients were rehospitalized. Serum NT-ProBNP (p=0.034) and E/e' SR (p=0.033) were found to be independent predictors of mortality and ACEI use (p=0.027) and apical 3C strain (p=0.011) were found to be independent predictors of rehospitalization in the patient group. CONCLUSION: Findings of the current prospective study demonstrate that E/e' SR measured by speckle tracking echocardiography is an independent and sensitive predictor of short-term mortality in advanced HFrEF patients and may have a role in the identification of end-stage HFrEF patients.

FUNDAMENTO: A insuficiência cardíaca é uma das principais causas de hospitalização e mortalidade em todo o mundo e representa um grande fardo económico para os sistemas de saúde. A identificação de fatores prognósticos em pacientes com IC é de grande importância para estabelecer estratégias de manejo ideais e evitar procedimentos invasivos e dispendiosos desnecessários em pacientes em estágio terminal. OBJETIVOS: No presente estudo, nosso objetivo foi investigar a associação entre parâmetros de strain diastólico, incluindo E/e' SR, e resultados de curto prazo em pacientes com IC avançada. MÉTODOS: O estudo populacional incluiu 116 pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca avançada com fração de ejeção reduzida (ICFEr) avançada. Avaliações clínicas, laboratoriais e ecocardiográficas dos pacientes foram realizadas nas primeiras 24 horas de internação. Os pacientes foram acompanhados por um mês e qualquer reinternação por piora dos sintomas de IC e qualquer mortalidade foi registrada. O nível de significância adotado na análise estatística foi de 5%. RESULTADOS: A E/e' SR foi significativamente maior no grupo de pacientes em comparação ao grupo controle (p=0,001). Durante o acompanhamento de um mês, 13,8% dos pacientes morreram e 37,1% dos pacientes foram reinternados. NT-ProBNP sérico (p=0,034) e E/e' SR (p=0,033) foram considerados preditores independentes de mortalidade e o uso de IECA (p=0,027) e strain 3C apical (p=0,011) foram considerados independentes preditores de reinternação no grupo de pacientes. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados do presente estudo prospectivo demonstram que a E/e' SR medida pela ecocardiografia com speckle tracking é um preditor independente e sensível de mortalidade em curto prazo em pacientes com ICFEr avançada e pode ter um papel na identificação de pacientes com ICFEr em estágio terminal.

Importance of qSOFA Score in Terms of Prognosis and Mortality in Critical Care Patients.

Background: Recent studies have analyzed the qSOFA (quick sequential organ failure assessment) score as a prognostic indicator in many diseases, particularly sepsis. However, the effect of qSOFA score on prognosis and mortality in critical care patients has not been sufficiently analyzed. There is not enough data, especially regarding its use as critical care mortality and prognosis scoring. In this study, we aimed to analyze the effect of qSOFA score on mortality and prognosis in critical care unit (CCU) patients. Methods: This study was conducted retrospectively using the chart review method. The APACHE II (Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II) and SOFA (Sequential Organ Failure Assessment) scores of patients admitted to our CCU were compared with the qSOFA score. In addition, the need for intubation and mechanical ventilation, short- and long term mortality rates, the relationship between blood gas lactate values and qSOFA score were analyzed. Results: A total of 1816 patients were included in the study. During critical care follow-up, 374 (20.6%) of our patients died, and at the end of 6 months, 796 (43.8%) of our patients died. A statistically significant association was found between in-hospital mortality and qSOFA, SOFA scores and lactate levels (P = 0.001, P = 0.001, P = 0.01 respectively). A statistically significant association was found between 6-month mortality and SOFA score only. (P = 0.001) The SOFA score appeared to be the most successful predictor of mortality. The cut-off for mortality using the ROC curve was ≥ 7 [sensitivity 78.1%; specificity 85.9%; AUC 0.91; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.89 to 0.92; P = 0.001]. qSOFA scoring also performed well. The cut-off value for mortality using the ROC curve was ≥ 2 (sensitivity 42.5%; specificity 93.9%; AUC 0.83;95% CI, 0.80-0.85; P = 0.001). Conclusion: We believe that the qSOFA score can be used as a marker for in-hospital mortality and prognosis in critical care patients. Especially in cases where the qSOFA score is ≥ 2, it provides valuable information regarding mortality and prognosis.

