The triglyceride-glucose index as a predictive marker for coronary slow flow phenomenon

OBJECTIVE

The triglyceride-glucose index (TyG) has been proposed as a marker of insulin resistance (IR) and has shown associations with cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the TyG and the coronary slow flow phenomenon (CSFP) and explore the index's potential as a predictor of this condition.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 187 patients who underwent coronary angiography were included; of these, 91 patients were diagnosed with CSFP, and 96 patients with normal coronary flow served as a control group. The TyG was calculated using fasting triglyceride and glucose levels.

RESULTS

The results showed that the TyG was significantly higher in the CSFP group compared with the control group (p < 0.001). Additionally, the TyG exhibited a moderate positive correlation with the thrombolysis-in-myocardial-infarction frame count in coronary arteries (p < 0.001). A multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the TyG, along with gender, ejection fraction, and uric acid, remained significant predictors of CSFP (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This study's findings suggest that the TyG may serve as a useful marker for identifying individuals at risk of CSFP and provide insights into the potential role of IR in its pathophysiology.

Accidental ingestion of concentrated white vinegar in Hatay children in Turkey

White vinegar which contains high concentrations (~85 %) of acetic acid is a staple ingredient used in food preparation in many Mediterranean cuisines but in small amounts. Being corrosive, it can cause ulcerative injury to the oropharynx and oesophagus and upset the stomach with resulting nausea and vomiting. This study presents 11 cases of paediatric patients (five boys and six girls, aged between 11 and 89 months) with oesophageal strictures who drank white vinegar by accident. They all received endoscopic oesophageal dilation (with a bougie) ranging from one to 28 per patient, depending on the severity of the injury. Follow-up showed uneventful healing in eight patients, who at the time of the telephone call were able to swallow solids and liquids normally. Two patients who could not be reached by telephone were found healthy by consulting the national database (e-Nabız). Unfortunately, one patient, who was discharged without any symptoms after the first dilation, suffered massive gastrointestinal bleeding 24 hours after the dilation and died. The loss of this patient shows that ingesting white vinegar can be very dangerous in children, especially if parents delay seeking medical help. We believe that controlling the production and sales of highly concentrated white vinegar and selling it in child-proof containers can help to prevent accidental ingestions by children and tragic outcomes such as the one reported here.

Secondary blast injury: radiological characteristics of shrapnel injuries in children

PURPOSE

The aim of this study is to examine the radiological images of child victims suffering from secondary blast injuries, to reveal organ-based injury patterns and their interrelationships, and to record mortality rates that may develop due to injured systems.

METHODS

A total of 65 patients with secondary blast injury due to bomb explosion were included in the study. Injury findings due to shrapnel in radiologic images of the patients were examined. Injured systems and types of injuries were recorded.

RESULTS

The most common injuries were intra-abdominal injuries (63%) and fractures (58.5%). Lung injury was observed in 4 (9.8%) of 41 patients with intra-abdominal injury, while 37 (90.2%) did not, and this was statistically significant (p = 0.003). The most common intra-abdominal organ injury was a small bowel injury in 23 (35.4%) patients. The coexistence of small bowel injury and large bowel injury was present in 8 patients (34.8%), and it was statistically significant (p = 0.019). A total of 14 (21.5%) of the patients died. There was no significant relationship between mortality and gender (p = 319). Brain damage was present in 10 (71.4%) of the 14 (21.5%) patients who died, which was statistically significant (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Our results showed that the most common injuries were intra-abdominal injuries, damage to different organs could occur at the same time, and deaths were especially associated with brain injuries. For this reason, it should not be forgotten that CT scans will have an important place in the triage of the patient, especially in victims with shrapnel at the abdominal and cranial levels in radiography examinations.

Can Urinary KIM-1 and NGAL Predict Management Endoscopic Surgery in Acute Unilateral Obstructive Stone Disease? Results from a Prospective Cohort Study

INTRODUCTION

Kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) are the leading novel biomarkers used efficiently in acute kidney injury (AKI). The levels of these biomarkers increase especially in the early period of nephrotoxic and ischemic renal damage. In this study, we aimed to investigate the clinical importance of NGAL and KIM-1 biomarkers used in the effective evaluation of kidney functions in patients with acute unilateral obstructive stone disease (AUOSD) in the management of endoscopic surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We prospectively included patients who underwent endoscopic surgery due to AUOSD between January 2018 and December 2019. Urine KIM-1 and NGAL values of the patients were measured preoperative period, postoperative 4th h, and postoperative 7th day. The patients were evaluated according to the location and size of the stone, the degree of renal hydronephrosis, the duration of the operation, complications, and JJ stent placement.

