Acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is a life-threatening emergency associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Current guidelines recommend endoscopy within 24 hours; however, the additional clinical benefit of very early (≤6 hours) endoscopy remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of very early endoscopy performed within the first 6 hours on clinical outcomes in patients presenting to the emergency department with UGIB, compared with procedures performed within 6–24 hours. In this retrospective observational study, adult patients admitted to a tertiary care emergency department between June 2022 and June 2024 with confirmed UGIB were included. Endoscopy performed within 6 hours was defined as early endoscopy. Patients were categorized into two groups (≤6 hours and 6–24 hours) based on timing. Demographic characteristics, clinical findings, transfusion requirements, rebleeding, and 30-day mortality were analyzed. A total of 326 patients were evaluated. Overall mortality was 8.9

BACKGROUND:Major earthquakes place a substantial and evolving burden on emergency departments, yet data on temporal changes in patient profiles, resource utilization, and outcomes remain limited. OBJECTIVE:To evaluate temporal changes in patient characteristics, diagnostic resource utilization, treatment approaches, and clinical outcomes among patients hospitalized after the February 6, 2023, earthquakes. METHODS:This retrospective observational cohort study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in the disaster region. Adult patients hospitalized via the emergency department within 7 days were included. Demographics, diagnostic resource use, treatments, early warning scores (modified early warning score [MEWS] and rapid emergency medicine score [REMS]), and mortality were analyzed. RESULTS:A total of 1050 hospitalized patients were analyzed. Trauma-related admissions accounted for 80.8%, while medical conditions comprised 19.2%. Trauma admissions were concentrated in the first 3 days (71.4%), whereas medical admissions predominated later (52.4%, p < 0.001). Medical patients were older and had higher intensive care unit admission rates (61.9%) and mortality (16.8%). Laboratory testing was performed in 98.1% of patients, x-ray in 68.1%, computed tomography in 59.0%, and magnetic resonance imaging in 2.3%. Diagnostic turnaround times were longer in trauma patients (p < 0.05). Surgical intervention was required in 55.4%, mostly within the first 3 days. Both MEWS and REMS were associated with mortality and demonstrated good discriminatory performance (area under the curve 0.87 and 0.82). CONCLUSION:Patient characteristics, resource use, and outcomes vary over time after a major earthquake. Early phases are dominated by trauma and surgical demand, whereas later phases involve medically complex patients with higher mortality risk. Early warning scores may support risk stratification; however, their role in real-time triage requires prospective validation.

This study aimed to identify laboratory parameters and clinical scores that can predict in-hospital mortality among patients aged 65 years and older who presented to the emergency department (ED) with earthquake-related trauma following the February 6 and 20, 2023 earthquakes. In this retrospective observational study, 362 patients with earthquake-related trauma between February 6–21, 2023, were included. Demographic characteristics, laboratory results, and clinical scores such as the Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS), Injury Severity Score (ISS), and Shock Index (SI) were analyzed. Of the included patients, 53.9

This study aimed to identify early predictors of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). Additionally, we examined whether admission laboratory parameters improve the prognostic performance of established severity scoring systems in patients presenting to the emergency department. A prospective observational cohort study was conducted in the ED of a tertiary care hospital between 15 September 2023 and 15 September 2024. A total of 208 adult patients diagnosed with AP were enrolled. Demographic characteristics, clinical findings, laboratory parameters, imaging results, complications, and outcomes were recorded. Variables associated with SAP were examined using univariate analysis followed by backward stepwise multivariate logistic regression. Predictive accuracy was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Of the 208 patients, 52.4% were female, and the median age was 57 years (IQR: 41-68.8). SAP occurred in 11.1% of cases. In multivariate analysis, both the BISAP score (OR: 4.398; 95% CI: 2.205-8.775; p < 0.001) and admission glucose level (OR: 1.009; 95% CI: 1.003-1.016; p = 0.007) were independent predictors of SAP. A combined model incorporating BISAP and glucose demonstrated very good discriminative performance (AUC: 0.889; 95% CI: 0.850-0.972), with 87% sensitivity and 70.3% specificity. BISAP alone also showed strong predictive ability (AUC: 0.833; 95% CI: 0.727-0.938). A glucose-enhanced BISAP model provides a practical and highly accurate early risk-stratification tool for predicting severe disease among ED patients with AP. Incorporating admission glucose into BISAP may support timelier clinical decision-making and improve early management strategies.

