Turk J Med Sci
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Brucellosis is an important disease in developing countries. We aimed to determine the epidemiologic, clinical, and laboratory characteristics of brucellosis, which still has a high morbidity in Turkey. ⋯ Brucellosis has various clinical presentations. It should be included in the differential diagnosis of high fever and joint pains in endemic countries.
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Unbalanced hemostasis and disseminated intravenous coagulopathy serve as key participants in organ dysfunction and disability. In this study we evaluated the coagulation profiles of patients diagnosed with systemic inflammatory syndrome (SIRS)-sepsis and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. We also researched coagulation in sepsis by comparing thromboelastography (TEG) data with those of nonsepsis patients to determine the usefulness of the TEG device. ⋯ Hypercoagulability was observed in SIRS-sepsis patients in the ICU, as measured with TEG. We believe that TEG will be a useful tool in the evaluation of coagulation disorders developing in septic critically ill patients.
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To evaluate the prevalence of nocturia among different degrees of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and its association with various clinical conditions. ⋯ The frequency of nocturia increases as the severity of OSA increase. The increased prevalence of nocturia in patients with OSA, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and COPD indicates the complex physiological background of this bothersome urologic symptom.
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Comparative Study
A comparison of the generation of free radicals in saliva of active and passive smokers.
To reveal any correlation between cigarette smoke and malondialdehyde (MDA) values in the saliva fluid of subjects who are active smokers or nonsmoking subjects who are exposed to cigarette smoke in their environments. ⋯ It was observed that lipid peroxidation, which is an indicator used to determine oxidative stress, and MDA level, which is a product of this reactive chain, are significantly higher in individuals who are smokers. Such a high level of MDA in passive smokers indicates that smoking also affects nonsmokers negatively.
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Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a unique life-support modality offered to patients unresponsive to optimal medical therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate early experiences with ECMO support in 2 tertiary Turkish pediatric intensive care units (PICUs). ⋯ Initial experiences build the learning curve of institutions, and our early results are encouraging. Giving time to heal to the right patient at the right time is the key to success.