Browsing by Author "Yesilagac, Hasan"

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Acute appendicitis during pregnancy: case series of 20 pregnant women
(2016) Arer, Ilker Murat; Alemdaroglu, Songul; Yesilagac, Hasan; Yabanoglu, Hakan; 0000-0002-1161-3369; 0000-0003-4335-6659; 0000-0002-1365-9256; 28074461; AAJ-7865-2021; AAY-2668-2021; AAI-8400-2021; AAJ-6068-2021
BACKGROUND: Acute appendicitis (AA) is the most common cause of acute abdomen during pregnancy. Most of the signs of appendicitis are also found during normal pregnancy period, however, and diagnosis of appendicitis during pregnancy remains challenging. The aim of the current study was to report our clinical experience of AA during pregnancy and investigate optimal management of this difficult situation. METHODS: Records of 20 pregnant women with diagnosis of AA who underwent appendectomy between 2005 and 2015 were included in this study. Data were collected retrospectively. Patients were evaluated according to age, signs and symptoms, gestational age, physical findings, serum white blood cell count, ultrasound (US) findings, pathology reports, surgical technique, operation time, and complications. RESULTS: Of 20 patients, 16 (80%) underwent open appendectomy and 4 (20%) underwent laparoscopic appendectomy. Mean age of patients was 29.6 +/- 5.6 years. Most common symptom was abdominal pain (95%). Six (30%) patients were in first trimester, 9 (45%) patients were in second trimester and 5 (25%) patients in were in third trimester. US findings consistent with AA were found in 12 (60%) patients. Negative appendectomy rate was 30%. Maternal complication was seen in only 1 (5%) patient. No fetal complication was observed. CONCLUSION: Accurate diagnosis and prompt surgical treatment of AA in pregnant women should be performed due to high rates of maternal and fetal complications.
Comparison of the clinical course of COVID-19 infection in sickle cell disease patients with healthcare professionals
(2021) Boga, Can; Asma, Suheyl; Leblebisatan, Goksel; Sen, Nazan; Tombak, Anil; Demiroglu, Yusuf Ziya; Yeral, Mahmut; Akin, Sule; Yesilagac, Hasan; Habesoglu, Mehmet Ali; Aribogan, Anis; Kasar, Mutlu; Korur, Asli; Ozdogu, Hakan; 0000-0002-9866-2197; 34032899; AAZ-9711-2021; AAY-2668-2021
It is highly expected that COVID-19 infection will have devastating consequences in sickle cell disease (SCD) patients due to endothelial activation and decreased tissue and organ reserve as a result of microvascular ischemia and continuous inflammation. In this study, we aimed to compare the clinical course of COVID-19 in adult SCD patients under the organ injury mitigation and clinical care improvement program (BASCARE) with healthcare professionals without significant comorbid conditions. The study was planned as a retrospective, multicenter and cross-sectional study. Thirty-nine SCD patients, ages 18 to 64 years, and 121 healthcare professionals, ages 21 to 53, were included in the study. The data were collected from the Electronic Health Recording System of PRANA, where SCD patients under the BASCARE program had been registered. The data of other patients were collected from the Electronic Hospital Data Recording System and patient files. In the SCD group, the crude incidence of COVID-19 was 9%, while in healthcare professionals at the same period was 23%. Among the symptoms, besides fever, loss of smell and taste were more prominent in the SCD group than in healthcare professionals. There was a significant difference between the two groups in terms of development of pneumonia, hospitalization, and need for intubation (43 vs 5%, P < 0.00001; 26 vs 7%, P = 0.002; and 10 vs 1%, P = 0.002, respectively). Prophylactic low molecular weight heparin and salicylate were used more in the SCD group than in healthcare professionals group (41 vs 9% and 28 vs 1%; P < 0.0001 for both). The 3-month mortality rate was demonstrated as 5% in the SCD group, while 0 in the healthcare professionals group. One patient in the SCD group became continously dependent on respiratory support. The cause of death was acute chest syndrome in the first case, hepatic necrosis and multi-organ failure in the second case. In conclusion, these observations supported the expectation that the course of COVID-19 in SCD patients will get worse. The BASCARE program applied in SCD patients could not change the poor outcome.