Parâmetros de Strain Diastólico Estão Associados à Mortalidade em Curto Prazo e à Reinternação em Pacientes com Insuficiência Cardíaca Avançada / Diastolic Strain Parameters are Associated with Short Term Mortality and Rehospitalization in Patients with Advanced Heart Failure

Resumo Fundamento A insuficiência cardíaca é uma das principais causas de hospitalização e mortalidade em todo o mundo e representa um grande fardo económico para os sistemas de saúde. A identificação de fatores prognósticos em pacientes com IC é de grande importância para estabelecer estratégias de manejo ideais e evitar procedimentos invasivos e dispendiosos desnecessários em pacientes em estágio terminal. Objetivos No presente estudo, nosso objetivo foi investigar a associação entre parâmetros de strain diastólico, incluindo E/e' SR, e resultados de curto prazo em pacientes com IC avançada. Métodos O estudo populacional incluiu 116 pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca avançada com fração de ejeção reduzida (ICFEr) avançada. Avaliações clínicas, laboratoriais e ecocardiográficas dos pacientes foram realizadas nas primeiras 24 horas de internação. Os pacientes foram acompanhados por um mês e qualquer reinternação por piora dos sintomas de IC e qualquer mortalidade foi registrada. O nível de significância adotado na análise estatística foi de 5%. Resultados A E/e' SR foi significativamente maior no grupo de pacientes em comparação ao grupo controle (p=0,001). Durante o acompanhamento de um mês, 13,8% dos pacientes morreram e 37,1% dos pacientes foram reinternados. NT-ProBNP sérico (p=0,034) e E/e' SR (p=0,033) foram considerados preditores independentes de mortalidade e o uso de IECA (p=0,027) e strain 3C apical (p=0,011) foram considerados independentes preditores de reinternação no grupo de pacientes. Conclusão Os resultados do presente estudo prospectivo demonstram que a E/e' SR medida pela ecocardiografia com speckle tracking é um preditor independente e sensível de mortalidade em curto prazo em pacientes com ICFEr avançada e pode ter um papel na identificação de pacientes com ICFEr em estágio terminal.

Abstract Background Heart failure (HF) is a leading cause of hospitalization and mortality worldwide and places a great economic burden on healthcare systems. Identification of prognostic factors in HF patients is of great importance to establish optimal management strategies and to avoid unnecessary invasive and costly procedures in end-stage patients. Objectives In the current study, we aimed to investigate the association between diastolic strain parameters including E/e' SR, and short-term outcomes in advanced HF patients. Methods The population study included 116 advanced HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) patients. Clinical, laboratory, and echocardiographic evaluations of the patients were performed within the first 24 hours of hospital admission. Patients were followed for one month and any re-hospitalization due to worsening of HF symptoms and any mortality was recorded. The level of significance adopted in the statistical analysis was 5%. Results E/e' SR was significantly higher in the patient group compared to the control group (p=0.001). During one-month follow-up, 13.8% of patients died and 37.1% of patients were rehospitalized. Serum NT-ProBNP (p=0.034) and E/e' SR (p=0.033) were found to be independent predictors of mortality and ACEİ use (p=0.027) and apical 3C strain (p=0.011) were found to be independent predictors of rehospitalization in the patient group. Conclusion Findings of the current prospective study demonstrate that E/e' SR measured by speckle tracking echocardiography is an independent and sensitive predictor of short-term mortality in advanced HFrEF patients and may have a role in the identification of end-stage HFrEF patients.

The Prognostic Value of C-Reactive Protein/Albumin Ratio in Acute Mesenteric Ischemia.