Background and purpose:Pregnant women diagnosed with epilepsy are in the high-risk group for maternal and neonatal complications. We aimed to analyze pregnant patients admitting to the emergency department (ED) with epileptic seizures, to investigate the treatment regimens applied during pregnancy, and to examine the effects of seizure frequency during pregnancy on neonatal outcomes. Methods:This retrospective study included 53 pregnant epilepsy patients presenting to the ED with seizures. Demographic and clinical data, medication use, outcomes, along with neonatal APGAR scores, were recorded using a standard form. Results:In the study, 32.1% of patients were hospitalized, and 41.5% discontinued their medication, with 47% of this subgroup experiencing hospitalization (p. Conclusion:This study reveals that the hospitalization rates of pregnant patients presenting to the ED with epileptic seizures are significantly affected by factors such as the type of antiepileptic drug used, medication compliance, and admission lactate levels. Additionally, irregular use of medications is associated with higher incidences of seizures during pregnancy and adverse neonatal outcomes.

BACKGROUND:Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common condition in emergency departments (EDs), often associated with significant mortality and morbidity. This study aimed to identify predictors of renal replacement therapy (RRT) requirement in patients presenting with AKI who did not meet absolute indications for RRT at ED evaluation but subsequently required RRT during follow-up. METHODS:A total of 266 patients with AKI who were assessed in the ED were enrolled in this prospective observational study and subsequently monitored in the Internal Medicine Intensive Care Unit (ICU) between October 2022 and September 2023. Patients were allocated into 2 analytically defined categories: those not requiring renal replacement therapy [RRT (-)] and those who required RRT [RRT (+)]. Laboratory and clinical data were recorded prospectively. RESULTS:During follow-up, 30.8% of the patients (n = 82) required RRT due to complications. The overall mortality rate of the study cohort was 32.3%. Regression analysis identified nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use (OR: 7.944, 95% CI: 1.583-39.871, P = .012) and elevated creatinine levels (OR: 1.321, 95% CI: 1.017-1.715, P = .037) as independent predictors of RRT requirement. Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed that the area under the curve for creatinine levels was 0.818 (95% CI: 0.761-0.874, P < .001). A creatinine cut-off value of 3.15 mg/dL was determined, with a sensitivity of 79.3% and a specificity of 70.1%. CONCLUSION:NSAID use and elevated serum creatinine at ED presentation are independent predictors of early RRT requirement in AKI patients. These factors may assist clinicians in identifying high-risk patients who may benefit from closer monitoring or earlier intervention.   Cite this article as: Akdoğanlar Aİ, Satar S, Acehan S, et al. Acute kidney injury in the emergency department: key predictors for early renal replacement therapy. Eurasian J Med. 2026, 58(2), 1272, doi: 10.5152/eurasianjmed.2026.251272.

OBJECTIVE:Glenohumeral dislocation is the most common type of shoulder dislocation and a leading cause of shoulder instability. Adequate muscle relaxation and pain control are essential for successful reduction. This study compared the effectiveness and safety of ketamine-midazolam (KM) versus ketamine-propofol (KP) for procedural sedation in anterior shoulder dislocations in the emergency department (ED). Effectiveness was evaluated using Ramsay sedation scale (RSS) scores, sedation onset, total procedure and recovery times, and reduction success. Safety was assessed by recording adverse events. METHODS:This prospective, single-blind, randomized trial included patients ≥18 years presenting to a tertiary ED with anterior shoulder dislocation. Patients were randomized into two groups: KM (ketamine plus midazolam) and KP (ketamine plus propofol). Demographic and clinical characteristics, RSS scores, procedure and recovery times, adverse events, and additional sedation requirements were recorded. RESULTS:Sixty-four patients were analyzed, 32 in each group. The overall mean RSS score was 4.5 ± 1.0, significantly higher in the KP group (P < 0.001). Adverse events were more common in the KM group, including higher rates of respiratory depression (P = 0.023) and tachycardia (P < 0.001). The mean procedure time was 5.7 ± 4.7 min, and recovery time was 36.3 ± 14.4 min, both significantly shorter in the KP group (P = 0.025 and P < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION:In the ED, the ketamine-propofol combination appears to be a safe and effective option for procedural sedation and analgesia, particularly in interventions such as shoulder reduction.

The Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) score is a simple, non-invasive index originally developed to assess liver fibrosis. Recently, it has gained attention as a potential prognostic marker in cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to evaluate whether the FIB-4 score, independent of its role in liver assessment, can predict short-term mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) undergoing coronary angiography (CAG) in the emergency department (ED). In this prospective observational study, 1017 patients diagnosed with AMI and treated with CAG between May 1, 2023, and February 29, 2024, were included. Patients were stratified into three groups based on FIB-4 score: low (< 1.45), intermediate (1.45-3.25), and high (> 3.25). Clinical and laboratory data, HEART scores, angiographic findings, in-hospital and 30-day outcomes were compared across groups. Patients with FIB-4 > 3.25 exhibited significantly higher rates of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (60.2%), hypertension (64%), diabetes mellitus (47.5%), atrial fibrillation (11%), and ventricular tachycardia (2.1%) (all p < 0.01). In-hospital mortality (14.4%), 30-day mortality (19.9%), and MACE (24.8%) were significantly elevated in this group (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis identified FIB-4 > 3.25 (OR 3.816; p = 0.001), HEART score (OR 1.161; p = 0.013), and hemoglobin (OR 0.873; p = 0.038) as independent predictors of mortality. ROC analysis revealed moderate discriminative performance for FIB-4 (AUC: 0.693) and HEART score (AUC: 0.766). Elevated FIB-4 scores are independently associated with increased short-term mortality and adverse cardiovascular outcomes in AMI patients undergoing CAG. Beyond its traditional role in liver disease, the FIB-4 score may serve as a practical, non-invasive biomarker for early cardiovascular risk stratification in patients presenting to the ED with acute myocardial infarction.

This study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of plasma biomarkers for myocardial injury and the need for hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. This prospective observational study included patients over 18 years of age who presented to a tertiary care ED with CO poisoning between December 1, 2022, and March 31, 2024. Demographic and clinical data, blood gas and hemogram parameters, and plasma biomarkers including CRP, fibrinogen, albumin, D-dimer, NT-proBNP, and creatine kinase were recorded. Hospital admission, length of stay, complications, and HBOT requirements were also assessed. A total of 82 patients were included (53.7

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate inflammatory parameters to differentiate between testicular torsion (TT) and epididymo-orchitis in patients presenting to the emergency department with acute scrotal pain. Materials and Methods: The study analyzed 241 adult patients who were presented with acute scrotal pain at a tertiary hospital's ED between January 2012 and December 2023. Results: The cohort comprised 137 patients (56.8%) with epididymo-orchitis and 104 (43.2%) with TT. Median symptom duration was 24 hours (24–48 hours) for epididymo-orchitis cases versus 6 hours (4–10 hours) for torsion cases. Laboratory analysis revealed significantly elevated mean values of monocytes, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), BUN/Albumin ratio (BAR), and Monocyte/Lymphocyte Ratio (MLR) in epididymo-orchitis patients compared to torsion cases, while hemoglobin and albumin levels were significantly lower. As a result of the cox regression analysis revealed that albumin, age and body temperature were independent predictors of the diagnosis. A significant and moderately negative correlation was found between symptom duration and albumin levels. The AUC value of albümin was 0.842 and sensitivity was 80.8% and specificity was 71.5% when the cut-off value was taken as 4.05 mg/dl in the power to predict the presence of testiculer torsion. Conclusion: Albumin level, significantly associated with symptom duration, is a valuable predictor in distinguishing testicular torsion from epididymo-orchitis in patients with acute scrotal pain.

BACKGROUND:Despite numerous studies in the trauma literature, there is no definitive indication score or model for the use of whole-body computed tomography (WBCT). OBJECTIVE:This study aims to determine clinical characteristics and assess trauma scores in predicting positive WBCT findings in emergency trauma patients. METHODS:This prospective observational study was conducted at a level I trauma center. Patients over the age of 18 who presented to the emergency department due to high-energy trauma and were indicated for WBCT were included. Demographic characteristics, injury mechanisms, vital signs, physical examination findings, and trauma scores (Injury Severity Score (ISS), Triage Revised Trauma Score (T-RTS), Circulation, Respiration, Abdomen, Motor, and Speech (CRAMS) score of the patients were recorded. RESULTS:The study included 1363 patients. 75.7% (n = 1032) of the patients were male, with a mean age of 36 years. 36.8% (n = 502) of patients had a positive (+) WBCT. Falls > 5 meters (p = 0.002) and injury to more than 2 body regions (p = 0.009) were statistically significantly associated with a higher rate of (+) WBCT in trauma patients. Patients with (+) WBCT had statistically significantly higher mean pulse rate (p = 0.001), respiratory rate (p < 0.001), and shock index (p = 0.007), while the mean oxygen saturation was lower (p < 0.001). The CRAMS score demonstrated higher predictive power than the T-RTS (AUC: 0.618; 95% CI: 0.586-0.650; p < 0.001; cutoff: 7.5) for identifying the presence of CT findings. CONCLUSIONS:In multitrauma patients, the indication for WBCT should be determined not only based on trauma mechanism but also by considering physical examination findings, vital signs, and trauma scores collectively.

