PubMed İndeksli Açık & Kapalı Erişimli Yayınlar

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Effect of HLA on Hepatitis C Virus Clearance and Persistence in Anti-HCV-positive End-stage Renal Disease Patients
(2014) Ocal, Serkan; Selcuk, Haldun; Korkmaz, Murat; Altun, Reskan; Yildirim, Abdullah E.; Akbas, Enver; 24976281
Background/Aims: The efficacy of immune response against hepatitis C virus (HCV) is determined by human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecules of the host which present HCV antigens to CD4+ and CD8+ Tlymphocytes. In this study, we aimed to investigate the possible relationship between the frequencies of certain HLA class I-II alleles and the natural history of HCV in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Settings and Design: This is a retrospective cohort study conducted in a university hospital. Patients and Methods: The present study comprised 189 ESRD patients (candidates for renal transplantation) who had positive anti-HCV antibody test. The results concerning HCV and HLA status were gathered from patients files. The viral persistence was compared between the groups that were determined by HLA sub-typing. Statistical Analysis: Statistical evaluation was performed using Mann-Whitney U-test, Chi-square test, and Fisher's exact test. Level of error was set at 0.05 for all statistical evaluations, and P values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: We found possible association between the course of HCV infection and specific HLA alleles. HLA class I Cw*6 and HLA class II DRB*10 alleles were observed more frequently in the viral clearance group (P < 0.05). The HLA class I B*38 allele group was more prone to develop chronic hepatitis C (P < 0.01). Conclusions: These findings suggest that HLA class I Cw*6 and HLA class II DRB*10 alleles may be associated with immunological elimination of HCV in Turkish patients on hemodialysis. HLA sub-typing could help predict the prognosis of HCV infection.
Can serial monitoring of serum Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), Nitric Oxide (NO), and Angiotensin II (ANGII) levels have predictive role during Bevacizumab treatment?
(2014) Sumbul, Ahmet Taner; Disel, Umut; Sezgin, Nurzen; Sezer, Ahmet; Kose, Fatih; Besen, Ali Ayberk; Sumbul, Zehra; Abali, Huseyin; Ozyilkan, Ozgur
Background: Standard treatment of colorectal cancer includes both cytostatic chemotherapy and targeted therapies. Bevacizumab, targeting the VEGF receptor, is one of the primary targeted therapies that achieve better response rate and survival rate as compared to combination chemotherapy. To the best of our knowledge, there is no established single marker that can be used as a predictive marker in bevacizumab therapy. Material/Methods: We enrolled 24 patients with the diagnosis of metastatic colorectal cancer in our study. During the study, 2 blood samples were drawn from patients before the first cycle and after the sixth cycle of bevacizumab therapy. Serum levels of VEGF, ANG II, and NO were recorded. Results: While the change across VEGF levels was found to be a statistically significant decreasing trend (p=0.009), this decrease was not found to be correlated with treatment response and hypertension development. Additionally, no statistically significant difference was found in terms of NO and ANG II levels. Conclusions: This study showed a significant decrease in serum VEGF, but failed to show a significant change in NO and ANG II levels during bevacizumab treatment. Although no significant correlation was found between the presence of hypertension and markers, most patients (83%) had an increase in their blood pressure. Our results suggest that dynamic monitoring of NO and ANG II, along with VEGF, may not be useful as predictive markers for bevacizumab treatment in colorectal cancer.