BACKGROUND: Diagnosis of acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) in its early stages is important for reversing ischemic damage. The CRP to albumin (CRP/Alb) ratio has been defined as an inflammatory indicator and is associated with the severity of inflammation and mortality rates. However, the prognostic value of CRP/Alb has not been evaluated in patients with AMI. Here, we aimed to examine the prognostic significance of CRP/Alb and compare it with other inflammatory markers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective, case-control study, we included patients diagnosed with AMI at the emergency department between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2020. In addition to demographic characteristics, lactate, D-dimer, white blood cell (WBC), CRP/Alb, and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were recorded. Testing characteristics of CRP/Alb in predicting in-hospital mortality were studied. RESULTS: The mean age of 132 patients was 66.48 ± 15.95 years and 71 (53.8%) of them were male. The cut-off value obtained using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for in-hospital mortality was a CRP/Alb ratio of >1.32 (sensitivity, 93.65%; specificity, 69.57%; +LR, 3.08; -LR, .091; AUC, .782; 95% CI, .70-.85; P < .0001). The comparison of ROC curves between CRP/Alb and WBC, NLR, and lactate revealed a statistically significant difference (P < .05), whereas there was not any statistically significant difference between the ROC curves of CRP/Alb and D-dimer (P = .47). CONCLUSION: C-reactive protein/albumin ratio is a powerful predictor of in-hospital mortality for AMI patients. It was superior to WBC, NLR, and lactate. It could be used to determine low-risk patients and help clinicians with treatment options.

Chest compression quality during CPR of potential contagious patients wearing personal protection equipment.

AIM OF THE STUDY: In this study we aimed to investigate whether changing rescuers wearing N95 masks every 1 min instead of the standard CPR change over time of 2 min would make a difference in effective chest compressions. METHODS: This study was a randomized controlled mannequin study. Participants were selected from healthcare staff. They were divided into two groups of two people in each group. The scenario was implemented on CPR mannequin representing patient with asystolic arrest, that measured compression depth, compression rate, recoil, and correct hand position. Two different scenarios were prepared. In Scenario 1, the rescuers were asked to change chest compression after 1 min. In Scenario 2, standard CPR was applied. The participants' vital parameters, mean compression rate, correct compression rate/ratio, total number of compressions, compression depth, correct recoil/ratio, correct hand position/ratio, mean no-flow time, and total CPR time were recorded. RESULTS: The study hence included 14 teams each for scenarios, with a total of 56 participants. In each scenario, 14 participants were physicians and 14 participants were women. Although there was no difference in the first minute of the cycles starting from the fourth cycle, a statistically significant difference was observed in the second minute in all cycles except the fifth cycle. CONCLUSION: Changing the rescuer every 1 min instead of every 2 min while performing CPR with full PPE may prevent the decrease in compression quality that may occur as the resuscitation time gets longer.

Prognostic nutritional index and the risk of acute kidney injury in patients with acute coronary syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Recent studies have linked malnutrition with undesirable outcomes in cardiovascular diseases. However, the underlying mechanism is unknown. Contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) increased cardiovascular mortality after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). This study hypothesizes that prognostic nutritional index (PNI) plays a role in the development of CI-AKI in patients with acute coronary syndrome undergoing emergency PCI. METHODS: This study enrolled 551 patients. PNI was determined as 10× serum albumin (g/dL)+0.005×total lymphocyte count (mm3). CI-AKI was characterized as the increase in serum creatinine ≥0.3 mg/dL level within 48 h after PCI. Patients were classified as either CI-AKI (+) or CI-AKI (-). RESULTS: CI-AKI has occurred in 72 of 551 patients (13.1%). PNI was significantly lower in the CI-AKI (+) group than in the CI-AKI (-) group (44.4±6.6 versus 47.2±5.8, p<0.001, respectively). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that PNI [odds ratio, OR: 1.631, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.168-2.308, p=0.02] and estimated glomerular filtration rate (OR: 3.26, 95%CI 1.733-6.143, p<0.001) were independent risk factors for CI-AKI. CONCLUSIONS: PNI is an independent risk factor for CI-AKI. The development of CI-AKI may be the mechanism responsible for the relationship between poor nutritional status and adverse cardiac events.

