Medical Sciences Commons^™

Retinal Microvascular And Neuroretinal Structural Changes In Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Assessed By Octa: A Comparative Study ​, Murat Erdağ, Tunahan Çalişkan, Hakan Yildirim, Tarik Kivrak, Mehmet Canleblebi̇ci̇, Ali̇ Dal, Mehmet Balbaba

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive disorder with systemic vasculopathy, and noninvasive assessment remains challenging. The retina, sharing anatomical similarities with the cerebral microcirculation, is an accessible site for visualizing systemic vascular compromise. This study quantitatively evaluated retinal microvascular and neuroretinal structural changes in PAH patients compared to healthy controls using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA).

Materials and methods: In this single-center, cross-sectional case-control study, 40 patients with group 1 PAH and 38 healthy controls were enrolled. For statistical independence, only the right eye of each participant was analyzed (total: 78 eyes). All participants underwent high-resolution OCTA imaging. …

A Model Based On Dynamic Hematologic Parameters To Predict Short Term Clinical Events In Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia ​, Neryal Tahta, Sali̇h Gözmen, Sultan Okur Acar

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treatment is frequently complicated by infections, emergency visits, and therapy interruptions, yet early prediction of short-term clinical deterioration remains challenging. Traditional prognostic markers rely on static laboratory values, whereas dynamic hematologic fluctuations may provide earlier warning signals. This study presents and internally validates a clinically applicable prediction model based on dynamic hematologic parameters and clinician-documented symptoms for predicting short-term (7-day) clinical events in children with ALL.

Materials and methods: Included in this retrospective study were 44 pediatric ALL patients treated with Berlin-Frankfurt-Münster-based protocols between January 2023 and June 2025. Weekly observation units were created by …

Post-Exposure Prophylaxis For Hiv Among Healthcare Workers In Türkiye: A Descriptive, Multicenter Retrospective Study, Veysel Akca, İlkay Akbulut, Gül Ruhsar Yilmaz, Alper Tahmaz, Nefi̇se Öztoprak Çuvalci, İlknur Esen Yildiz, Mehmet Çabalak, Şeyma Topal, Özgür Günal, Bi̇rcan Kayaaslan, Fatma Eser, Tuba Damar Çakirca, Deni̇z Ölmez, Ali̇ye Baştuğ, Fi̇rdevs Aksoy, Hani̇fe Nur Karakoç Parlayan, Beyza Süllü, Damla Verendağ, Hatun Öztürk Çeri̇k, Mehmet Ali̇ Aşan, Ayhan Akbulut, Gülden Eser Karlidağ, Behi̇ce Kurtaran, Hüsnü Pullukçu, Turhan Togan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) plays a vital role in preventing transmission among healthcare workers following occupational exposure. Despite its clinical importance, epidemiological data regarding PEP implementation in Türkiye remain scarce. This study aimed to assess PEP practices, prophylactic treatment regimens, and follow-up outcomes among healthcare workers at risk of occupational HIV exposure.

Materials and methods: This retrospective, multicenter study was conducted between January 2020 and December 2024 across 16 healthcare facilities participating in the National HIV/AIDS Working Group. Healthcare workers aged 18 years and older who presented for evaluation following occupational exposure to HIV were …

Prognostic Significance And Clinicopathological Associations Of Tumor Budding And Poorly Differentiated Clusters In Endometrioid Endometrial Carcinoma ​, Hani̇fe Seda Mavi̇li̇, Ömer Atmiş, Fatma Seher Pehli̇van, Fatma Sezen Çavdaroğlu Deveci̇, Ali̇ Riza Kandi̇loğlu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Tumor budding (TB) and poorly differentiated clusters (PDCs) are histopathological parameters that have been associated with poor prognosis in various malignancies, particularly colorectal carcinoma. Although numerous studies have demonstrated an association between the microcystic, elongated, and fragmented (MELF) pattern in endometrial carcinomas and lymphovascular invasion as well as lymph node metastasis, the literature regarding TB and PDCs in this context remains limited. This study aimed to investigate the potential associations of the MELF pattern, TB, and PDCs with overall survival, progression-free survival, and clinicopathological parameters in cases of endometrioid endometrial carcinoma (EEC).

