ISSN    : 2587-0998
E-ISSN : 2587-1404
SOUTHERN CLINICS OF ISTANBUL EURASIA - South Clin Ist Euras: 35 (3)
Volume: 35  Issue: 3 - 2024
1. Front Matter

Pages I - X

RESEARCH ARTICLE
2. Evaluation of Risk Factors for Anastomotic Leakage and Mortality Following Esophageal Cancer Surgery
Cemal Hacıalioğlu, Gizem Akcakoca, Ahmet Anar, Furkan Yağmur, Sedef Poşul, Aytaç Emre Kocaoğlu, Beril Kara Esen, Yasin Tosun, Hasan Fehmi Küçük
doi: 10.14744/scie.2024.76743  Pages 197 - 201
INTRODUCTION: Postoperative anastomotic leakage is one of the most severe complications of esophageal surgery, significantly increasing patient morbidity and mortality risk. This study aims to evaluate the impact of the anastomosis level on postoperative leakage and stricture rates in esophageal cancer surgery.
METHODS: A total of 104 patients operated on for esophageal cancer at the General Surgery Department of Istanbul Dr. Lütfi Kırdar City Hospital between January 2010 and February 2023 were included.
RESULTS: Mortality occurred in 47 patients during follow-up. Among the patients who developed mortality, the rates of McKeown operation, hand-sewn anastomosis, and lymphovascular invasion were significantly higher than in those who did not develop mortality.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Identifying risk factors and selecting the appropriate technique can reduce complication rates and improve postoperative outcomes.

3. Effects of Increased Storage Period of Erythrocyte Suspensions on Patient Outcomes in Pediatric Patient Population Undergoing Craniosynostosis Surgery
Ayten Saraçoğlu, Gamze Cabakli, Gül Çakmak, Can Kıvrak, Canan Eren, Tumay Umuroglu
doi: 10.14744/scie.2024.88609  Pages 202 - 208
INTRODUCTION: Although the blood transfusion required due to bleeding caused by the large incision area during craniosynostosis surgery is necessary to maintain the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, it carries significant risks. Our aim in this study is to determine the effect of the storage period of erythrocyte suspensions (ESs) on patient outcomes in the postoperative period in a pediatric patient group who underwent craniosynostosis surgery.
METHODS: Fifty-six patients aged 2-24 months who had undergone craniosynostosis sur-gery between 2018 and 2021 were included in our retrospective study. The patients were divided into two groups according to whether the storage time of the given ES and fresh frozen plasma (FFP) (time elapsed from the day it was received from the donor to the day it was transfused into the patients) was less or more than 10 days. Demographic data of the patients, mean arterial blood pressure, body temperature, hemoglobin (Hb), INR, platelet (plt) values, intraoperative bleeding, amount of transfusion, amount of crystalloid and colloid fluid administered, duration of operation, duration of anesthesia, complications, duration of stay in the postoperative intensive care unit (ICU), amount of transfusion given by drainage, and length of hospital stay were recorded.
RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 8.27±6.294 months. A positive correlation was found between the storage time of ESs used in the intraoperative period, ES and crystalloid amount, and postoperative drainage. A negative correlation was found between intraopera-tive FFP transfusion and the change in Hb values measured in the ICU, and between intraop-erative ES transfusion and plt values on ICU discharge (p<0.05).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Our study concluded that the shortening of the storage time of ESs and FFPs may have a positive effect on postoperative drainage. However, since it was found to have no effect on hospital and ICU stay, it is thought that larger-scale studies are needed.