Prognostic nutritional index and the risk of acute kidney injury in patients with acute coronary syndrome

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE Recent studies have linked malnutrition with undesirable outcomes in cardiovascular diseases. However, the underlying mechanism is unknown. Contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) increased cardiovascular mortality after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). This study hypothesizes that prognostic nutritional index (PNI) plays a role in the development of CI-AKI in patients with acute coronary syndrome undergoing emergency PCI. METHODS This study enrolled 551 patients. PNI was determined as 10× serum albumin (g/dL)+0.005×total lymphocyte count (mm3). CI-AKI was characterized as the increase in serum creatinine ≥0.3 mg/dL level within 48 h after PCI. Patients were classified as either CI-AKI (+) or CI-AKI (−). RESULTS CI-AKI has occurred in 72 of 551 patients (13.1%). PNI was significantly lower in the CI-AKI (+) group than in the CI-AKI (-) group (44.4±6.6 versus 47.2±5.8, p<0.001, respectively). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that PNI [odds ratio, OR: 1.631, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.168-2.308, p=0.02] and estimated glomerular filtration rate (OR: 3.26, 95%CI 1.733-6.143, p<0.001) were independent risk factors for CI-AKI. CONCLUSIONS PNI is an independent risk factor for CI-AKI. The development of CI-AKI may be the mechanism responsible for the relationship between poor nutritional status and adverse cardiac events.

Part of the Covid19 puzzle: Acute parkinsonism.

Parkinsonism developed owing to viruses is one of the important causes of secondary parkinsonism. After the Spanish flu pandemic, the increase in the number of parkinsonian cases in the long term has drawn attention on the relationship between viruses and parkinsonism. For this reason, the relationship between influenza and parkinsonism has been studied most. Nowadays in which we are experiencing the COVID-19 pandemic, scientists, based on the experiences gained from the Spanish flu pandemic, have drawn attention to the fact that the third wave of the pandemic might be parkinsonism. However, as we have reviewed in the literature, acute parkinsonism due to COVID-19 was not reported during this pandemic. Here, we present a case in which signs of acute parkinsonism developed on the 3rd day of the illness and neurological symptoms regressed with convalescent plasma treatment.

Jugular vein diameter: A new player in normotensive pulmonary embolism.

PURPOSE: The majority of the patients with pulmonary embolism (PE) are those with normotensive PE. Right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) and myocardial injury markers are associated with mortality although they have a low predictive impact. Here, we aim to study the performance characteristics of jugular vein diameter to predict 30-day mortality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective, observational cohort study, we included normotensive patients who were diagnosed with PE using computed tomography angiography or scintigraphy in the emergency service. The demographic characteristics, blood pressures, pulses, shock indexes, troponin and lactate levels, echocardiography findings, and internal jugular vein diameters (IJV) of the patients were recorded. Testing characteristics of IJV in predicting 30-day mortality were studied. RESULTS: The mean age of the 81 patients was 66.8±16.9 years and 37% of them were male. Age, shock index, lactate, RVD, PESI, and IJV diameters during inspiration and expiration were indicators for 30-day mortality. The cut-off value obtained using the ROC curve for mortality was an IJV-exp-AP of ≤8.9 mm (sensitivity,73.3%; specificity,92.4%; +LR,9.68; -LR,0.29; NPD,93.8%; PPD,68.7%; area under the curve, 0.76; 95% confidence interval, 0.65-0.84; p=0.004). CONCLUSION: IJV diameter is an indicator of 30-day mortality. It can be used to detect low-risk patients.