RESULTS

The study enrolled 50 patients. Urinary KIM-1/Cr and urinary NGAL/Cr ratios were higher in postoperative 4th h than in others (p < 0.001). Also, we found that urinary KIM-1/Cr and urinary NGAL/Cr ratios with Grade 2 and higher hydronephrosis were statistically higher than Grade 0-1 hydronephrosis (p < 0.001 and p: 0.042, respectively). Additionally, a preoperative urinary KIM-1 value of 1.24 ng/mL had a sensitivity of 78% and a specificity of 63% to predict the presence of hydronephrosis. When urine KIM-1 and NGAL results were compared with surgery time, stone size and location, serum creatinine (sCr) value, and Post-Ureteroscopic Lesion Scale grade, the difference was not statistically significant. Postoperative 7th day NGAL/Cr and KIM-1/Cr ratios were statistically higher in those with JJ stents placed (p: 0.03 and p: 0.004, respectively).

CONCLUSION

KIM-1 and NGAL can be used in our assessment of renal function in patients with AUOSD, even if sCr is normal. Also, these biomarkers can predict the presence of hydronephrosis. It can be helpful in determining the time of surgical treatment, as well as providing information in the follow-up of patients with JJ stents after treatment.

Can olive oil prevent distal colon mucosal atrophy caused by disuse in rats with colostomy? An experimental animal study

AIM

This study aims to investigate the effects of pure olive oil on mucosal atrophy of the distal colon in rats. &lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Material and methods: The study included 28 male albino Wistar rats weighing 300-350 g. A total of 28 animals were randomly allocated to four groups: group 1: control group (n = 6); group 2: ostomy group (n = 6); group 3: ostomy + saline group (n = 8); group 4: ostomy + olive oil group (n = 8). By definition, group 1 did not undergo any procedure. The same surgical procedure was performed for groups 2, 3, and 4 as described below. In all animals from these groups, a two-centimeter-long mid-line incision was made and the colon was divided into 5 cm sections, measured from the distal colon to the caecum. Proximal and distal stomas were created 2 cm apart in the midline with the use of single-layer interrupted sutures. All rats were kept under close daily observation until they were terminated postoperatively after the 1st month. Animals from group 2 did not undergo any additional procedures, while those fromgroups 3 and 4 were given 2 mL of saline and olive oil twice a day, respectively. At the end of the 1st month, the rats were re-operated through the same approach. Biopsies were taken from the proximal and distal stomas of all rats in the same manner for further histopathological analysis. &lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Results: Group 1 showed no significant differences in terms of mucosal thickness, muscular thickness, wall thickness or colonic lumen diameter between the proximal and distal segments of the colon. Although there were significant differences between the proximal and distal colostomies for each parameter in groups 2, 3, and 4, the mucosal thickness, muscular thickness, wall thickness, and colonic lumen diameter differences for proximal and distal ostomies were very small in group 4 when compared to groups 2 and 3. &lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Conclusion: The administration of pure olive oil through the distal colon before colostomy closure may reduce the difference in diameter between the proximal and distal intestinal segments. As a result, a more straightforward surgical procedure may be achieved.

The histopathological effect of tissue adhesive on urethra wound healing process: An experimental animal study

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE

The present study aimed to determine the histopathological effect of Tisseel tissue adhesive on the urethral wound healing process after urethroplasty in a rat model.

STUDY DESIGN

A total of 24 animals were randomly allocated into three groups: Group 1; control group (n = 6); Group 2; suture-closure group (n = 9); and Group 3; suture + adhesive group (n = 9). In group 2, an incision 4 mm long was made on the ventral skin of the penis along the midline from the glans penis, to open the dartos muscle, corpus spongiosum, and urethra. Next, initially, the urethra alone, and then the layers up to the skin were covered in layers with 8/0 vicryl interrupted sutures. Group 3 underwent the same procedures as group 2, but after the urethra was repaired 0.1 cc of Tisseel tissue adhesive was applied over the urethra. Penile tissue samples were obtained 21 days later, and tissue samples were sent for histopathological analysis.