4. Large Language Model and Medical Education: Evaluation of Human and Artificial Intelligence Responses to Thoracic Surgery Questions
Mesut Buz, Recep Demirhan
doi: 10.14744/scie.2024.91129  Pages 209 - 212
INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to evaluate the performance of ChatGPT-4, a large language model, in answering thoracic surgery questions compared to 5th-year medical students. The goal was to assess the potential of ChatGPT-4 as an educational tool in medical training.
METHODS: A retrospective comparative analysis was conducted involving 10 fifth-year medical students and ChatGPT-4. Each participant answered 40 multiple-choice questions related to thoracic surgery. The students’ scores were compared to the scores generated by ChatGPT-4. Statistical analysis was performed using an independent sample t-test to determine the significance of the differences in performance.
RESULTS: The students’ scores ranged from 80% to 97.5%, with an average score of 88.25% (SD=5.63). ChatGPT-4 scored 95% on the same set of questions. The t-test results indicated a statistically significant difference between the students’ scores and ChatGPT-4’s score (t=-3.98, p=0.00088).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The study demonstrated that ChatGPT-4 can provide accurate answers to thoracic surgery questions, surpassing the performance of 5th-year medical students. This indicates the potential of large language models as valuable educational tools in medical training. However, further research is needed to evaluate the model’s performance across different medical disciplines and question types.

5. Evaluation of Balance and Gait in Idiopathic Scoliosis
Tuğba Özüdoğru Çelik, Saadet Selin Koç, Elif Yalçın, Hüma Bölük Şenlikci, Nilüfer Kutay Ordu Gökkaya
doi: 10.14744/scie.2024.71354  Pages 213 - 218
INTRODUCTION: Idiopathic scoliosis (IS) is a three-dimensional deformity of the spine, defined radiographically as a lateral deviation of more than 10 degrees in the coronal plane, characterized by sagittal and transverse plane changes. Balance and walking are the most common activities of daily living. In our study, we aimed to analyze the effect of the curvature on balance and walking in IS individuals, who have a reduced risk of progression and whose curvatures are generally stable, by analyzing quantitative data.
METHODS: The study included 34 patients with IS and 34 healthy individuals. All participants were questioned about their socio-demographic and physical characteristics. Balance parameters were recorded using a multi-axis, motorized platform system called Huber 360 with built-in force sensors and handles. The participants’ gait analysis was performed using a Zebris FDM type 3 (Zebris Medical GmbH, Germany) walking platform.
RESULTS: When gait parameters were examined, step time and walking cycle duration were significantly higher in the IS group compared to the control group (p=0.007 and p=0.008, respectively). On the contrary, right-foot loading response and walking speed of the control group were significantly higher than the scoliosis group (p=0.006 and p=0.0003, respectively). Stability speed with eyes closed was significantly higher in the IS group compared to controls (14.55±3.5 mm/s and 12.6±4.6 mm/s, respectively, p=0.012). No significant differences were observed between the groups in terms of other balance and gait characteristics.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: This study revealed that balance and gait were affected in patients with IS, and individuals with scoliosis had poor balance and walking skills compared to healthy individuals. Therefore, in scoliosis rehabilitation, balance and walking problems that may be caused by spinal curvatures should definitely be taken into consideration.

6. Perioperative and 90-day Clinical and Radiological Results of Endovascular Treatment of Symptomatic Basilar Artery Stenosis
Ayşenur Önalan, Erdem Gürkaş
doi: 10.14744/scie.2024.67878  Pages 219 - 223
INTRODUCTION: The aim of our study is to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of basilar artery stenosis cases in which we applied endovascular treatment due to recurrent stroke under optimal medical management.
METHODS: Patients with severe basilar artery stenosis (70-99%) due to atherosclerosis, who had transient ischemic attack or ischemic stroke despite optimal medical management, and who underwent endovascular treatment were retrospectively examined. The primary out-comes were ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke within 90 days after stent deployment and death related to the endovascular procedure during hospitalization. Secondary outcomes were suc-cessful revascularization (residual stenosis <30%) and procedure-related complications.
RESULTS: The median age of the 19 patients included in the study was 65 years (IQR, 53-68.5), and 74% were male. The most common area of stenosis was the proximal third of the basilar artery (63%), followed by the middle third (37%). According to the Mori classification, the most common lesion type was MORI A (53%), followed by MORI B (42%). While the stenosis rate before endovascular treatment was 85% (IQR, 80-90%), the median residual stenosis rate after successful stenting was 16% (IQR, 11-20). Treatment was successful in 18 of 19 patients (95%), and only 1 patient died due to basilar artery perforation during the procedure. The mortality rate was 5% (1/19). Asymptomatic stent restenosis was observed in one patient who underwent balloon angioplasty. During this period, no recurrent ischemic stroke was observed in any patient. The 3rd month mRS score was 1 (IQR, 0-1.5).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The endovascular treatment of basilar artery stenosis appears to be safe and effective in experienced centers, despite the potential risk of perioperative complications. Randomized controlled trials are necessary to validate the efficacy and safety outcomes of balloon angioplasty and stenting.