Analysis and injury paterns of walnut tree falls in central anatolia of turkey
(2014) Ersoy, Suleyman; Sonmez, Bedriye Muge; Yilmaz, Fevzi; Kavalci, Cemil; Ozturk, Derya; Altinbilek, Ertugrul; Alagoz, Fatih; Cesur, Fatma; Yildirim, Ali Erdem; Uckun, Ozhan Merzuk; Akin, Tezcan
Introduction: Falls are the second most common cause of injury-associated mortality worldwide. This study aimed to analysis the injuries caused by falls from walnut tree and assess their mortality and morbidity risk. Methods: This is a retrospective hospital-based study of patients presenting to emergency department (ED) of Ahi Evran Univercity between September and October 2012. For each casualty, we computed the ISS (defined as the sum of the squares of the highest Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) score in each of the three most severely injured body regions). Severe injury was defined as ISS >= 16. The duration of hospital stay and final outcome were recorded. Statistical comparisons were carried out with Chi-Square test for categorical data and non-parametric spearman correlation tests were used to test the association between variables. A p value less than 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: Fifty-four patients admitted to our emergency department with fall from walnut tree. Fifty (92.6%) patients were male. The mean age was 48 +/- 14 years. Spinal region (44.4%) and particularly lumbar area (25.9%) sustained the most of the injuries among all body parts. Wedge compression fractures ranked first among all spinal injuries. Extremities injuries were the second most common injury. None of the patients died. Morbidity rate was 9.25%. Conclussion: Falls from walnut trees are a significant health problem. Preventive measures including education of farmers and agricultural workers and using mechanized methods for harvesting walnut will lead to a dramatic decrease in mortality and morbidity caused by falls from walnut trees.
TREATMENT PATTERNS AND QUALITY OF LIFE OF PATIENTS WITH NON-VALVULAR ATRIAL FIBRILLATION: AN EXPERIENCE OF A TERTIARY HEALTH CARE CENTERS (TREQ-AF STUDY)
(2014) Ozin, B.; Aytemir, K.; Arslan, O.; Ozcan, T.; Kanadasi, M.; Demir, M.; Gokce, M.; Sucu, M. M.; Ozdemir, M.; Yiğit, Z.; Yavuzkir, M.F.; Oto, A.; 27201487
Endovascular treatment of an iliac artery rupture caused by invasive Salmonella spondylodiscitis
(2014) Kursun, Ebru; Turunc, Tuba; Ozkan, Ugur; Demiroglu, Yusuf Ziya; 25230272
The rate of non-typhoid Salmonella infections has increased remarkably in recent years. Endovascular system infection is one of the most serious forms of extraintestinal Salmonella infection. The abdominal aorta is frequently involved, while bone and joint involvement are rarely seen. We present a rare case of successful endovascular treatment of a left iliac artery rupture and pseudoaneurysm both occurring due to the direct invasion of lumbar spondylodiscitis caused by Salmonella typhimurium.
Timing of noninvasive ventilation failure: causes, risk factors, and potential remedies
(2014) Ozyilmaz, Ezgi; Ugurlu, Aylin Ozsancak; Nava, Stefano
Background: Identifying the predictors of noninvasive ventilation (NIV) failure has attracted significant interest because of the strong link between failure and poor outcomes. However, very little attention has been paid to the timing of the failure. This narrative review focuses on the causes of NIV failure and risk factors and potential remedies for NIV failure, based on the timing factor. Results: The possible causes of immediate failure (within minutes to <1 h) are a weak cough reflex, excessive secretions, hypercapnic encephalopathy, intolerance, agitation, and patient-ventilator asynchrony. The major potential interventions include chest physiotherapeutic techniques, early fiberoptic bronchoscopy, changing ventilator settings, and judicious sedation. The risk factors for early failure (within 1 to 48 h) may differ for hypercapnic and hypoxemic respiratory failure. However, most cases of early failure are due to poor arterial blood gas (ABGs) and an inability to promptly correct them, increased severity of illness, and the persistence of a high respiratory rate. Despite a satisfactory initial response, late failure (48 h after NIV) can occur and may be related to sleep disturbance. Conclusions: Every clinician dealing with NIV should be aware of these risk factors and the predicted parameters of NIV failure that may change during the application of NIV. Close monitoring is required to detect early and late signs of deterioration, thereby preventing unavoidable delays in intubation.
