Relationship between earthquake ınjuries and ınflammatory blood parameters

Authors : Seda Kumbasar
Pages : 235-244
Doi:10.5798/dicletip.1722859
View : 34 | Download : 32
Publication Date : 2025-06-20
Article Type : Research Paper
Abstract :Objective: An earthquake is a significant natural disaster with the potential to cause considerable mortality, economic disruption, and psychological effects. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of laboratory parameters on the triage, treatment, and survival of patients with injuries of varying severity who sustained traumatic injuries amid debris. Methods: This retrospective study included 1250 adult earthquake victims who were received outpatients and inpatient treatment in our hospital between February 6 and February 23, 2023. The patients were classified into three categories. The first group includ ed individuals with soft tissue injuries but no fractures or major injuries. The second group included those with fractures but no major visceral injuries and crush syndrome. The third group included individuals with lung contusion, pneumothorax, intracranial hemorrhage, intra-abdominal hemorrhage, crush syndrome and compartment syndrome. Results: Alanine transaminase, creatine kinase, myoglobin, D-dimer, white blood cell count, absolute neutrophil count, absolute monocyte count, C- aspartate transaminase reactive protein, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, platelet/lymphocyte ratio, monocyte/lymphocyte ratio, and the systemic inflammatory index were progressively higher in all three groups. Absolute-lymphocyte counts and calcium were progressively less different (p<0. 001). Patients in the third group exhibited elevated creatinine levels and diminished blood sodium levels in comparison to the other groups (p<0.001).The mean hemoglobin level was lower in the third group than in the first group, while the mean gamma glutamyl transaminase level was higher(p<0.001). Discussion: These specific laboratory parameters can be used to identify high-risk patients with crush syndrome and major organ injury. This approach could enable the prioritisation of treatment for those who need it most, ensuring the optimal allocation of resources.
Keywords : Earthquake, Crush, Injury

ORIGINAL ARTICLE URL