7. A Study of The Spinal Muscular Atrophy Cohorts in The Eastern Anatolia Region of Türkiye
Oğuzhan Yaralı, Ozge Beyza Gündoğdu Öğütlü, Serdar Sarıtaş, Mustafa Can Güler, Filiz Keskin
doi: 10.14744/scie.2024.82542  Pages 224 - 229
INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this research is to carry out a genetic cohort study of SMA patients in the Eastern Anatolia region of Turkey, investigating the genetic causes of the illness, specifically the impact of the number of SMN1 and SMN2 gene alleles on the course of the disease.
METHODS: The Erzurum Medical Faculty of Health Sciences at Erzurum City Hospital gave ethical approval for the study to be conducted. A total of 348 patients with an initial diagnosis of SMA underwent genetic testing. Using the PCR-RFLP approach, deletions of exons 7 and 8 in the SMN1 and SMN2 genes were examined.
RESULTS: In examining the allele counts in the exon 7 and exon 8 regions of the SMN1 and SMN2 genes, 41 patients were found to have no copies of the SMN1 gene (0 alleles), while 112 people were identified as possible carriers. Analysis of the SMN2 gene’s allele distribution revealed a substantial relationship between the number of alleles and the clinical severity of the disease.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The number of alleles in the SMN1 and SMN2 genes influences the course of the disease, as demonstrated by the genetic cohort analysis of SMA patients in the Eastern Anatolia region of Turkey presented in this paper. The findings indicate that sex does not influence the frequency of the disease or carrier status, offering significant new insights into the genetic diagnosis and treatment of SMA. The study also emphasizes the importance of establishing local genetic screening programs and counseling services to facilitate early diagnosis and treatment.

8. Analysis of Pancreatitis Severity Scores and hospitalization length of Diabetic and Non-diabetic Patients with Nonbiliary Acute Pancreatitis
Meryem Dumlu, Banu Boyuk, Tunahan Refik Dumlu, Hande Erman
doi: 10.14744/scie.2024.52243  Pages 230 - 237
INTRODUCTION: Many studies have compared scoring systems in the course of acute pancreatitis (AP), but comparative analyses of scoring systems in patients with diabetes are limited. In our study, we aimed to compare patients using more than one scoring system and also to investigate whether there was a scoring system that could be preferred in predicting the length of hospital stay (LOS) in individuals with diabetes.
METHODS: Mild and moderate-severe acute pancreatitis patients who were followed up with AP in the internal medicine clinic were evaluated retrospectively. The diagnosis of AP was confirmed in accordance with the revised Atlanta criteria. AP with mild and moderate severity was the inclusion criteria. Patients with severe pancreatitis were excluded. Patients with and without diabetes were analyzed according to demographic characteristics, laboratory and imaging findings in two groups. Ranson, Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS), Bedside Index of Severity in Acute Pancreatitis (BISAP), Modified Glasgow II Scoring (IMRIE), Harmless Acute Pancreatitis Score (HAPS), Balthazar, and Computed Tomography Severity Index (CTSI) scores were calculated on admission.
RESULTS: AP patients with diabetes had higher serum triglyceride, leukocyte, CRP, and pro-calcitonin levels (p<0.05). Serum amylase levels were slightly higher in non-diabetic patients (p<0.05). The presence of diabetes was positively correlated with Ranson on admission, SIRS, and Imrie scores (p<0.05; r=0.437; r=0.274; r=0.317). Among severity scores, only the CTSI score was significantly higher in patients with >7 days LOS (p<0.004). In addition, while there was no difference in LOS according to the presence of DM (p=0.840), mean HbA1c values were higher in patients with longer LOS (p=0.037). As a result of regression analysis, male gender and higher CTSI scores were related to increased LOS (OR=0.266, p=0.037 vs OR=1.579, p=0.022).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Among the scoring systems, IMRIE, SIRS, and Ranson scores were higher in mild-moderate AP patients with diabetes compared to non-diabetic patients. In addition, male gender and higher CTSI scores were associated with increased LOS in this specific patient group.