Materials and methods: A total of 190 …

Biomechanical Analysis Of Skeletal Open Bite Treatment Methods: A Comparative Finite Element Study ​, Ömer Faruk Sari, Muhammed Hi̇lmi̇ Buyukcavus

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The biomechanical effects of zygomatic anchorage plates, vertical chin-caps, and occipital headgear on dentofacial structures in patients with skeletal anterior open bite malocclusion were compared using three-dimensional finite element analysis.

Materials and methods: Three-dimensional finite element models were constructed based on computed tomography data obtained from a patient with skeletal anterior open bite. Simulation models representing zygomatic anchorage-supported intrusion, vertical chin-cap, and occipital headgear were generated under fixed orthodontic conditions. In each scenario, a unilateral force of 200 g (1.96 N) was applied along clinically relevant force vectors. Stress distributions in craniofacial bones, sutural structures, teeth, roots, and temporomandibular …

Heavy Metals As Endocrine Disruptors, Arzu Or Koca

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Heavy metals are widely recognized as endocrine-disrupting agents primarily originating from anthropogenic sources and persisting in soil, air, and water. This review aims to present an updated and comprehensive synthesis of current evidence regarding the endocrine-disrupting effects of heavy metals, with particular emphasis on their roles in the pathogenesis of common endocrine and metabolic disorders. The toxicological impact of these elements depends on the level and duration of exposure, their chemical form, and the biological susceptibility of target tissues. Chronic exposure, even at low doses, has been implicated in the development of diabetes mellitus, obesity, autoimmune thyroiditis, thyroid cancer, pubertal …

Evaluation Of The Relationship Between Pan-Immune Inflammation Value And Prognostic Factors In Germ-Cell Testicular Cancer: Analysis Of Stage, Lymph Node Involvement, And Metastasis, Erdi̇nç Di̇nçer, Orkunt Özkaptan, Cengi̇z Çanakçi, Osman Murat İpek, Alper Coşkun, Ahmet Hali̇l Sevi̇nç

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: To evaluate the association between the preoperative pan-immune inflammation value (PIV) and prognostic factors, including stage, lymph node involvement, and metastasis, in patients who underwent radical orchiectomy for germ cell testicular tumors.

Materials and methods: Data from 178 patients who underwent radical orchiectomy for testicular tumors between January 2014 and January 2024 were retrospectively reviewed. Preoperative serum tumor markers, hematologic parameters, and histopathological findings were recorded. Tumor staging was determined based on radiological imaging and serum tumor markers. The PIV was calculated using the formula: (monocyte count × neutrophil count × platelet count) / lymphocyte count. Optimal cut-off values …

Preference Of Mechanical Ventilation Modes Among Intensivists In Türkiye: A National Wide, Point Prevalence Study, Süleyman Yildirim, Nurhayat Kilinç Özgün, Özcan Alpdoğan, Hüseyi̇n Uçar, İmren Taşkiran, Adnan Ata, Özhan Özcan, Kivanç Öncü, Saba Mukaddes Acarbay, Temel Güner, Pinar Özgün, Zerri̇n Özçeli̇k, Ayşegül Çinaroğlu, Gi̇zem Kurada, L. Serap Avlaği, Onur Gökçe, Özkul Yilmaz Çolak, Fatma Ülger, Melda İşevi̇, Özgür Kiliç, Rahi̇me Aydin Kayali, Meti̇n Yarici, Berkay Küçük, Fatma Yildirim, Kami̇l Gönderen, Bi̇şar Ergün, Kutlay Aydin, Kamuran Uluç, Sevda Onuk, Mi̇ne Altinkaya Çavuş, Yelda Balik, Ahmet Sari, Hayri̇ye Cankar Dal, Şeri̇fe Gökbulut Bektaş, Sema Turan, Ferhan Demi̇rer Aydemi̇r, Türkay Akbaş, Hamza Gülteki̇n, Kani̇ye Aydin, Seli̇n Eyüpoğlu, Havva Kocayi̇ği̇t, Gürhan Taşkin, Kazim Rollas, Mensure Çakirgöz, Cenk Kirakli

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) is a fundamental intervention for patients with respiratory failure in intensive care units (ICUs). This nationwide, multicenter point-prevalence study aimed to describe current mechanical ventilation mode preferences (conventional, adaptive, and biphasic) in Turkish ICUs and to report associated clinical outcomes descriptively, without assessing causal relationships.