Objective This study aimed to evaluate the demographic, clinical, and procedural characteristics of adult patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) due to gastrointestinal foreign body ingestion (FBI). Methods This single-center retrospective observational study included adult patients who presented with FBI to a tertiary hospital ED between January 2020 and December 2023. Demographic data, foreign body characteristics, time to presentation, interventions, and clinical outcomes were analyzed. Results A total of 198 patients were evaluated. The median age was 38.5 years (interquartile range: 28-59), and 60.1% were male. Recurrent FBI was present in 21.2% and intentional ingestion in 26.3% of cases. Special clinical conditions were observed in 32.8%, including prisoners (18.7%), psychiatric patients (10.6%), and those with esophageal strictures (4.5%). The median time from ingestion to ED presentation was 2 hours (interquartile range: 1-3); significantly longer in the nonendoscopy group (3.5 hours; P < 0.001). Foreign bodies were most commonly located in the esophagus (35.9%) and stomach (42.9%). Among foreign bodies detected in the esophagus or above, 61.1% were removed endoscopically; in contrast, 79.5% of those located in the stomach or more distal gastrointestinal tract passed spontaneously (P < 0.001). Foreign bodies >5 cm required surgery in 13.3% of cases and were associated with longer presentation times. Complications occurred in 17.7% (n = 35) of patients, especially after bone-containing meat ingestion (28.6%, P = 0.001). Conclusion Early presentation and timely intervention appear to reduce the risk of complications and the need for surgery. High-risk populations, such as incarcerated individuals and patients with psychiatric conditions, may benefit from individualized, multidisciplinary management strategies. These findings underscore the potential value of updating existing clinical guidelines to better address the unique challenges posed by these vulnerable groups.

This study aimed to investigate the association between iron metabolism–related parameters and in-hospital mortality in patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with symptoms and signs of acute heart failure (AHF), and to determine the prognostic value of iron metabolism–related subgroups. This prospective observational case series was conducted in the ED of a tertiary hospital between May 1, 2023, and February 29, 2024. A total of 941 patients who presented with AHF and met the inclusion criteria were evaluated. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were recorded, and their associations with short-term mortality were analyzed statistically. Serum ferritin levels and transferrin saturation (TSAT) values were classified to define subgroups of iron metabolism. In-hospital mortality occurred in 13.8

OBJECTIVE:The aim of this study was to analyze the factors predicting the progression to status epilepticus (SE) in patients who presented with generalized convulsive epileptic (GCE) seizures. MATERIALS AND METHODS:Patients included in the study were grouped as SE (+) and (-) patients. In addition to hemogram, biochemistry and blood gas parameters, the levels of antiepileptic drugs used by the patients at the time of presentation to the emergency department (ED) were also studied. Blood gas parameters at the 2nd hour of follow-up were retaken and lactate clearance was calculated and recorded on the data form. RESULTS:26.7% of the patients were SE (+). A statistically significant, moderate correlation was observed between postictal time and both lactate0(r = 0.663; p < 0.001) and lactate2levels (r = 0.626; p < 0.001). In the analyses performed for the association with the presence of SE, presence of seizures within the last week (OR: 17.15, 95% CI: 1.322-222.505, p = 0.030), lactate2(OR: 2.055, 95% CI: 1.367-3.090, p = 0.001), lactate0(OR: 1.520, 95% CI: 1.030-1.283, p = 0.006), pulse rate (OR: 1.150, 95% CI: 1.150, 95% CI: 11.012-3.054, p = 0. 045) and leukocyte (OR: 0.469, 95% CI: 0.254-0.868, p = 0.016) values were independent predictors of the presence of SE. In the ROC analysis, it was determined that lactate0value had the highest predictive power (AUC: 0.908, 95% GA 0.860-0.955, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION:According to the study data, the presence of a significant increase in lactate levels at emergency department presentation should alert the clinician to status epilepticus.