9. Retrorectal Tumor Surgery: Single Center Study
Mehmet Karahan, Cemal Hacıalioğlu, Selçuk Kaya, Osman Akdoğan, Önder Altın, Gökalp Okut, Hasan Fehmi Küçük
doi: 10.14744/scie.2024.02703  Pages 238 - 242
INTRODUCTION: Retrorectal or presacral tumors are rare,diagnostically challenging,and pathologically heterogeneous tumors.The exact incidence of these tumors is unknown, but it is estimated that tertiary care centers see 1-6 cases per year.The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical and surgical outcomes of patients diagnosed with retrorectal tumors and treated surgically at our hospital.
METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 23 patients diagnosed with retrorectal tumors and treated surgically at the General Surgery Clinic of our hospital between 2012 and 2022.Ethical approval was obtained for the study, and demographic data, presenting symptoms, radiological imaging methods, surgical details,and postoperative outcomes were recorded.All patients underwent preoperative radiological evaluation, and the surgical approach was determined based on the tumor’s location.
RESULTS: Between 2012 and 2022, 23 patients underwent RRT surgery.Of these patients, 20 (87.0%) were female, with a mean age of 45.2±12.2 (24-65) years.Twelve patients (52.2%) presented with coccygeal pain.On physical examination, a mass
image was palpated in the rectal examination of three patients (13.1%) and in the vaginal examination of three patients (13.1%). Preoperative radiological examination was performed on all patients; one patient underwent
only CT, 12 patients underwent only MRI, and 10 patients underwent both CT and MRI.RRTs were reported as solid in nine patients (39.1%), cystic in ten patients (43.5%), and
heterogeneous in four patients (17.4%). Fifteen patients underwent colonoscopy.
Colonoscopy revealed external compression findings in two patients, and polyps were
detected in three patients and histopathologically benign after polypectomy.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Retrorectal tumors are rare lesions requiring surgical treatment.Surgical interventions performed in experienced centers have shown successful outcomes and low recurrence rates.The management and surgical treatment of these tumors involve evaluating the tumor’s
imaging findings and location, leading to successful outcomes.This study provides a comprehensive approach to the surgical treatment of retrorectal tumors,emphasizing the importance of appropriate surgical strategies and complication management.

CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH
10. Three-Dimensional Computed Tomography Measurements of Pedicle Diameters and Angles for the Safety of Posterior Cervical Spinal Instrumentation
Ali Börekci, Tufan Hiçdönmez
doi: 10.14744/scie.2024.46690  Pages 243 - 247
Objective: The cervical pedicle screw fixation technique ensures rigid stabilization by offering superior correction capability for the restoration of the sagittal alignment of the cervical spine. Given the technical complexity of this procedure and its proximity to critical neurovascular structures, it is imperative for surgeons to thoroughly assess the patient’s anatomy before undertaking pedicle instrumentation in the lower cervical spine. This comprehensive evaluation is crucial for minimizing risks and ensuring optimal surgical outcomes.
Methods: In the present study, the widths, heights, transverse angles, and maximum lengths of pedicle screws of the vertebral pedicles between C3 and C7 in posterior cervical spinal instrumentation were bilaterally evaluated in 50 adult patients using preoperative four-way direct radiographs, thin-section computed tomography (CT) scans, and 3-dimensional CT (3D-CT) images.
Results: The results revealed that pedicle height, pedicle width, and maximum screw length increased gradually as we descended caudally from the C3 vertebra to the C7 vertebra, whereas the transverse pedicle angle increased between C3 and C5 and decreased between C5 and C7. The mean maximum screw length varied between 29.7 mm and 33.1 mm.
Conclusion: The findings of this study emphasize the importance of the widths, heights, transverse angles, and maximum lengths of pedicle screws for their appropriate placement into the pedicle in surgical procedures.