Materials and methods: A nationwide, multicenter point-prevalence study was conducted on 17 April 2024 and included adult patients (≥18 years) who had been receiving IMV for more than 24 h. Data on patient demographics, ventilation mode distribution, ventilatory parameters, and descriptive clinical outcomes on day 28 (weaning status, tracheostomy, and …

Validity Of The Turkish Version Of The Oral Frailty Index-8 And Its Relationship With Frailty, Malnutrition, And Sarcopenia In Older Adults, Süleyman Emre Koçyi̇ği̇t, Bi̇lal Kati̇poğlu, Yilmaz Önal, Kübra Bahar Baykan, İlknur Şeker Kaya, Fatma Sena Dost, Özge Dokuzlar, Esra Ateş Bulut, Ali̇ Ekrem Aydin, Derya Kaya, Ahmet Turan Işik

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The Oral Frailty Index-8 (OFI-8) is a reliable screening for oral frailty. In our study, while presenting the Turkish reliability and validity study of the OFI-8, we also aimed to establish a cut-off value for oral frailty in Turkish population.

Materials and methods: Patients who presented to the outpatient clinic between January 2024 and January 2025 were evaluated. The test’s internal consistency and test–retest reliability were assessed. Divergent validity was evaluated using frailty scores, muscle strength, and nutritional status. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was generated to determine the optimal cut-off values for identifying frailty, malnutrition, and probable …

The Burden Of Knee Pain In The Operating Room: Are Surgical Personnel At Greater Risk?, Ömer Faruk Naldöven, Yavuz Karaman, Başak Si̇nem Sezgi̇n, Şahan Güven, Enejd Vei̇zi̇, İzzet Bi̇ngöl

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of knee pain among healthcare workers in surgical units and to explore whether the use of knee panels during surgical hand scrubbing is associated with persistent knee pain.

Materials and methods: This single-center cross-sectional study was conducted between October 2023 and March 2025. A total of 400 physicians and nurses working in surgical and nonsurgical departments were included. Participants completed a structured and modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, as well as knee pain assessment tools, including a visual analog scale (VAS) and the Kujala score for anterior knee pain-related symptoms. Occupational exposure among …

Etiologies Of Chronic Cough In Children: A Two-Year Experience From A Tertiary Pediatric Pulmonology Center, Yasi̇n Maruf Ergen, Nagehan Emi̇rali̇oğlu, Ebru Yalçin, Deni̇z Doğru, Uğur Özçeli̇k, Nural Ki̇per

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Chronic cough is a common yet diagnostically challenging symptom in pediatric pulmonology. This study aimed to evaluate the etiologies of chronic cough in children referred to a tertiary center and to analyze the relationship between specific cough characteristics and final diagnoses.

Materials and methods: This retrospective study evaluated patients presenting with chronic cough (duration >4 weeks) at a tertiary pediatric pulmonology center. Demographic data, cough characteristics (wet vs. dry), and diagnostic findings were analyzed.

Results: A total of 62 patients were included. A specific etiology was identified in 95.1% of the patients. Asthma and reactive airway disease were the …

Efficacy Of External Oblique Intercostal Plane Block In Postoperative Analgesia Following Laparoscopic Radical Nephrectomy, Gi̇zem Avci, Yusuf Özgüner, Damla Usalan, Cem Koray Çataroğlu, Habi̇p Yilmaz, Savaş Altinsoy, Jüli̇de Ergi̇l

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The external oblique intercostal plane block (EOIB) is a regional anesthesia technique that may be utilized for the management of postoperative pain following laparoscopic radical nephrectomy. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of EOIB after laparoscopic radical nephrectomy by comparing 24 h tramadol consumption between groups.

Materials and methods: Initially, 66 patients were enrolled in the study, and after exclusions, 60 were analyzed and divided into two groups: the EOIB group and the control group. Postoperative tramadol consumption, pain scores at rest and during movement, and dermatomal coverage of the block were recorded.

Results: The EOIB group (181.33 …

Cover And Content

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

No abstract provided.