Etomidate Versus Ketamine Effective Use in Emergency Procedural Sedation for Pediatric Orthopedic Injuries
(2016) Disel, Nezihat Rana; Yilmaz, Hayri Levent; Sertdemir, Yasar; Yesilagac, Hasan; Avci, Akkan; 25834964; AAY-2668-2021
Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the induction and recovery times, postsedation observation durations, and adverse effects of etomidate and ketamine in pediatric patients with fractures and/or dislocations requiring closed reduction in the emergency department. Methods: Forty-four healthy children aged 7 to 18 years were included. The patients were randomly divided into 2 groups. Group 1 (24 patients) received etomidate and fentanyl, and group 2 (20 patients) received ketamine intravenously. The Ramsay Sedation Scale and American Pediatric Association discharge criteria were used to evaluate the patients. Results: There were 70 fractured bones and 3 joint dislocations. Except in 1 case (2.3%), all of the injuries were reducted successfully. The mean amount of drugs used to provide adequate sedation and analgesia were 0.25 mg/kg of etomidate and 1.30 mu g/kg of fentanyl in group 1 and 1.25 mg/kg of ketamine in group 2. Fourteen patients (31.8%) reported adverse effects, and none required hospitalization. There was no difference between the groups in the recovery times, occurrence of adverse effects, and postsedation observation durations (P > 0.05). The mean (SD) induction time for the patients in group 1 was 4.3 (1.0) minutes, whereas it was 2.2 (1.6) minutes in group 2 (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Etomidate induces effective and adequate sedation in the pediatric emergency department for painful orthopedic procedures. Ketamine, which has longer action times, might be preferred for reductions because orthopedic procedures could be lengthy.
First description of elevated high-sensitivity troponin I for pufferfish poisoning: a case report
(2021) Avci, Akkan; Cinar, Hayri; Yesiloglu, Onder; Avci, Begum Seyda; Yesilagac, Hasan; Sumbul, Hilmi Erdem; 0000-0002-1365-9256; AAJ-6068-2021
Generalist versus Abdominal Subspecialist Radiologist Interpretations of Abdominopelvic Computed Tomography Performed on Patients with Abdominal Pain and its Impact on the Therapeutic Approach
(2020) Yesilagac, Hasan; Arer, Ilker Murat; Gulalp, Betul; Yabanoglu, Hakan; Karagun, Ozlem; Karadeli, Elif; 0000-0003-0681-8375; 0000-0002-2045-2771; 0000-0002-0352-8818; 0000-0002-1365-9256; 0000-0002-1161-3369; 32322789; U-4084-2017; P-6931-2016; AAK-5399-2021; AAJ-6068-2021; AAJ-7865-2021
Introduction: Abdominal pain is one of the most common patient complaints in the emergency department (ED) and abdominopelvic computed tomography (ACT) scan plays an important role in evaluation of these patients. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the differences between interpretations by generalist radiologists and abdominal subspecialist radiologists regarding the abdominopelvic computed tomography (ACT) of patients who were admitted to the Emergency Department (ED) and to investigate its effect on the patients' therapeutic approach. Methods: The records of 16452 patients who were admitted to the emergency department with complaint of abdominal pain between January 2015 and April 2017 were reviewed, retrospectively. Out of these patients, 245 (1.5%) underwent ACT for differential diagnosis and among them, 137 (0.8%) patients had their ACT reports evaluated by generalist radiologists in 45 minutes and by abdominal subspecialist radiologist 8-12 hours later and were included in the study. Patients were divided into three groups according to the effect of ACT reports on the performed treatment. Group 1: no effect on planned treatment, group 2: minor effect on planned treatment, which did not result in a change in the treatment process and group 3: major effect on planned treatment approach, which resulted in a change in the treatment process. These changes included at least one of the two criteria: changing the indication of surgery from emergency surgery to elective surgery and/or discharge of the patient from the ED, when actually hospitalization was required. Results: Out of the 137 patients, 87 (63.5%) were male, 50 (36.5%) were female and the patients' mean age was 56 (27-93) years. There were 117 (85.4%) patients in group 1, 15 (10.9%) patients in group 2, and 5 (3.7%) patients in group 3. We determined minor inconsistency between the reports in group 2 and major inconsistency in group 3. Patients in group 3 suffered from delayed surgical intervention due to inconsistency of the CT reports resulting in prolonged hospital stay and increased morbidity. In 17 patients (four patients in Group 1 and 13 patients in Group 2) treatment plan was changed due to CT results; and while surgical treatment was planned for them prior to CT scan, they were discharged with medical treatment after that and overtreatment was prevented. Conclusion: Contribution of abdominal radiologists to evaluation of ACT images in the ED would reduce the inconsistency in ACT reports and prevent the patients from receiving insufficient treatment or overtreatment.