Therapeutic Potential of Apigenin, a Plant Flavonoid, for Imatinib-Sensitive and Resistant Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Cells
(2014) Solmaz, Soner; Gokbulut, Aysun Adan; Cincin, Birsu; Ozdogu, Hakan; Boga, Can; Cakmakoglu, Bedia; Kozanoglu, Ilknur; Baran, Yusuf
Despite the presence of many therapeutic regimens like imatinib and other tyrosine kinase inhibitors, the development of resistance, intolerance, and side effects makes chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) therapy challenging. Thus, there is a need to discover novel drugs for CML patients. In this study, we attempted to assess apigenin, a common plant dietary flavonoid, in terms of its cytotoxic, apoptotic, and cytostatic effects on imatinib-sensitive and resistant Philadelphia-positive CML cells. We analyzed apigenin's effects on cell proliferation, apoptosis, caspase-3 activity, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, and cell cycle progression in K562 and K562/IMA3 cells. Furthermore, we described genes and gene networks that are modulated in CML in response to apigenin. Results of our study revealed that apigenin has cytotoxic and apoptotic effects on both cell types. We also displayed that apigenin induced G2/M arrest in K562 cells while arresting K562/IMA3 cells in S phase especially at the highest apigenin concentration. The expression analysis identified a set of genes that were regulated by apigenin in K652 and K562/IMA3 cells. Association of modulated genes with biological functional groups identified several networks affected by apigenin including cell survival, proliferation, cell death, cell cycle, and cell signalling pathways.
Gastrointestinal endoscopy in pregnancy
(2014) Savas, Nurten; 25386072
Gastrointestinal endoscopy has a major diagnostic and therapeutic role in most gastrointestinal disorders; however, limited information is available about clinical efficacy and safety in pregnant patients. The major risks of endoscopy during pregnancy include potential harm to the fetus because of hypoxia, premature labor, trauma and teratogenesis. In some cases, endoscopic procedures may be postponed until after delivery. When emergency or urgent indications are present, endoscopic procedures may be considered with some precautions. United States Food and Drug Administration category B drugs may be used in low doses. Endoscopic procedures during pregnancy may include upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy, sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, enteroscopy of the small bowel or video capsule endoscopy, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and endoscopic ultrasonography. All gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures in pregnant patients should be performed in hospitals by expert endoscopists and an obstetrician should be informed about all endoscopic procedures. The endoscopy and flexible sigmoidoscopy may be safe for the fetus and pregnant patient, and may be performed during pregnancy when strong indications are present. Colonoscopy for pregnant patients may be considered for strong indications during the second trimester. Although therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography may be considered during pregnancy, this procedure should be performed only for strong indications and attempts should be made to minimize radiation exposure. (C) 2014 Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.
Triggering drug use in patients with psoriasis: an investigative report from Turkey
(2014) Ogretmen, Zerrin; Askin, Ulku; Hiz, Meliha Merve; Cevizci, Sibel; 25395925
Introduction: The patients clinically diagnosed with psoriasis were investigated for drug use that may trigger psoriasis. Aim: To minimize the triggering drug use and help the medical treatment of psoriasis patients. Material and methods: The study involved 289 psoriatic patients who attended our clinic in 2010-2012 and were asked to bring their drug lists of the last year, which they obtained from the pharmacy's record system. They were advised not to use the drugs that may trigger psoriasis. Data analyses were performed using SPSS program version 19.0. Results: A total of 289 patients were included in the study. Two hundred and twenty-one patients were using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; 133 patients were using anti-reflux drugs; 35 patients were using antidiabetic drugs; 31 patients were using calcium-channel blockers and 24 patients were using beta-blockers. In our study group, there was no significantly difference between median PASI scores of the patients using a triggering drug and those of who are not using a triggering drug. However, there was a positive low correlation between PASI rates and numbers of drugs used (r = 0.180, p = 0.013). Conclusions: Many other factors may trigger psoriasis, therefore the effect of stopping or minimizing the drug use on disease remission is not known. Because of the high triggering drug use rate, it is important to enlighten psoriasis patients about triggering drugs.