A new marker identification of high risk stroke patients: Jugular saturation.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this prospective study; to investigate in emergency patients with stroke the relationship between jugular saturation and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), lesion volume and mortality score. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective study, 82 patients who fulfilling the criteria for inclusion in diagnosed with were enrolled in the study. Patients' demographic data, comorbid conditions and stroke type were recorded. The arterial blood pressure, heart rate, and consciousness were recorded at the emergency department. Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) and National Health Institutions Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores were calculated. Complete Blood Count (CBC) and biochemical values were obtained at the time of admission to the emergency department. Arterial blood gas and jugular venous blood gas were taken and pO2, SpO2 and lactate values were recorded. Patients were grouped according to jugular desaturation (<50%). After imaging, the lesion was located by a specialist radiologist and the lesion volume was calculated. Afterwards, it was followed up by means of the hospital registry system where the patients were followed up (service, intensive care), hospitalization time and whether in-hospital mortality occurred. RESULTS: 82 patients were included in the study. Of the 82 patients, 36 (43.9%) were male and 46 (56.1%) were female. The mean age was 69.8 ±â€¯13.3. Patients were divided into two groups, jugular venous saturation <50% and ≥50%. 16 patients with J.SpO2 <50% were detected. There was no difference between the two groups in terms of age, sex, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), National Health Institutions Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, laboratory data other than hemoglobin and lesion volume (p > 0,05). In-hospital mortality occurred in 9 (13.6%) of patients with J.SpO2 ≥% 50; In the group with J.SpO2 < % 50, 6 patients (37.5%) died within the hospital and this difference was statistically significant (p < 0,05). CONCLUSION: SjVO2 measurement can be used to identify high-risk stroke patients and to direct critical interventions. However, no correlation was found between this value and lesion volume and NIHSS scale.

Relationship between the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in acute pancreatitis and the severity and systemic complications of the disease.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: In 80% of the patients, Acute pancreatitis (AP) occurs as a self-limiting disease that does not require any specific treatment; however, in 20% of the cases it occurs in its clinically severe form that may lead to local or systemic complications. The aim of this prospective study was to examine the relationship between the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and the systemic complications and severity of AP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study included 100 patients with AP. Age, sex, NLR, Ranson scores and the revised Atlanta classification of the patients were recorded. The patients were divided into two groups according to the Ranson scores as mild and severe AP. According to the Revised Atlanta classification, the patients were divided into two groups as mild and moderate+severe AP. RESULTS: According to the Ranson score, NLR at the time of admission and at the 48th hour in the severe group was found to be statistically higher than the mild AP group (p<0.01). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to determine the cut-off value of NLR at the emergency department in order for it to be used for distinguishing AP patients with and without systemic complications. The area under the ROC curve was 0.81. Sensitivity and specificity were 87.50% and 69.05%, respectively, when the NLR cut-off value was >7.13. CONCLUSION: Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio is associated with severe AP. We also regard NLR as a valuable parameter for predicting the development of systemic complications in patients with AP.

Comparative effectiveness of standard CPR vs active compression-decompression CPR with CardioPump for treatment of cardiac arrest.

BACKGROUND: Despite all of the studies conducted on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), the mortality rate of cardiac arrest patients is still high. This has led to a search for alternative methods. One of these methods is active compression-decompression CPR (ACD-CPR) performed with the CardioPump. OBJECTIVE: The differences in the restoration of spontaneous circulation; the 1-, 7-, and 30-day survival rates; and hospital discharge rates between conventional CPR and ACD-CPR performed with CardioPump were investigated. In addition, the differences between the 2 methods with respect to complications were also investigated. METHODS: Our study was a prospective, randomized medical device study with a case-control group. Cardiac arrest cases brought to our emergency medicine clinic by the 112 emergency ambulances from out of hospital and patients who had developed cardiac arrest inhospital clinics between April 2015 and September 2015 were included in our study. For randomization, standard CPR was performed on odd days of each month, and CPR using CardioPump was performed on the even days of each month. RESULTS: A total of 181 patients were included in our study. The number of patients who received conventional CPR was determined as 86 (47.5%), and the number of patients who received CPR using the CardioPump was determined as 95 (52.5%). We did not identify any difference between conventional CPR and CardioPump ACD-CPR with respect to restoration of spontaneous circulation, discharge rates, and the 1-, 7-, and 30-day survival rates. (P=.384, P=.601, P=.997, P=.483, and P=.803, respectively) The complication rate was higher in the patient group that received conventional CPR (P<.001). CONCLUSION: As a result of our study, we did not obtain any evidence supporting the replacement of conventional CPR with ACD-CPR performed using CardioPump.

Predictors of Inhospital Mortality in Geriatric Patients Presenting to the Emergency Department With Ischemic Stroke.