Mandibular Extension As A Trigger Of The Proprioceptive Trigeminocardiac Reflex, Massimo Conti, Giovanna Traina, Daniele Tonlorenzi

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

The trigeminocardiac reflex (TCR) is a physiological response characterized by a reduction in heart rate and arterial blood pressure following stimulation of any branch of the fifth cranial nerve. This review presents a novel mechanism of TCR induction through proprioceptive activation of the trigeminal nerve via mandibular extension (ME). Accordingly, it is referred to as the “proprioceptive trigeminocardiac reflex” (pTCR). An overview of the existing literature on ME-evoked TCR in humans and animals is presented, with particular emphasis on evidence of cerebral microcirculatory alterations. The magnitude of cardiovascular responses appears to depend on the duration of ME, with repeated applications …

Canakinumab Treatment In Patients With Colchicine-Resistant Familial Mediterranean Fever: A Multicenter Observational Study, Emrah Koç, Mete Pekdi̇ker, Mete Kara

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Anti-interleukin-1 agents have known beneficial effects in the treatment of colchicine-resistant familial Mediterranean fever (cr-FMF); however, studies to date have tended to have small sample sizes and to be based on pooled data. The present study investigates the efficacy of Canakinumab (CAN) in a homogeneous cohort of cr-FMF cases.

Materials and methods: The study included patients who underwent treatment in three tertiary rheumatology departments, whose electronic medical records were reviewed retrospectively. The inclusion criteria were presence of colchicine resistant disease activity or persistent proteinuria secondary to AA-amyloidosis, and treatment with CAN for at least 6 months. Clinical and laboratory …

Sarcopenia In Atrial Fibrillation: A Prospective Study, Mehmet Aki̇f Topçuoğlu, Ezgi̇ Yilmaz, Di̇nç Doğan Öge, Ali̇ Nai̇m Ceren, Ridvan Muhammed Adin, Ethem Murat Arsava

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The link between atrial fibrillation (AF) and lean body mass is unclear. This study presents the effects of AF on sarcopenia indices, including ultrasonographic muscle architecture.

Materials and methods: In this study conducted in neurology units, 72 subjects with AF (mean age: 71 ± 11years, 49% female) were compared with 538 without AF (mean age:66±12years; 53% female) in terms of sarcopenia indices [anthropometry; Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB); hand grip strength (HGS); bioimpedance analysis (BIA) indices; skeletal muscle mass index (SMMI) normalized to weight, height and body mass index (BMI); and phase angle (PhA)]; muscle ultrasonography [thickness, cross-section area …

Retrospective Evaluation Of Treatment Outcomes Of Gasserian Ganglion Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation In Trigeminal Neuralgia Patients With Multiple Sclerosis, Emel Başar, Nevci̇han Şahutoğlu Bal, Erkan Yavuz Akçaboy

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) secondary to multiple sclerosis (MS) is a rare but debilitating condition. Aside from two case reports, there are limited data on the use of Gasserian ganglion radiofrequency interventions in this patient population. This study aims to evaluate the outcomes of combined radiofrequency thermocoagulation (RFT) and pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) treatment targeting the Gasserian ganglion in patients with MS-related TN.

Materials and methods: We retrospectively analyzed 12 patients with MS-associated TN who underwent combined Gasserian ganglion RFT and PRF treatment between 1 January 2021 and 1 January 2025. Patients were followed for six months. Visual analog scale (VAS) …

Feeding Time Index And Mortality In Intensive Care Stroke Patients: An Exploratory Cohort Study, Nevzat Mehmet Mutlu, Duygu Karaköse Çalişkan, Tülay Tunçer Peker, Özlem Balkiz Soyal, Ayşe Pinar Ti̇ti̇z, Behi̇ye Deni̇z Kosovali, Göksal Günerhan, Büşra Tezcan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Stroke is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with especially high mortality in intensive care unit (ICU) patients, whose prognosis is worsened by dysphagia, malnutrition, and aspiration risk. The Feeding Time Index (FTI)—defined as the ratio of feeding days to total ICU length of stay—quantified nutritional exposure. This exploratory cohort study aimed to evaluate the association between FTI and mortality in ICU patients with acute ischemic stroke (IS) or hemorrhagic stroke (HS) and to examine the potential role of FTI, together with the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score and oral feeding status, …

Inflammation As A Harbinger Of Death: A Retrospective Cohort Study Of Preoperative Biomarker Risk Stratification In Orthopedic Trauma, Serkan Aydin, Burhan Kurtuluş

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic significance of preoperative inflammatory markers including the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), C-reactive protein (CRP), and procalcitonin in predicting 30-day and 1-year mortality in patients undergoing femur fracture surgery.