Pneumorrhachis and Pneumocephalus with Severe Chest Pain Symptom: A Rare Complication of Epidural Steroid Injection
(2014) Ergenoglu, Pinar; Bali, Cagla; Akin, Sule; Ozyilkan, Nesrin B.; Aribogan, Anis
Plasma fetuin-A levels are reduced in patients with hypothyroidism
(2014) Bakiner, Okan; Bozkirli, Emre; Ertugrul, Derun; Sezgin, Nurzen; Ertorer, Eda
Objective: To determine plasma fetuin-A levels in hypothyroid patients before and after treatment with L-thyroxine (T-4) and to determine the relation between plasma fetuin-A levels with cardiovascular risk factors. Design: A prospective, controlled, single-blind study. Methods: Forty-four treatment-naive female patients diagnosed with hypothyroidism and 39 age-and sex-matched control subjects were enrolled. Anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, plasma TSH, fetuin-A, free T-4, LDL-cholesterol, triglyceride, C-reactive protein, fibrinogen levels, and brachial artery flow-mediated dilatation were measured. All measurements were repeated after 3 months in the control group and 3 months after the attainment of euthyroidism with (L)-T4 replacement in the hypothyroid group. Baseline data were compared between the two groups. Posttreatment plasma fetuin-A levels of hypothyroid patients were compared with baseline levels of both groups. The relationship between plasma fetuin-A, TSH levels, and other cardiovascular risk factors was evaluated. Results: Plasma fetuin-A levels were similar to 20% lower in hypothyroid female patients compared with the controls (P=0.0001). Fetuin-A levels increased by similar to 20% in hypothyroid patients after achievement of euthyroidism (P=0.0001) and were no longer different compared with controls (P=0.38). There was a negative correlation between plasma TSH and fetuin-A levels (r=-0.79; P=0.001). There was no significant correlation between plasma fetuin-A levels and cardiovascular risk factors within or between groups. The fetuin-A levels were normalized with thyroid hormone treatment. Conclusion: Plasma fetuin-A levels are reduced in female patients with hypothyroidism, which are restored to normal during restoration of euthyroidism. There was no relation with cardiovascular risk factors.
THE EFFECTS OF REFORMS, PRICE CUTS AND GLOBAL BUDGET IMPLEMENTATION ON ORIGINAL/GENERIC MEDICINE SALES WHICH HAVE ANNUAL AVERAGE HIGHEST AMOUNT OF SALES BETWEEN 2008-2013 IN TURKEY
(2014) Vural, I.M.; Vural, E.H.; Yiğit, O.; Dogan, E.; Babacan, S.; Tolun, C.; Uman, N.; Akbulat, A.; Malhan, S.; Kahveci, R.; Artiran, G.; Kerman, S.; 27201007
Does topical bevacizumab prevent postoperative recurrence after pterygium surgery with conjunctival autografting?
(2014) Karalezli, Aylin; Kucukerdonmez, Cem; Akova, Yonca A.; Koktekir, Bengu Ekinci
AIM: To assess the effect of topical bevacizumab use on postoperative pterygium recurrence in eyes who underwent pterygium excision with limbal -conjunctival autograft transplantation (LCAT). METHODS: eighty -eight eyes of 88 patients with primary pterygium were included. Pterygia were graded preoperatively from type 1 to type 3 (type 1 atrophic, type 3 inflamed) according to the inflammatory status. The eyes were preoperatively randomized to receive topical steroid and antibiotic treatment (group 1, 46 eyes) and additional topical bevacizumab (5 mg/mL; group 2, 42 eyes) in the postoperative period. All eyes underwent pterygium excision and LCAT. Medications were tapered and discontinued at one month. Postoperative complications and recurrence rates were recorded. RESULTS: The mean follow -up duration was 29.3 +/- 4.2mo (24-52mo) and 28.5 +/- 3.4 (24-48mo) in group 1 and 2, respectively (P>0.05). There were no statistically significant differences regarding the age or gender between groups (P>0.05). Also, the difference between groups with respect to pterygium type was not significant. During the follow -up period, recurrence developed in 2 eyes (4.3%) in group 1, whereas in one eye (2.4%) in group 2. No statistically significant difference between groups was found in recurrence rates (P>0.05). No re-operation for recurrence was necessary during the follow-up period in both groups. CONCLUSION: Topical bevacizumab seems to have no additonal effect on pterygium recurrence after LCAT.