RESULTS

Urethral epithelial thickness and connective tissue thickness in group 3 were higher than in group 1 and group 2. Fibrosis in group 3 was higher than in group 2. The difference in inflammation between group 3 and group 2 was not significant. There was no significant difference in microvessel density between group 2 and group 3.

DISCUSSION

Both increased fibrosis and connective tissue thickness were noted in group 3 compared to group 2 and group 1. These increases may have been caused by the hemostatic effect of the Tisseel adhesive and its triggering of fibroblast growth factors. The epithelial thickness increased significantly in group 3 and group 2 compared to group 1. This increase in tissue thickness without an increased number of epithelial cells can be explained by the development of oedema.

CONCLUSION

The present study suggests that while Tisseel tissue adhesive increases connective tissue thickness and fibrosis, it does not demonstrate a prolonged inflammation or increased neovascularization in the urethral wound at 3 weeks after surgery. The data obtained in our study does not support the use of Tisseel in urethroplasty surgery. The results obtained in this study demonstrate a significantly higher formation of fibrosis (scar tissue), which underlines the importance of new studies to identify new treatments for urethral wound healing after urethra trauma or surgery.

Successful Treatment of Major Abdominal Trauma in a 9-year-old Male due to Bomb Explosion

The present case report describes a pediatric patient that sustained and survived major abdominal trauma due to an open-air explosion during the Syrian civil war. A 9-year-old male patient was brought to our hospital's paediatric emergency department after a bomb explosion that occurred 8 hours prior to presentation. The patient had a severe flap-like skin defect that extended from the below the umbilicus to the right femur. The defect was embedded with multiple stones, plastic, and soil fragments of varying size. Debridement of the anterior abdominal wall was performed, followed by exploratory laparotomy. Multiple sites of perforation of the small bowel were resected, and anastomosis was performed. Vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) was applied to the large wound area. The VAC dressing was changed every 3 days. Granulation tissue developed post-operatively after 26 days and the defect was repaired using skin grafts harvested from the patient's left leg. The patient was considered fully recovered and was discharged 34 days post-surgery. The presented case shows that despite the severity of the patient's major abdominal injuries, rapid wound debridement, exploratory laparotomy, VAC therapy and a multidisciplinary approach are crucial in preventing death and achieving a full recovery.

Innocent Children in the Syrian Civil War

INTRODUCTION

 Our aim is to present the clinical and surgical characteristics of the children affected by the Syrian civil war.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

 Medical records were reviewed retrospectively for Syrian war victims between the ages of 0 and 18 who were brought to the emergency department of the Education and Research Hospital between March 2011 and March 2019. Each patient was evaluated with respect to demographic data (gender, age), type of injury, history of operations in Syria, injured organ(s), accompanying traumas and the mortality and trauma score.

RESULTS

 The majority of our study population of 147 patients were male (108/147, 73.46%), and 39 of the total were girls (26.53%). The mean age of the patients was 9 (7.5 ± 4). The mean age of the girls was 8.5 (range: 7 months to 16 years), and the mean age of the boys was 9.2 (4 months to 17 years). Seventeen patients who had abdominal surgery in Syria were operated on again after clinical and radiological observations. A total of 83 patients were operated on in Turkey. For 66 of those patients, the operation in Turkey was their first surgery on their war injuries. Seventeen patients were operated on in Syria but needed surgery again in Turkey.

CONCLUSION

 War affects not only the battlefield, but also the neighboring countries in many aspects such as medical, social, and economic. Hollow organ injuries are the most common intraabdominal pathologies. Delayed intervention is associated with increase mortality and morbidity.