Materials and methods: This retrospective, multicenter cohort study included patients who underwent surgical treatment for femur fractures between January 2018 and December 2024. Patients were stratified into survivor and nonsurvivor groups based on 30-day and 1-year outcomes. Demographic characteristics, comorbidities, laboratory parameters, and inflammatory indices were recorded and analyzed. Linear and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify …

Individualized Respiratory Exercise Device Originated In Türkiye: Design, Prototype, And First Results, Çi̇ğdem Emi̇rza Ci̇lbi̇r, Özge Ertan Harputlu, Hi̇kmet Uçgun, Büşra Ülker Ekşi̇, Sarper Kaya, Esen Kiyan, Gökşen Kuran Aslan, Buket Akinci

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Respiratory muscle training (RMT) and breathing exercises are crucial components in cardiopulmonary rehabilitation. RMT includes inspiratory muscle training (IMT) and expiratory muscle training (EMT); however, existing RMT devices typically support only one of these. Incentive spirometers, which also provide visual feedback for breathing exercises, are frequently used. Achieving an RMT program requires multiple devices, which increases both the cost and complexity of the training regimen. This study aimed to design, calibrate, and test a novel individualized respiratory exercise device that integrates both IMT and EMT functions into a single unit, thereby offering a cost-effective, user-friendly alternative for comprehensive cardiopulmonary …

Preoperative Inflammatory And Molecular Marker Changes In 125 Supratentorial Glioma Cases, Semi̇h Can Çeti̇ntaş, Burak Tahmazoğlu, Tufan Agah Kartum, Rahşan Kemerdere, Taner Tanriverdi̇

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: To determine whether there is a possible link between selected preoperative systemic inflammatory markers and molecular pathological indices.Material and methods: For this retrospective study, 125 patients served as subjects. Preoperative systemic inflammatory markers, namely neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (LMR), and postoperative pathological indices, namely mitosis, Ki-67 labeling index (LI), isocitrate dehydrogenase-1 (IDH1) mutation, and 1p/19q codeletion, were obtained from the electronic database.

Results: Results showed that NLR positively correlated with PLR (p = 0.00001), mitotic activity (p = 0.001), and Ki-67 LI (p = 0.00001). On the other …

Proximal Fragment Perfusion Following Hip Arthroplasty With Subtrochanteric Shortening Osteotomy In Patients With Severe Developmental Dysplasia Of The Hip, Vedat Bi̇çi̇ci̇, Hi̇lmi̇ Alkan, Enejd Vei̇zi̇, Şahan Güven, Serkan Ünlü, Eli̇f Özdemi̇r, Tural Talibli, Ahmet Firat

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The changes in proximal femoral blood flow occurring after reconstructive surgery for Crowe types III– IV developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) and their impact on healing remain unclear. In the present study, blood flow around the osteotomy site is evaluated with particular focus on the proximal segment in patients who underwent subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy and hip arthroplasty. To this end, single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT/CT) scans were conducted to evaluate changes in proximal blood flow and to assess the impact on union rates and potential complications.

Materials and methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted of 26 hips from …

Ultrasound-Guided Microwave Ablation For The Treatment Of Abdominal Wall Scar Endometriosis, Saffet Öztürk, Umut Asfuroğlu, Esi̇n Kurtuluş Öztürk, Sadik Ahmet Uyanik, Gülcan Kocaoğlu, İsmai̇l Burak Gülteki̇n, Hüseyi̇n Levent Keski̇n

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: To evaluate the efficacy of ultrasound (US)-guided microwave ablation (MWA) in treating abdominal wall endometriosis (AWE) lesions located at the cesarean scar and to assess the early clinical outcomes of this minimally invasive procedure.