AIM: To determine the most important predictors of inhospital mortality that could be assessed in geriatric patients presenting with ischemic stroke at admission to the emergency department(ED). METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was carried out in geriatric patients with ischemic stroke who were diagnosed in the ED. The primary outcome measure was determined as all-cause inhospital mortality after 30 days of ischemic cerebrovascular event. RESULTS: During the study period, 247 (35.7%) patients died in the hospital and 445 (64.3%) patients survived the 30-day period. The median age of the patients was 78 (72-83). Higher National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores (odds ratio [OR]: 2.085; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.835-2.370), increased creatinine levels (OR: 2.002; 95% CI: 1.235-3.243), increased platelet levels (OR:1.006; 95% CI: 1.002-1.010), and hyperglycemia (OR: 2.610; 95% CI: 1.023-6.660) were found as independent predictors of inhospital mortality. CONCLUSION: In evaluating geriatric patients with ischemic stroke, laboratory values including platelet count, creatinine levels, hyperglycemia, and NIHSS scores should be considered to predict inhospital mortality in the ED.

Intoxication due to Papaver rhoeas (Corn Poppy): Five Case Reports.

Introduction. In this paper, we aimed to present five Papaver rhoeas intoxication cases, which is very rare in the literature. Case 1. A 35-year-old female patient was admitted to our emergency room with the complaints of nausea, restlessness, and dyspnea developing 3 hours after eating Papaver rhoeas. On physical examination, her general condition was moderate; she was conscious and the vital findings were normal. The pupils were myotic. She was transferred to the toxicology intensive care unit as she experienced a generalized tonic clonic seizure lasting for three minutes. Case 2. A 41-year-old female patient was brought to our emergency room by 112 ambulance as she had contractions in her arms and legs, unconsciousness, and foam coming from her mouth two hours after Papaver rhoeas ingestion. On physical examination, she was confused, the pupils were myotic, and she was tachycardic. Arterial blood gases analysis revealed lactic acidosis. Case 3. A 38-year-old female patient was admitted to our emergency room with complaints of nausea and vomiting two hours after ingestion of Papaver rhoeas. Her physical examination and tests were normal. Case 4. A 34-year-old male patient was admitted to our emergency room with complaints of numbness and loss of power in his arms and legs one hour after Papaver rhoeas ingestion. He was hospitalized at the toxicology intensive care unit for follow-up and treatment. Dyspnea and bradycardia developed on the follow-up. The oxygen saturation without oxygen support was 90%. ECG revealed sinus bradycardia. The cardiac enzymes did not increase. Case 5. A 42-year-old female patient was brought to our emergency room by 112 ambulance with contractions in her arms and legs and unconsciousness two hours after Papaver rhoeas ingestion. On her physical examination, she was confused and the pupils were myotic. Arterial blood gases analysis revealed lactic acidosis. Conclusion. All patients were followed up for a few days and then discharged from the hospital with recovery. Unconscious consumption of Papaver rhoeas leads to a clinical condition resembling morphine intoxication, CNS depression, and epileptic seizures.

Antiepileptic drug poisoning: Three-year experience.

INTRODUCTION: Antiepileptic drugs, which are also called anticonvulsants, are used in the therapy and prophylaxis of epileptic seizures. The purpose of this paper was to investigate the relevant epidemiological data and to determine which of these drugs was the most frequent cause of intoxication. Another purpose of this study was to determine the neurological, cardiac, and biochemical problems caused by antiepileptics. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This retrospective study included 95 consecutive patients under 18 years of age with antiepileptic intoxication, presenting to and being followed-up in, the Toxicology Unit between January 2010 and February 2013. The data were obtained by screening the patient files. RESULTS: Of the cases, 67 (70.5%) were self-poisoned by first generation antiepileptics (FGAEs) and 28 (29.5%) by second generation antiepileptics (SGAEs). The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores and the serum lactate levels of the patients poisoned by FGAEs and SGAEs on admission to emergency department were 15 (25th: 12; 75th: 15; 95th: 15; IQR: 3) and 1.9 (25th: 1.4; 75th: 3.1; 95th: 5.6; IQR: 1.7), and 15 (25th: 14.3; 75th: 15; 95th: 15; IQR: 0.75) and 1.07 (25th: 0.9; 75th: 1.6; 95th: 5.5; IQR: 0.71), respectively. The serum lactate levels of patients poisoned by FGAEs were significantly higher (p < 0.001). Among the cases poisoned by carbamazepine, the most frequent cause of intoxication, the GCS score was significantly lower and serum lactate level was significantly higher in the group with high serum levels of carbamazepine (p = 0.004 and p < 0.001, respectively). In cases poisoned by valproic acid (VPA), the second frequent cause of intoxication, there was neither a significant association between the serum VPA level and the GCS score, nor between the serum lactate level and the systolic blood pressure (p = 0.470, p = 0.897, and p = 0.088, respectively). However, there was a positive correlation between the serum VPA level and the serum ammonia level (kk = 0.742, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: First generation antiepileptics are more toxic than SGAEs. In patients with serum carbamazepine level, particularly those over 30 mg/L, serious disorders of consciousness, cardiovascular toxicity, and metabolic disorders may occur. In VPA intoxication, there is a positive correlation between the serum VPA levels and ammonia levels. On account of this finding, one should be more careful about hyperammonemic hepatic encephalopathy as the serum VPA level rises.