RESEARCH ARTICLE
11. What Is the Ideal Risk Scoring System for Acute Variceal Bleeding in Cirrhotic Patients?
Yavuz Çağır, Muhammed Bahaddin Durak, Cem Simsek, Ilhami Yuksel
doi: 10.14744/scie.2024.59751  Pages 248 - 252
INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to evaluate the predictive capacities of three risk scoring systems, Child-Turcotte-Pugh score (CTP), MELD score (Model for End-Stage Liver Disease), and AIMS65 score, in anticipating 3-month rebleeding and mortality in cirrhotic patients presenting with acute variceal bleeding (AVB).
METHODS: At the time of initial presentation, we prospectively collected patients’ medical histories, vital signs, laboratory results, endoscopic findings, and interventions. Clinical out-comes were defined as 3-month rebleeding and mortality.
RESULTS: Among the three scoring systems, the CTP and MELD scores demonstrated comparable abilities to predict 3-month rebleeding, both statistically superior to the AIMS65 score (AUC: 0.676, 0.665, 0.558, respectively). The predictive capacities of the three scoring systems (CTP, MELD, AIMS65) for 3-month mortality were similar and demonstrated high accuracy (AUC: 0.861, 0.753, 0.769, respectively). In the high-risk patient group, the MELD scores showed significant sensitivity (87.5%).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The three scoring systems, which are easy to calculate, may be useful in predicting rebleeding and mortality, with the CTP score being particularly beneficial.

12. Prognostic Nutritional Index and Systemic Immune Inflamatory Index: Can They Predict Mortality in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients?
Serap Yadigar, Pınar Özdemir, Murat Tuğcu, Erman Özdemir, Serkan Feyyaz Yalın, Meral Meşe, Ebru Asicioglu, Ergün Parmaksız
doi: 10.14744/scie.2024.29964  Pages 253 - 261
INTRODUCTION: Nutritional evaluation in peritoneal dialysis patients, one of the replacement treatment methods in chronic renal failure, is becoming increasingly important in terms of mortality and morbidity. The Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI) and Immune-Inflammation Index (SII) are new inflammatory indexes that have been shown to have prognostic value in many diseases. In our study, we investigated the relationship between high SII scores, low PNI scores, and mortality in PD patients.
METHODS: PNI and SII scores were calculated in 84 patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis. Patients with low PNI scores and high SII scores were divided into groups. These indices were examined in terms of their prediction of mortality and morbidity in peritoneal dialysis patients.
RESULTS: The mortality rate in the low PNI group was higher than in the high PNI score group (p=0.04). There was a difference between the groups in terms of mortality KT/v values in the low SII group (p=0.008). In the SII group, this value was higher in the high SII group, and there was a statistically significant difference in PTH values between the two groups (p=0.024).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: In our study, overall mortality was found to be higher in the low PNI group. This supports the consideration of the PNI score in the evaluation of nutritional status in peritoneal dialysis patients. As expected, we did not find a relationship with increased mortality in patients with high SII scores, probably because our number of patients was small. However, these patients have lower dialysis adequacy rates and worse bone mineral metabolism control, and renal residual urine output was lower. These three parameters are known to contribute to mortality in PD patients.