Tuba-ovarian auto-amputation caused by ovarian teratoma in an adolescent girl

Atıcı A, Yılmaz E, Karaman A, Apaydın S, Afşarlar ÇE. Tuba-ovarian auto-amputation caused by ovarian teratoma in an adolescent girl. Turk J Pediatr 2017; 59: 90-92. Ovarian auto-amputation is an extremely rare condition commonly encountered in the perinatal period. Spontaneous or secondary torsion of the ovary caused by an ovarian lesion may result in infarction and subsequent auto-amputation of the ovary. This paper demonstrates a case that underwent laparoscopic appendectomy with an incidental calcified auto-amputated right ovary. A 16-year-old adolescent girl was admitted to our department with a history of one-day abdominal pain. Physical examination of the patient revealed abdominal tenderness and rigidity on right lower quadrant. Her white blood cell count was 11x103/mL, and C-reactive protein was 69 mg/L. The patient underwent a laparoscopic appendectomy with a provisional diagnosis of acute appendicitis, and further exploration revealed a 2x2 cm white ovoid mass floating freely in the pelvis. The left ovary was clearly identified in its usual localization, but the right tuba was blindly ending without any fimbria or ovary. Postoperative course of the patient was uneventful, and she was discharged on postoperative day 2. The histopathological examination revealed a necrotic calcified ovarian teratoma. Auto-amputated ovary is a rare occasion mostly encountered during perinatal period, and it may be unilateral or bilateral. An auto-amputated ovarian mass may rarely be a teratoma although the most common cause of auto-amputation during perinatal and adolescent period is ovarian torsion due to an ovarian cyst.

Effects of urine alkalinization with sodium bicarbonate orally on lower urinary tract symptoms in female patients: a pilot study

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

In this study, we planned to explore the effects of sodium bicarbonate orally (NaHCO3) treatment on female patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) who have acidic urine pH values (<6).

METHODS

NaHCO3 was given orally to 33 female patients for 4 weeks at a dose of 2 × 4 g/day. Laboratory values, bladder diary, the Patient Perception of Bladder Condition Score (PPBC), Patient Perception of Intensity of Urgency Scale (PPIUS), Overactive Bladder-Validated 8-question Awareness tool (OAB-V8), Pelvic Pain and Urgency & Frequency Patient Symptom Scale tests (PUFSS), and the King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ) scores before and after treatment were compared.

RESULTS

A significant increase was detected in urine pH values measured after treatment (5.31 ± 0.52 to 7.2 ± 0.66, p < 0.001), but not in blood pH values (7.369 ± 0.33 to 7.384 ± 0.28, p = 0.14). After treatment, a significant decrease was detected in daily frequency, nocturia, urgency, and urge incontinence prevalence (p < 0.001,p = 0.003, p < 0.001, p = 0.002, respectively) and PPBC, PPIUS, PUFSS, and OAB-V8 symptom scores (p = 0.004, p = 0.002, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively). A significant decrease was detected in all KHQ subunit scores.

CONCLUSION

Urine alkalinization with NaHCO3 orally in female patients with LUTS and acidic urine pH has a significant level of positive effects on symptoms and symptom scores. Our results show that this new treatment modality-which is inexpensive, easy to use, and has a low side-effect profile is effective in this chronic patient group.

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome: an unusual cause of recurrent intussusception in a 7-year-old boy

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is an autosomal dominant inherited disorder characterized by intestinal hamartomatous polyps in association with mucocutaneous pigmentations. Main symptoms of PJS in childhood are abdominal pain, obstruction, intussusception, and bleeding from hamartomatous polyps. PJS carries a high risk of gastrointestinal cancer with advancing years. Although, intussusception has been reported as a well-known complication of PJS, recurrent intussusception as an alarming finding in a patient with normal gastrointestinal endoscopy is uncommon. A 7-year-old boy who had recurrent intussusception episodes and diagnosed with PJS histopathological confirmation after surgical excision of involved bowel segments is presented to discuss the clinical features and treatment options of recurrent intussusception as a presenting finding of PJS.

Factors affecting mortality in stage 3b necrotizing enterocolitis

This study aimed to determine the factors that may affect the development of mortality in patients with stage 3b necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Between January 2005 and December 2012, patients with the diagnosis of stage 3b NEC who were surgically treated were enrolled in the study. Gestational age, birth weight, presence of hypoxemia history, major congenital heart diseases, enteral feeding, age at perforation, drainage type, operation, and laboratory findings were considered regarding their possible relationship with mortality. Thirty-one patients were enrolled in this study. Following treatment, 15 patients died, while 16 patients recovered and were discharged. Feeding type, high levels of prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), creatinine, and low platelet count, as well as need of inotropic support were associated with mortality. When the cut-off point of platelet level for mortality development in stage 3b NEC was calculated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, the cut-off point for thrombocyte level was found to be 110,000/µL, with 93.3% sensitivity and 87.5% specificity. Despite the innovations in newborn intensive care, the mortality rate of stage 3b NEC remains very high. Breastfeeding has a significantly positive impact on the survival of patients with NEC. Thrombocytopenia is the most important risk factor of mortality in stage 3b NEC.