Prognostic importance of neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio in critically ill patients: short- and long-term outcomes.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: The number of critically ill patients admitted to the emergency department increases daily. To decrease mortality, interventions and treatments should be conducted in a timely manner. It has been found that the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is related to mortality in some disease groups, such as acute coronary syndrome and pulmonary emboli. The effect of the NLR on mortality is unknown in critically ill patients who are admitted to the emergency department. Our aim in this study is to evaluate the effect of the NLR on mortality in critically ill patients. METHODS: This study was planned as a prospective, observational cohort study. Patients who were admitted to the emergency department because they were critically ill and required the intensive care unit were included in the study. Demographic characteristics, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II), Sepsis-related Organ Failure Assessment, Glasgow Coma Score, and NLR values were recorded upon emergency department admission. The patients were followed up for sepsis, ventilator-associated pneumonia, multiorgan failure, in-hospital mortality, and 6-month mortality. RESULTS: The median (interquartile range) age of the 373 patients was 74 (190) years, and 54.4% were men. Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio values were divided into quartiles, as follows: less than 3.48, 3.48 to 6.73, 6.74-13.6, and more than 13.6. There was no difference among these 4 groups regarding demographic characteristics, APACHE II score, Sepsis-related Organ Failure Assessment score, Glasgow Coma Score, and length of hospital stay (P>.05). In the multivariable Cox regression model, in-hospital mortality and 6-month mortality NLR were hazard ratio (HR), 1.63 (1.110-2.415; P=.01) and HR, 1.58 (1.136-2.213; P=.007), respectively, and APACHE II scores were detected as independent indicators. CONCLUSION: The NLR is a simple, cheap, rapidly available, and independent indicator of short- and long-term mortalities. We suggest that the NLR can provide direction to emergency department physicians for interventions, particularly within a few hours after admission, in the critically ill patient group.

Can we use serum gamma-glutamyl transferase levels to predict early mortality in stroke?

OBJECTIVE: Serum gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) is a marker for alcohol consumption and hepatobiliary diseases. There are reports on the prognostic role of GGT in coronary artery diseases and stroke. The aim of our study was to identify the potential differences in GGT levels in different types of stroke, and to evaluate the correlation between GGT and 30-day mortality. METHOD: Patients diagnosed with stroke in emergency department between 01.01.2010 and 30.12.2012 was included in the study. Imaging techniques were used to distinguish between hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke. Ischemic strokes were further classified as either atherosclerotic/lacunar or embolic. Parameters including age, gender, vital signs (systolic and diastolic blood pressure), comorbid diseases (HT, DM, CAD, smoking and alcohol consumption), used medications, previous history of stroke, NIHSS score at the time of admission to emergency department, laboratory parameters (glucose, white blood cell count, hemoglobin, platelet, total cholesterol, creatinine) and duration of hospitalization were recorded. Death records were obtained from patients' medical records. RESULTS: One thousand eighty six patients were included in the study. GGT levels were not significantly different between ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes (p=0.435). On the other hand, GGT levels in embolic strokes were significantly higher compared to atherosclerotic/lacunar strokes (p=0.001). GGT levels [median 24.50 (16.00-43.00)] in Intensive Care Unit patients were significantly higher compared to GGT level [22.00 (15.00-34.25)] in admitted to service beds patients (p=0.015). Median GGT level of deceased patients was 24.00 (16.00-41.25) and median GGT level of alive patients was 22.00 (15.00-35.00). GGT level of deceased patients was significantly higher compared to GGT levels of alive patients (p=0.048). CONCLUSION: There was no difference in GGT levels between ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes; however, GGT levels in embolic strokes were significantly higher compared to atherosclerotic/lacunar strokes. High GGT levels are correlated with early mortality in stroke. We believe that GGT may be used as a predictor of mortality in future studies.