Peri- and Postanalgesic Properties of Lidokain, Lornoxicam, and Nitroglycerine Combination at Intravenous Regional Anesthesia
(2014) Cakmak, Biricik Melis; Cakmak, Gokhan; Akpek, Elif; Arslan, Gulnaz; Sahin, Mehmet Sukru
Background. This study was conducted to compare and evaluate the effect of adding lornoxicam or nitroglycerine as adjuncts to lidocaine in intravenous regional anesthesia (IVRA). Methods. 60 patients were randomly separated into three groups, lidocaine group (group L), lidocaine + lornoxicamgroup (group LL), and lidocaine + lornoxicam + transdermal nitroglycerine group (group LL-N). Hemodynamic parameters, sensory and motor blocks onset, and recovery times were recorded. Analgesic consumption for tourniquet pain and postoperative period were recorded. Results. Sensory block onset times and motor block onset times were shorter in the LL-N and LL groups compared with L group. Sensory block recovery time and motor block recovery time were prolonged in the LL and LL-N groups compared with group L. The amount of fentanyl required for tourniquet pain was less in group LL and group LL-N when compared with group L. VAS scores of tourniquet pain were higher in group L compared with the other study groups. Postoperative VAS scores were higher for the first 4 hours in group L compared with the other study groups. Conclusion. The adjuvant drugs (lornoxicam or TNG) when added to lidocaine in IVRA were effective in improving the overall quality of anesthesia, reducing tourniquet pain, increasing tourniquet tolerance, and improving the postoperative analgesia.
Primary Extranodal Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma: Clinicopathological Features, Survival and Treatment Outcome in Two Cancer Centers of Southern Turkey
(2014) Mertsoylu, Huseyin; Muallaoglu, Sadik; Besen, Ayberk Ali; Erdogdu, Suleyman; Sezer, Ahmet; Sedef, Ali Murat; Kose, Fatih; Arican, Ali; Ozyilkan, Ozgur
Background: The aim of this study was to assess the epidemiological and clinicopathological characteristics of primary extranodal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (pENL) patients, focusing on treatment and survival outcome. Materials and Methods: Between October 2003 and March 2012, 802 patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) were diagnosed and treated in two different cancer centers of Southern Turkey. Results: pENL, constituted 12.4% (100/802) of all NHL studied during this period. Median age of the patients was 56 years (range 17-87 years) and the male: female distribution was 3:2. Eighty-five of 100 patients (85%) were in stage I/II, 9/100 (9%) in stage III, whereas 6/100 (6%) were in stage IV. Head and neck constituted the most common site (51/100, 51%), followed by gastrointestinal tract (GIL) (37/100, 37%), and cerebrum (CL) (5/100, 5%). Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) was the most common histological type, observed in 53% of patients, followed by marginal zone extranodal lymphoma (13%). Most of patients (76%) received a CHOP containing regimen. Complete remission (CR) were achieved in 71% of patients. The median follow-up duration of all patients was reported as 37.6 months (range, 0.8-165 months). This period was reported as 137.5 months (range, 117.5-1578.6 months) in gastrointestinal lymphoma (GIL) patients, 119.0 months (range, 91.8-146.1 months) in head and neck lymphoma (HNL) patients, and 18.4 months (range, 12.6-24.1 months) in cerebral lymphoma (CL) patients. Conclusions: Head and neck, and the gastrointestinal tract were the two most common extranodal sites observed. Histologically DLBC accounted for the majority of cases. Most patients were on earlier stages, had low-low intermediate IPI scores and had a favorable prognosis.