13. Bibliometric Analysis of Chronic Lateral Ankle Instability Research: Mapping the Landscape of Influential Publications
Lercan Aslan, Cemil Cihad Gedik, Batuhan Yürük, Bedri Karaismailoglu
doi: 10.14744/scie.2024.82584  Pages 262 - 268
INTRODUCTION: We aimed to conduct a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of the top 100 most-cited publications in the field of Chronic Lateral Ankle Instability (CLAI). We sought to identify key research themes, trends, and the collaborative network among scholars, institutions, and countries within the CLAI domain, and to offer insights into the evolution of CLAI research and its impact on clinical practice and patient care in the context of evidence-based medicine.
METHODS: We conducted a bibliometric analysis of the 100 most-cited articles on CLAI using the Web of Science database up to the end of 2023. The mean citation count and citation density were calculated. Additionally, we classified studies by evidence level, design, and subject matter, and investigated correlations with citation metrics, including evidence level, publication decade, and journal title. Additional analyses examined the influence of author specialty, inter-institutional collaborations, and quantitative aspects such as the number of authors, institutions, page count, and references on citation numbers.
RESULTS: The analysis of the top 100 cited articles on CLAI revealed a maximum citation count of 1,074 and an average of 166.15±127.05 across articles, with citation density ranging from 2.50 to 60.60. The research was predominantly from the United States (52 studies), involved an average of 4.42±4.32 authors per article, and spanned 2 to 18 pages with 10 to 260 references. The University of North Carolina emerged as a leading institution with eight articles, and Hertel was noted as a key contributor with contributions to 15 papers.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: This bibliometric analysis on CLAI underscores the evolving interest in recent studies, particularly from 2011-2020, and highlights the importance of multicenter research and the need for higher-level evidence. It reveals the United States, Sweden, and the United Kingdom as key contributors, suggesting a potential for global collaboration.

14. Association Between Endometrial Pathologies and Triglyceride Glucose Index & Body Shape Index: Retrospective Cohort Study
Serap Topkara Sucu, Tuğba Kolomuç Gayretli, Selver Özge Şefik, Eyüp Gokhan Turmuş, Candost Hanedan, Caganay Soysal
doi: 10.14744/scie.2024.06936  Pages 269 - 275
INTRODUCTION: We aimed to investigate the association between the triglyceride glucose index and body shape index in predicting premalignant-malignant endometrial pathologies.
METHODS: The results of patients who presented to the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics at our hospital due to abnormal uterine bleeding and underwent endometrial biopsy were reviewed. We formed two groups: benign pathologies and premalignant-malignant pathologies. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the relation-ship between the triglyceride glucose index, body shape index, and premalignant-malignant endometrial pathology. The study is a retrospective cohort study.
RESULTS: There were 579 patients whose fasting blood glucose and fasting triglycerides were measured before endometrial biopsy. After applying exclusion criteria, 330 patients (age: 43-56 years) were included in the study. Significant differences were observed between the groups in terms of age, weight, waist circumference, BMI, and body shape index Z scores (p<0.05). Triglyceride glucose index, anthropometric measurements, and waist circumference had the highest AUC. Regression analysis showed that a one-unit increase in the triglyceride glucose index value increased the probability of the patient having premalignant-malignant pathology by 164 times.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Consequently, obesity increases the likelihood of endometrial pathology. Therefore, it is recommended to assess the triglyceride glucose index and body shape index Z scores in patients with abnormal uterine bleeding. Both of these methods are simple and cost-effective to calculate. It is important to inform patients about the risks identified in these calculations and to provide preventive advice.