The experiences in a toxicology unit: a review of 623 cases.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the etiological and demographic characteristics of adult poisoning patients followed up in a toxicology unit in Konya, Turkey. METHODS: Patients (≥ 15 years old) followed up with the diagnosis of poisoning in our toxicology unit in 2011 were included in this retrospective study. The patients' medical records were investigated. Age, gender, medical history, the first medical center the patient had been admitted to, the routes and causes of poisoning, the toxins involved, the number of the pills taken, treatments, complications, the length of stay in the hospital and the outcome were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 623 patients were included in the study. The mean age of patients was 28.1 ± 15.1. Four hundred and forty-five (71.4%) of patients were female, 541 (86.9%) of them were poisoned via the oral route and 75 (12.0%) of them were poisoned by inhalation. The causes of poisoning were drugs in 408 (65.5%) patients, pesticides/insecticides in 58 (9.3%) patients and carbon monoxide in 49 (7.9%) patients. The commonly used drugs were as follows: analgesics (57.2%), antidepressants (25.4%) and gastrointestinal system drugs (15.8%). The poisonings were suicidal in 489 (78.5%) patients, accidental in 120 (19.3%) patients and overdose in 14 (2.2%) patients. The number of women was higher in the suicide group. At the end of the treatment, 604 (97.0%) of the patients were discharged and 3 (0.4%) of them died. The duration of follow-up was 39.2 ± 37.5 h. CONCLUSION: The most common causes of poisoning are drugs, pesticides/insecticides and carbon monoxide. Health and educational policies at a national level are needed in order to prevent this medicosocial problem. Furthermore, specially equipped toxicology units should be constructed for the treatment and follow-up of the poisoned patients in order to reduce the morbidity and mortality to a significant extent.

A new marker for myocardial injury in carbon monoxide poisoning: T peak-T end.

OBJECTIVES: Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning frequently affects repolarization, resulting in abnormal electrocardiography findings. The goal of this study was to examine the effect of CO poisoning on the novel transmyocardial repolarization parameters T peak-T end (Tp-e), Tp-e dispersion, and Tp-e/QT and the relationship of these parameters to myocardial injury (MI). METHODS: This prospective study included 94 patients with CO poisoning and 40 healthy controls. Participants received an electrocardiography and had their blood drawn at admission and 6 and 24 hours after admission. The QT, Tp-e, Tp-e dispersion, and the Tp-e/QT ratio were calculated. Myocardial injury was determined based on an elevation in troponin any time during the first 24 hours. The patients were divided into 2 subgroups: those with and without MI. RESULTS: T peak-T end, Tp-e dispersion, and the Tp-e/QT ratio were higher at admission than after 6 and 24 hours of hospitalization and were higher than the control group (P < .001). There was a correlation between the carboxyhemoglobin level at admission and Tp-e and Tp-e dispersion (P < .001). The MI subgroup (n = 14) had a higher Tp-e at admission than did the non-MI subgroup (n = 80) (96 [11] milliseconds vs 87 [12] milliseconds, P = .03). There were no any significant differences in the Tp-e dispersion or the Tp-e/QT ratio between the 2 MI subgroups. Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that a Tp-e cutoff value for MI of 91.5 milliseconds had a sensitivity of 72.7% and a specificity of 67.2%. CONCLUSION: Transmyocardial repolarization parameters indicative of arrhythmia were prolonged in patients with CO poisoning. T peak-T end was associated with MI.