Simultaneous integrated boost to intraprostatic lesions using different energy levels of intensity-modulated radiotherapy and volumetric-arc therapy
(2014) Onal, C.; Sonmez, S.; Erbay, G.; Guler, O.C.; Arslan, G.
Objective: This study compared the dosimetry of volumetric-arc therapy (VMAT) and intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) with a dynamic multileaf collimator using the Monte Carlo algorithm in the treatment of prostate cancer with and without simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) at different energy levels. Methods: The data of 15 biopsy-proven prostate cancer patients were evaluated. The prescribed dose was 78 Gy to the planning target volume (PTV78) including the prostate and seminal vesicles and 86 Gy (PTV86) in 39 fractions to the intraprostatic lesion, which was delineated by MRI or MR-spectroscopy. Results: PTV dose homogeneity was better for IMRT than VMAT at all energy levels for both PTV78 and PTV86. Lower rectum doses (V-30-V-50) were significantly higher with SIB compared with PTV78 plans in both IMRT and VMAT plans at all energy levels. The bladder doses at high dose level (V-60-V-80) Were significantly higher in IMRT plans with SIB at all energy levels compared with PTV78 plans, but no significant difference was Observed in VMAT plans. VMAT plans resulted in a significant decrease in the mean monitor units (MUs) for 6,10, and 15 MV energy levels both in plans with and those without SIB. Conclusion: Dose escalation to intraprostatic lesions with 86 Gy is safe without causing Serious increase in organs at risk (OARs) doses. VMAT is advantageous in sparing OARs and requiring less MU than IMRT. Advances in knowledge: VMAT with SIB to intraprostatic lesion is a feasible method in treating prostate cancer. Additionally, no dosimetric advantage of higher energy is observed.
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE MEDICINES WHICH HAVE ANNUAL AVERAGE HIGHEST AMOUNT OF SALES OF BETWEEN YEARS 2008-2013
(2014) Akbulat, A.; Dogan, E.; Babacan, S.; Uman, N.; Tolun, C.; Vural, I. M.; Vural, E. H.; Yilmaz, Safak E.; Dasdag, M. M.; Kahveci, R.; Malhan, S.; Artiran, G.; Kerman, S.; 27201011
Thyroid volume in patients with glucose metabolism disorders
(2014) Duran, Ayse Ocak; Anil, Cuneyd; Gursoy, Alptekin; Nar, Asli; Inanc, Mevlude; Bozkurt, Oktay; Tutuncu, Neslihan Bascil; 25465604
Objective: Thyroid volume and the prevalence of thyroid nodules are higher in patients with insulin resistance. A relationship between thyroid volume and glucose metabolism disorders (GMD) has not as yet been clarified. The present retrospective study aimed to investigate the association between GMD and thyroid volume. Subjects and methods: We investigated the data of 2,630 patients who were evaluated for thyroid biopsy in our hospital. The study population included 602 patients with GMD, 554 patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and 1,474 patients with normal glucose metabolism as a control group. We obtained the levels of serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and the thyroid volumes of those patients retrospectively. Results: The median ages for the control group, GMD group and DM group were 55 (15-91) years, 60 (27-97) years, and 65 (27-91) years respectively and there was a statistically significant difference between the groups with regard to age and gender (p < 0.001). Levels of TSH were similar in all groups. The median total thyroid volumes for patients with DM and GMD were significantly higher than that of the control group [22.5 (3-202) mL, 20.2 (4-190) mL, and 19.2 (3-168) mL respectively, p <= 0.001 for all parameters]. Also the median total thyroid volume for patients with DM was significantly higher than that of the GMD group (p < 0.001). According to the correlation analysis, thyroid volume was significantly correlated with age (r = 0.92, p < 0.001) and TSH (r = 0.435, p < 0.001). Age, gender, TSH levels, GMD and DM diagnosis were independently correlated with thyroid volume. Conclusion: The thyroid gland is one of the target tissues of metabolic disorders. We reported a positive correlation between GMD/type 2 DM and thyroid volume. Further controlled, prospective, randomized studies on this subject are required to gain more information.