OBJECTIVE:Air pollution contributes to cardiovascular diseases through oxidative stress, inflammation, autonomic nervous system imbalance, and direct particle translocation. This study examines the relationship between air pollution parameters and risk factors in patients presenting with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). METHODS:This prospective, cross-sectional study included STEMI patients aged at least 18 years in a tertiary hospital. Demographics, comorbidities, seasonal variations, comorbidities, vital signs, hourly air pollution and weather parameters on admission, hospital length of stay, treatment modalities, and outcomes were recorded. RESULTS:Among 1413 patients, 75.1% were men. The median age of female patients [65 (IQR: 58-73)] was significantly higher that of than males [55 (IQR: 50-66), P < 0.001]. Median air quality index (AQI) [53 (IQR: 37-55)] and particulate matter (PM2.5) levels [18 (IQR: 11-27)] on admission were above Environmental Protection Agency limits. Patients with prior coronary artery disease (P = 0.037) and female patients (P = 0.018) had significantly lower PM10 exposure. PM2.5 levels were significantly higher in patients aged >75 years [20.5 (IQR: 13-29)] than in younger patients [18 (IQR: 11-27), P = 0.022]. Those recommended for coronary artery bypass grafting had lower sulfur dioxide levels [6 (IQR: 4-9) vs. 8 (IQR: 5-13), P = 0.003]. CONCLUSION:When AQI and PM2.5 levels exceed EPA limits, they may interact with cardiovascular risk factors such as age, sex, and comorbidities, contributing to the development of STEMI. Elderly individuals, women, and those with a history of cardiovascular disease may be more susceptible to the adverse effects of air pollution.

Purpose: Traumatic injuries during pregnancy present significant challenges for emergency providers, necessitating rapid assessment to ensure the safety of both mother and fetus. Scoring systems that can be applied immediately upon presentation may facilitate early triage and inform disposition decisions. This study evaluated the predictive performance of the Obstetric Early Warning Score (OEWS), Injury Severity Score (ISS), and Revised Trauma Score (RTS) in determining hospitalization needs among pregnant trauma patients admitted to the emergency department (ED). Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study included pregnant trauma patients aged 18 years or older who were admitted to a tertiary care ED between January 2019 and December 2022. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, and trauma-related data were collected. OEWS, ISS, and RTS were calculated at admission. The primary outcome was the requirement for hospitalization. Binary logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were performed to assess predictive performance. Results: A total of 316 pregnant trauma patients were included. Hospitalization was required in 14.9% of cases. Higher OEWS (mean, 2.63 vs. 0.33; P=0.001) and ISS (mean, 18.02 vs. 5.04; P<0.001) were significantly associated with hospitalization. In multivariate analysis, OEWS (odds ratio [OR], 1.553; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.087-2.219; P=0.016) and ISS (OR, 1.170; 95% CI, 1.083-1.264; P<0.001) were independent predictors of hospitalization. ROC analysis demonstrated that ISS had the highest predictive value (area under the curve, 0.783; 95% CI, 0.695-0.870; P<0.001). Conclusions: Both ISS and OEWS are effective tools for predicting hospitalization needs in pregnant trauma patients. Incorporating these scoring systems into ED triage protocols may enhance early identification of high-risk patients and improve outcomes for both mothers and fetuses.

A 47-year-old male patient who had self-inserted a rectal foreign body for anal autoerotic purposes was admitted to the emergency department. Thirty minutes after admission, he developed chest pain and profuse sweating. Electrocardiography revealed an acute inferior myocardial infarction. Initially, the patient underwent coronary angiography, and percutaneous transluminal angioplasty was performed for a 100% occlusion of the right coronary artery. Subsequently, under general anesthesia, the foreign body was removed via rectal examination in the lithotomy position. This rare clinical scenario, which has not been previously reported in the literature, highlights the potential for psychological trauma and local rectal injury to act as triggers for myocardial infarction. Respecting patient confidentiality, maintaining a nonjudgmental approach, and implementing a multidisciplinary strategy are critically important for the effective management of such uncommon cases.