IgG Neutralizing Antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 Among Healthcare Workers Who Frequently Encountered Patients with COVID-19
(2022) Yesilagac, Hasan; Aliskan, Hikmet Eda; Gumus, Hatice Hale; Odemis, Ilker; Unsal, Zuhal Ekici; 0000-0003-2638-0163; 0000-0001-9071-9606; AAD-1638-2019; AAJ-2108-2021
Introduction: Since the Severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) first emerged in Wuhan, on 12 December 2019, it has spread rapidly across the world and developed into a pandemic. As healthcare workers are frequently in contact with Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) patients, they can be affected more often than the general population. In this study we aimed to investigate the SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and the IgG antibody levels among healthcare workers who frequently encountered COVID-19 patients in our hospital.Materials and Methods: In total, 182 healthcare workers were identified from database and their data was retrospectively analyzed. Participants with previous PCR positivity, pregnant, autoimmune disease history or immunosuppressive treatment history were excluded. Participants were grouped depending on their frequency of contact with COVID-19 patients (high and medium risk). All the samples were tested simultaneously for anti-SARS-CoV-2-IgG antibodies by the ELISA method. A chi-square test was used to compare categorical variables. A t-test and an ANOVA test were carried out to where appropriate.Results: Serological testing of 182 HCWs exposed to SARS-CoV-2 patients illustrated that 13.2% of them (24 out of 182) might have experienced an asymptomatic or subclinical SARS-CoV-2 infection. High risk participants, anosmia, and ageusia were statistically significant risk factors. The rate of detection of antibody positivity among doctors (p=0.030) and patients with anosmia, and ageusia (p=0.047) were found significantly higher than the others. In addition, SARS-CoV-2 antibody ratio results were found significantly higher in the groups of high risk participants (p=0.046), patients with clinical signs (p=0.008), myalgia (p=0.039), anosmia, and ageusia (p=0.025), respectively.Conclusion: Our study showed that serological testing is useful for determining asymptomatic or subclinical infections prevelance of SARS-CoV-2 among those with close contact with COVID-19 patients. Serological tests can be helpful determining the prevelance COVID-19 infection, especially among the HCWs.
Investigation on Legal Problems Encountered by Emergency Medicine Physicians in Turkey
(2015) Kayipmaz, Afsin Emre; Kavalci, Cemil; Gulalp, Betul; Kocalar, Ummu Gulsum; Giray, Tufan Akin; Yesilagac, Hasan; Ozel, Betul Akbuga; Celikel, Elif; Karagun, Ozlem; 25992872
Background Medicine is a profession that carries certain risks. One risky area of practice is the emergency department. Emergency physicians diagnose and treat a high volume of patients, and are also responsible for preparing reports for forensic cases. In this study, we aim to investigate emergency physicians' legal-administrative problems and reveal their level of understanding on forensic cases. Methods An electronic questionnaire form was prepared after the approval of an ethical committee. This form was sent to the residents, specialists and academicians of emergency medicine by e-mail. The physicians were asked to fill out the form online. All the gathered data was analyzed. Descriptive statistics were presented as frequency percentages with mean and standard deviation. Chi-square tests were used to compare the groups. Correlation between number of complaint cases and age, sex, career, institution, and duration of service in emergency department were investigated. p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results 294 physicians participated in the questionnaire. According to the questionnaire, 170 of the physicians were reported to the patient communication units due to medical malpractice. Mean number of compliant reports was 3.20 +/- 3.5. 29 of the physicians received administrative penalties. 42 of the physicians were judged in the court for medical malpractice. 1 physician was fined 5000 Turkish Liras as a result of these judgments. Conclusion We found that the number of complaint reports is negatively correlated with duration of service in emergency medicine and age. There was a significant difference between number of complaint reports and career (p<0.05). The physicians' level of awareness on forensic cases was found to be insufficient. Lack of legislation knowledge may be an important cause of complaint reports concerning emergency physicians, who have a high load of patients. Thus, we think that increasing the frequency of post-graduate education sessions and periodical reviews might be beneficial.