15. Iron Levels and Dysfunctional Adipose Index in Women
Osman Erinç, Almila Şenat, Türker Demirtakan, Soner Yeşilyurt
doi: 10.14744/scie.2024.04764  Pages 276 - 280
INTRODUCTION: The intricate connection between serum iron levels, adipose tissue, and metabolic parameters has been the subject of many clinical studies. In this direction, the aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the Dysfunctional Adiposity Index (DAI) and serum iron status.
METHODS: This single-center retrospective study included 32 women with iron deficiency (ID) as a patient group and 45 women without ID as a control group. The individuals’ demographic data, laboratory tests, height, weight, and waist circumference (WC) measurements were obtained from our hospital’s records. DAI was calculated by the following formula: [WC/[24.02 + [2.37 * Body Mass Index (BMI)]] * [triglyceride (mmol/L) / 1.32] * [1.43 / high-density lipoprotein (mmol/L)]].
RESULTS: We found statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of hemoglobin values and iron parameters, such as ferritin, total iron-binding capacity, and transferrin saturation (p<0.001). While there was a statistically significant difference in waist circumference between the groups (p<0.001), the other DAI components did not differ. We also detected a negative correlation among DAI and serum iron, ferritin levels, and transferrin saturation (r=-0.321, p=0.004; r=-0.416, p<0.001; r=0.359, p=0.001, respectively).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: This study tries to add information to the current literature on the interaction between serum iron parameters and DAI as a metabolic risk marker. The results of our study emphasize the close relationship between iron deficiency and increased waist circumference, which are very common and constitute global health problems, and underline the importance of the interaction of these two entities in clinical evaluation. However, the contradictory results of the existing literature highlight the complexity of this relationship, pointing to the need for larger, well-designed prospective studies to provide a more detailed understanding of the role of serum iron parameters, especially among individuals with high waist circumference and DAI levels.

CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH
16. Comparison of Fully Threaded Cannulated Screw, Half Threaded Cannulated Screw, and Tension-Band Wiring in the Fixation of Herscovici Type C Medial Malleolus Fractures: A Retrospective Clinical Study
Suat Batar, Muhammed Enes Karataş, Furkan Başak, Mehmet Mete Oruç, Bahattin Kemah, Serdar Kamil Çepni
doi: 10.14744/scie.2024.26234  Pages 281 - 287
Objective: Surgical treatment is often preferred for medial malleolus fractures to achieve anatomic reduction and enable early mobilization. This study aims to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of fixing Herscovici Type C medial malleolus fractures using tension-band wiring (TBW) and half and fully threaded cannulated screws.
Methods: This retrospective study included patients aged 18 to 65 who underwent surgery for isolated medial malleolus fractures between January 2012 and December 2022. Exclusion criteria were a follow-up period of less than one year, fractures other than Herscovici Type C, open fractures, use of other implants, or loss to follow-up. Radiological evaluations were conducted using preoperative anterior-posterior, lateral, and mortise radiographs, along with computed tomography scans. The talocrural angle, corner angle, and alignment between the talus and tibial plafond were assessed. Clinical outcomes were measured using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot Scale. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software.
Results: A total of 178 patients were included: 55 (30.9%) underwent TBW fixation, 60 (33.7%) had half-threaded cannulated screw fixation, and 63 (35.4%) received fully threaded cannulated screw fixation. The mean follow-up period was 76 months, and the mean age was 32.2 years. The TBW group had a significantly longer follow-up period than the other groups (p=0.000), with no difference between the half and fully threaded screw groups. There were no differences among the groups regarding fracture side, trauma mechanism, or need for implant removal. Postoperative talocrural angles were similar across groups (p=0.530). The postoperative corner angle was significantly lower in the TBW group (mean: 63.4) compared to the half-threaded (mean: 65.8) and fully threaded (mean: 65.2) screw groups (p=0.049). AOFAS scores were significantly higher in the half-threaded screw group (mean: 89.1) compared to the TBW (mean: 84.2) and fully threaded screw groups (mean: 85.9) (p=0.02). No significant difference was found between the half-threaded and fully threaded screw groups regarding the alignment between the superior facet of the talus and the anterior tibial plafond. The TBW group had a significantly higher number of patients with misaligned joints compared to the other groups (p=0.000).
Conclusion: Radiological outcomes were better in the half and fully threaded cannulated screw fixation groups compared to the TBW fixation group. The AOFAS scores were highest in the half-threaded screw fixation group. No significant differences were found among the groups regarding complications. The study concludes that cannulated screw fixation is a safer and more effective method for treating isolated medial malleolus fractures than the TBW fixation method.