OBJECTIVE:Building collapses, debris removal, new construction, and increased stove use for heating have elevated air pollution in regions affected by the February 6, 2023, Kahramanmaraş earthquake. This study examines the relationship between carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning and air pollution in these areas 1 year after the disaster. METHODS:A retrospective analysis of 151 patients from 10 hospitals in 8 cities was conducted, including data on demographics, clinical symptoms, sources of CO exposure, vital signs, laboratory findings, air pollution levels, and outcomes. RESULTS:Indoor stove use was the primary source of CO exposure. The average Air Quality Index (AQI) was 55 (IQR 44-56), and particulate matter (PM2.5) levels averaged 17.5 μg/m3 (IQR 10-27), exceeding EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) thresholds. AQI levels post-earthquake were significantly higher than pre-earthquake in Kahramanmaraş (AQI1 = 48.5 [IQR 48-55], AQI2 = 55 [IQR 55-80]; P = 0.007), Hatay (AQI1 = 40.5 ± 13.7, AQI2 = 56 [IQR 51-60.5]; P <0.001), and Gaziantep (AQI1 = 44 [IQR 41-56], AQI2 = 55 [IQR 54-55.5]; P = 0.014). Leukocytosis (P = 0.004) and myocardial injury (P <0.001) in CO poisoning cases varied significantly across provinces. CONCLUSIONS:In conclusion, elevated AQI and PM2.5 levels likely worsened myocardial injury in CO poisoning cases due to combined outdoor and indoor pollution effects. These findings emphasize the need for air quality monitoring and mitigation in disaster regions.

Objective: This study evaluates the Emergency Medical Service system and overall emergency preparedness by analyzing ambulance-transported patients during the February 6, 2023 earthquakes, focusing on those without earthquake-related injuries (medical emergencies and traumas not caused by earthquakes). Methods: A retrospective, observational case series was conducted, involving patients aged 18 and above transported by ambulance between February 6 and March 6, 2023. Patient demographic characteristics, vital signs, diagnoses, treatments, and outcomes were recorded. Predisposing factors for ambulance transportation including post-earthquake health facility issues, housing problems, hygiene, heating, and smoke exposure were meticulously analyzed. Results: The study included 1872 patients, with a 55.4% hospitalization rate and a 13.7% mortality rate. Cardiovascular emergencies were the primary reason for admission (28.9%). Patients from the hospital in the study's location form Group 1, whereas those from other earthquake-affected provinces constitute Group 2. Significant predisposing factors for ambulance transportation included post-earthquake health facilities (P < 0.001), housing problems (P < 0.001), hygiene (P < 0.001), heating (P = 0.001), and smoke exposure (P < 0.001). In Group 2, pneumonia (P = 0.001), soft tissue infection (P = 0.002), sepsis (P = 0.004), carbon monoxide poisoning (P < 0.001), and diabetic emergencies (P = 0.013) were statistically significantly more frequent. Conclusions: Analyzing post-earthquake ambulance-transported patients is vital to comprehend the demand for emergency health care and address post-disaster health care challenges.

OBJECTIVE:Weather conditions such as low air temperatures, low barometric pressure, and low wind speed have been linked to more cases of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. However, limited literature exists regarding the impact of air pollution. This study aims to investigate the relationship between outdoor air pollution and CO poisoning in 2 distinct cities in Turkey. METHODS:A prospective study was conducted at 2 tertiary hospitals, recording demographic data, presenting complaints, vital signs, blood gas and laboratory parameters, carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) levels, meteorological parameters, and pollutant parameters. Complications and outcomes were also documented. RESULTS:The study included 83 patients (Group 1 = 44, Group 2 = 39). The air quality index (AQI) in Group 2 (61.7 ± 27.7) (moderate AQI) was statistically significantly higher (dirtier AQI) than that in Group 1 (47.3 ± 26.4) (good AQI) (P = 0.018). The AQI was identified as an independent predictor for forecasting the need for hospitalization (OR = 1.192, 95% CI: 1.036 - 1.372, P = 0.014) and predicting the risk of developing cardiac complications (OR: 1.060, 95% CI: 1.017 - 1.104, P = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS:The AQI, derived from the calculation of 6 primary air pollutants, can effectively predict the likelihood of hospitalization and cardiac involvement in patients presenting to the emergency department with CO poisoning.