Inferior Vena Cava Oxygen Saturation during the First Three Postnatal Days in Preterm Newborns with and without Patent Ductus Arteriosus
(2014) Yapakci, Ece; Ecevit, Ayse; Ince, Deniz Anuk; Gokdemir, Mahmut; Tekindal, M. Agah; Gulcan, Hande; Tarcan, Aylin; 25337418
Background: Inferior vena cava (IVC) oxygen saturation as an indicator of mixed venous oxygenation may be valuable for understanding postnatal adaptations in newborn infants. It is unknown how this parameter progresses in critically ill premature infants. Aims: To investigate IVC oxygen saturation during the first three days of life in preterm infants with and without patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Study Design: Case-control study. Methods: Twenty-seven preterm infants were admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care. Preterm infants with umbilical venous catheterization were included in the study. Six umbilical venous blood gas values were obtained from each infant during the first 72 hours of life. Preterm infants in the study were divided into two groups. Haemodynamically significant PDA was diagnosed by echocardiography in 11 (41%) infants before the 72nd hour of life in the study group and ibuprofen treatment was started, whereas 16 (59%) infants who didn't have haemodynamically significant PDA were included in the control group. Results: In the entire group, the highest value of mean IVC oxygen saturation was 79.9% at the first measurement and the lowest was 64.8% at the 72nd hour. Inferior vena cava oxygen saturations were significantly different between the study and control groups. Posthoc analysis revealed that the first and 36th hour measurements made the difference (p=0.01). Conclusion: Inferior vena cava oxygen saturation was found to be significantly different between preterm infants with and without PDA. Further studies are needed to understand the effect of foetal shunts on venous oxygenation during postnatal adaptation in newborn infants.
Acute abdominal emergencies and spinal cord injury; our experiences: a retrospective clinical study
(2014) Sarifakioglu, B.; Afsar, S.I.; Yalbuzdag, S.A; Utaomer, K.; Ayas, S.; 25000951
Study design: Retrospective review of medical notes. Objective: To describe clinical, laboratory and examination findings of acute abdominal emergencies (AAE) in Turkish patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) and to examine diagnosis and management of AAE in early stages. Setting: Inpatient rehabilitation unit of tertiary research hospital. Methods: The medical records of 237 SCI patients were reviewed. The SCI patients who were recruited in the study had been diagnosed with AAE and treated medically or surgically while they were inpatients at the rehabilitation clinic. Results: Nine out of 237 SCI patients had been diagnosed with one of the AAE. Three patients were AIS A, three patients were AIS B and three patients were AIS C. The most common AAE was acute cholecystitis; three patients were diagnosed with this. The others were single cases of intra-abdominal hemorrhage, intra-abdominal abscess, tuba-ovarian abscess, subileus, Crohn's disease and cholangitis. Three of the patients were treated with surgery and six were treated medically. The most common symptoms in patients were fever, abdominal pain and abdominal discomfort (four of AAE). Three patients had abdominal tenderness and abdominal distension. The expected findings of AAE, rebound and defense, were positive only in two patients. Conclusion: Gall bladder disease is a common cause of AAE. The classic symptoms and examination findings will usually not facilitate acute abdomen diagnosis in the SCI group, so we should be aware of patients' subjective complaints and when necessary use advanced imaging techniques immediately.