Ulus Travma Acil Cer
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In the German population, the percentage of elderly patients is increasing, and consequently there are more elderly patients among trauma cases, and particularly cases of polytrauma. The aim of this study was to present clinical results and a risk profile for geriatric polytrauma patients. ⋯ Age by itself is significant risk factor and predictor of increased mortality in polytrauma patients. Additional risk factors include very low GCS score and systolic BP <80 mm Hg, for instance, as potential clinical indicators of massive bleeding and traumatic brain injury. Such parameters demand early and rapid treatment at prehospital stage and on admission.
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Clinical diagnosis of acute appendicitis is based primarily on symptoms and physical findings. However, diagnosis of appendicitis is not always straightforward. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the diagnostic effectiveness of ultrasonography (US) in these cases in combination with white blood cell count (WBC) and C-reactive protein (CRP) level. ⋯ WBC count and CRP level were higher in patients with acute appendicitis, but these findings alone were insufficient for definitive diagnosis. US findings were effectual both in diagnosis and demonstration of severe inflammation. US should be combined with laboratory tests and used as standard initial imaging in diagnostic pathway of patients with clinically suspected appendicitis. The authors of this study believe that this diagnostic pathway will reduce negative appendectomy rate.
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Ulus Travma Acil Cer · Mar 2017
The effect of 2 different surgical methods on intracompartmental pressure value in tibial shaft fracture: An experimental study in a rabbit model.
Intracompartmental pressure (ICP) monitoring is a widely used modality, particularly after intramedullary nailing of tibial shaft fractures. It was hypothesized that ICP value in fracture fixed with Ilizarov circular fixator (ICF) might be lower than in fracture fixed with intramedullary pin (IMP). The present study is a comparison of ICP value in tibial fractures in a rabbit model fixed with ICF and IMP. ⋯ At 24th hour after fixation, ICP values measured in ICF group were lower compared with those of IMP group. These results indicate that use of ICF in tibial fractures provides additional decompression in the anterior compartment. In light of these findings, ICF may be preferable for treatment of tibial fractures with high risk for compartment syndrome.
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Ulus Travma Acil Cer · Mar 2017
Importance of diagnostic laparoscopy in the assessment of the diaphragm after left thoracoabdominal stab wound: A prospective cohort study.
Stab wounds in the left thoracoabdominal region may cause diaphragmatic injury. The aim of the present study was to determine incidence of diaphragmatic injury and role of diagnostic laparoscopy in detection of injury in patients with left thoracoabdominal stab wound. ⋯ It is important to evaluate the diaphragm in left thoracoabdominal stab injuries, and diagnostic laparoscopy is still the safest and most feasible method.
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Ulus Travma Acil Cer · Mar 2017
Can we make an early 'do not resuscitate' decision in severe burn patients?
The present study was conducted to examine topic of issuing early do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order at first diagnosis of patients with severe burn injuries in light of current law in Turkey and the medical literature. DNR requires withholding cardiopulmonary resuscitation in event of respiratory or cardiac arrest and allowing natural death to occur. It is frequently enacted for terminal cancer patients and elderly patients with irreversible neurological disorders. ⋯ At present in Turkey, it is not possible to give DNR order for patient with severe burns that are incompatible with survival due to legal interdiction. This subject should be discussed at high-level meetings with participation of doctors, legal experts, economists, and theologians.