RESEARCH ARTICLE
17. The Predictive Power of Rapid Acute Physiology Score and Rapid Emergency Medicine Score in Mortality Risk of Diabetic Ketoacidosis Patients
Avni Uygar Seyhan, Rohat Ak, Yeşim Aylin Kalafat Demirdağ, Ahmet Şahin, Yunus Emre Erdoğan, Burcu Ağırbaş, Mukaddes Kübra Melemez, Şevval Deke
doi: 10.14744/scie.2024.03880  Pages 288 - 292
INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Rapid Emergency Medicine Score (REMS) and the Rapid Acute Physiology Score (RAPS) in predicting mortality among patients with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in the emergency department.
METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 111 patients diagnosed with DKA who were admitted to the emergency department of a tertiary hospital between June 1, 2021, and June 1, 2022. Inclusion criteria were patients aged 18 years and older who met the diagnostic criteria for DKA as defined by the American Diabetes Association. Data on vital signs, laboratory results, and clinical outcomes were collected. The predictive power of the REMS and RAPS scores for mortality was assessed using Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to determine the area under the curve (AUC) for each score. Descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests were used to analyze the data.
RESULTS: A total of 111 patients with DKA were included in this study. The cohort comprised 64 males (57.6%) and 47 females (42.3%), with a mean age of 51.86±20.27 years. Among the patients, 7 (6.31%) were discharged, 56 (50.45%) were admitted to the general ward, 35 (31.53%) to the intensive care unit (ICU), and 13 (11.71%) patients died. The REMS score demonstrated a higher predictive power for mortality in DKA patients, with an AUC of 0.712, compared to an AUC of 0.60 for the RAPS score.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The REMS score proved to be a more effective tool than the RAPS score in predicting mortality among DKA patients. Given its higher accuracy and reliability, the REMS score could be valuable as an early warning system in the management of DKA in emergency settings. Routine use of REMS in similar critical conditions is recommended.

18. Management of Thoracolumbar Fracture Dislocation Resulting from High Energy Trauma: Clinical Case Series
Ali Börekçi, Pinar Kuru Bektaşoğlu, Julide Hazneci, Ali Fatih Ramazanoğlu, Erhan Celikoğlu
doi: 10.14744/scie.2024.21549  Pages 293 - 297
INTRODUCTION: Thoracolumbar fracture dislocations are important cause of morbidity in patients with a history of accidents causes high energy trauma. In this type of spinal trauma, all three columns of the spine affect due to high-energy and may cause serious neurological deficits. There is two major surgical options when stabilization is indicated. Short segment and long segment stabilization options have their own advantages and disadvantages. In this brief report we will present the outcomes of our case series with thoracolumbar fracture dislocations that were managed with long segment stabilization. In our case series, neurological recovery was achieved in 4 of 6 patients to whom we applied emergency surgical treatment within 8 hours. We showed that reduction, stabilization and decompression performed with emergency surgical treatment had positive effects on the neurological recovery of patients.
METHODS:
RESULTS:
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION:

CASE REPORT
19. Lung Adenocarcinoma’s Rare Metastasis: Tongue Metastasis
Saibe Fulya Elmastaş Akkuş
doi: 10.14744/scie.2024.39269  Pages 298 - 300
When examining oral cavity tumors, the incidence of metastatic tumors is quite low. Most of these metastases occur in the mandible, with only a small portion involving soft tissues. Generally, the most common sites for metastases from lung cancer are the brain, adrenal glands, bones, and the contralateral lung, while the incidence of metastases to the tongue is reported to be approximately 0.2% to 1.6%. Patients with tongue metastases from lung cancer usually have a poor prognosis, making early diagnosis important. This case presentation aims to discuss a 62-year-old male patient with lung adenocarcinoma who presented with dysphagia and was found to have tongue metastasis. No distant metastases were detected apart from the tongue and cervical lymph node metastases. Systemic treatment was initiated for the patient diagnosed with stage 4 lung adenocarcinoma.

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