Relationship between Covid-19-associated pneumonia severity with coagulopathy and mortality
(2021) Avci, Begum Seyda; Kaya, Adem; Sumbul, Hilmi Erdem; Icme, Ferhat; Yesilagac, Hasan; Unal, Nevzat; Yesiloglu, Onder; Cinar, Hayri; Turunc, Tuba
Purpose: In the present study, the possibility of predicting mortality with the change in coagulation parameters depending on the severity of Covid-19-associated pneumonia was investigated. Materials and Methods: A total of 137 patients with Covid-19-associated pneumonia were included in the study. The patients were divided into three groups according to the severity of pneumonia as mild, moderate and severe. According to the severity of pneumonia, the parameters of complete blood count and the levels of biochemical parameters were compared between the groups. By examining blood parameters according to mortality, ROC analysis and regression analysis were performed to determine the net effect of these parameters on mortality. Results: As the severity of pneumonia increased, Prothrombin time (PT), International normalized ratio (INR) and Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) values were also increased, and a statistically significant difference was found between the groups in PT and INR values. PT, INR and aPTT levels were higher in cases with mortality. Mortality can be predicted with 93.5% sensitivity and 97.5% specificity. according to the >45.1 seconds(sec) cut-off value of the coagulation parameter (aPTT +PT. Conclusion: The coagulation parameter (aPTT + PT), whose level increases secondarily to the increase in Covid-19-associated pneumonia severity, provides successful results in predicting mortality, and may be a parameter that we can recommend in clinical use.
The Role of Procalcitonin in Predicting Necessity of Antivenom Administration and Clinical Severity in Snake Bites
(2022) Icme, Ferhat; Avci, Akkan; Yilmaz, Nurettin; Urfalioglu, Ahmet Burak; Avci, Begum Seyda; Yesiloglu, Onder; Tugcan, Mustafa Oguz; Sumbul, Hilmi Erdem; Yesilagac, Hasan; Sapmaz, Ekrem; 35491125
One of the most important steps for preventing deaths due to snake bites is to administer snake antivenom to the eligible patients in a swift manner. In our study, we aimed to investigate whether procalcitonin is useful for predicting the clinical severity and the necessity of antivenom therapy at the early stages in patients presenting with snake bite. A total of 78 patients over the age of 18 who applied to the emergency department within the first 24 hours were included in this retrospective cross-sectional study. Age and sex of patients, severity of snake bites, total antivenom vials administered, observation periods and outcomes were recorded. Patients were graded according to their clinical severity after the snake bite. Procalcitonin, complete blood count and biochemical parameters of the patients were recorded. According to their clinical severity, the patients' grades were as follows: 21 (26.9%) patients were grade 0; 21 patients (26.9%) were grade 1; 16 patients (20.5%) were grade 2; and 20 patients (25.6%) were grade 3. Snake antivenom was administered to 57 (73.1%) patients. There was a statistically significant difference between procalcitonin levels of patients in respect to their grade (P < 0.001). Sensitivity and specificity of procalcitonin levels of 13.45 and above were 100% and 100% respectively, both for the need of antivenom administration and for the blister formation in the patients. According to our study, we believe that elevated procalcitonin levels should alert the clinicians for possible blister formation, higher clinical severity, and increased requirement for antivenom administration.
What Can We Do to Improve Patient Satisfaction in the Emergency Department? A Prospective Study in a Turkish University Hospital
(2018) Karagun, Ozlem; Yesilagac, Hasan; Gulalp, Betul; Gokel, Yuksel; https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0681-8375; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1365-9256; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2045-2771; 31172104; U-4084-2017; AAJ-6068-2021; P-6931-2016
Introduction: In recent years, patients' satisfaction with emergency medical services provided to them has been one of the main criteria in the evaluation of the quality of these services. Objective: The goal of our study was to determine the factors that affect the satisfaction of patients admitted to the emergency department (ED) and to provide new regulations. Methods: This prospective and descriptive study included 341 patients who utilized the ED services of a university hospital between October 1, 2004, and June 30, 2005. The patients' demographic and visit characteristics, waiting times, and the total duration of stay in the ED were noted in the prepared questionnaire. In addition, all patients were asked to indicate their level of satisfaction with the care received in the ED based on a five-point Likert scale. The results were analyzed using ANOVA, chi-square, and logistic regression tests. Results: Of the 341 patients, 219 (64.2%) were satisfied with the care they had received in the ED. Factors such as doctor and nurse behavior, medical information, the frequency of doctors and nurses visits, the ease of access to personnel, the cleanliness of the ED, and the availability of technical equipment had a statistically significant effect on the overall satisfaction of the patients (p < 0.005). Conclusion: The quality of patient care provided and the features of the ED determine the patients' satisfaction with the ED services.