Materials and methods: A total of 18 patients diagnosed with AWE based on characteristic clinical and US findings were included in this retrospective study. Preprocedural visual analog scale (VAS) scores, ultrasonographic features, and lesion volumes were recorded. The procedure was performed under both general and local anesthesia to ensure patient comfort and procedural accuracy. Hydrodissection was performed before ablation to minimize the risk of thermal …

Radial Peripapillary Capillary Changes And Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Alterations In Diabetic Foot Ulcers With Mild-To-Moderate Nonproliferative Diabetic Retinopathy: An Octa Study, Eyüpcan Şensoy, Hi̇kmet Erhan Güven, Mehmet Çitirik

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) on retinal microvascular changes, specifically the radial peripapillary capillary (RPC) vessel density and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness in patients with mild-to-moderate nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR).

Materials and methods: Ninety participants were enrolled and divided into three groups: 30 patients with DFUs and mild-to-moderate NPDR, 30 patients with NPDR but without DFUs, and 30 healthy controls. RPC density and RNFL thickness were evaluated using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), a noninvasive imaging method. Comparisons between groups were made with statistical adjustments, including optic disc area.

Results: …

Evaluation Of Colonization With Multidrug-Resistant Microorganisms And The Incidence Of Attributable Infections In Patients Undergoing Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Burcu Çalişkan Demi̇rkiran, Gülşen İskender, İpek Mumcuoğlu, Duygu Mert, Si̇nan Dal, Tuba Dal, Semra Tunçbi̇lek, Mustafa Ertek, Fevzi̇ Altuntaş

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The global rise in multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) has led to an increased incidence of MDRO infections following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), particularly during the preengraftment period. The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between pretransplant colonization by MDROs or carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) and the occurrence of infections caused by phenotypically similar microorganisms during the preengraftment period, as well as to assess the clinical outcomes of patients colonized with MDROs prior to transplantation.

Materials and methods: This prospective cohort study included patients diagnosed with hematological malignancies who underwent HSCT at the bone marrow transplant unit of …

The Impact Of Fall History On Instability, Disability, And Anxiety In Patients With Chronic Neck Pain, Bülent Bozyi̇ği̇t, Emre Söylemez, Aydin Si̇nan Apaydin

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: This study aimed to investigate the impact of fall history on postural stability, disability, and anxiety in individuals with chronic neck pain (CNP). It was hypothesized that patients with a history of falls would exhibit greater postural instability, perceived disability, and anxiety levels compared with those without a fall history and healthy controls.

Materials and methods: A total of 62 participants were included: 16 CNP patients with a history of falling (Group Ia), 21 CNP patients without falls (Group Ib), and 25 healthy controls. Assessments included the Neck Disability Index (NDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and Visual Analog Scale …

Levothyroxine Poisoning In Children: A Multicenter Study From Türkiye, Kübra Şen Küçük, Şule Demi̇r, Reyhan Deveci̇ Sevi̇m, Fatma Akgül, Gülşen Yalçin, Öznur Eser, Alkan Bal, Eli̇f Ergi̇n, Sercan Öztürk, Ahmet Anik

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: This study aimed to investigate the clinical features, laboratory findings, treatment approaches, and follow-up strategies employed in the management of pediatric patients with levothyroxine poisoning.

Materials and methods: This multicenter retrospective study included patients aged ≤18 years who presented with acute, single-episode levothyroxine ingestion to the pediatric emergency departments of six tertiary care centers between 2010 and 2023. Clinical data, laboratory findings, symptom onset and severity, and treatment modalities were extracted from medical records. Thyroid function tests (TFTs) were interpreted according to the age-specific reference ranges of each center. Treatment decisions, including gastric decontamination and pharmacologic therapy, were evaluated …

Clinical Features And Outcomes Of Childhood Interstitial Lung Disease: A Tertiary Center Experience, Ayyüce Ünlü, Şule Seli̇n Akyan Soydaş, Sati Özkan Tabakçi, Işil Bi̇lgi̇ç, Meltem Kürtül Çakar, Gamze Akca Di̇nç, Hande Yeti̇şgi̇n, Çelebi̇ Yildirim, Gökçen Di̇lşa Tuğcu, Di̇lber Ademhan Tural, Sanem Eryilmaz Polat, Güzi̇n Ci̇nel

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Childhood interstitial lung diseases (chILD) constitute a rare and clinically complex group of disorders. This study aimed to characterize the clinical, radiological, and genetic features, as well as the outcomes, of chILD in a Turkish cohort classified according to the chILD-EU framework.

Materials and methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 84 pediatric patients diagnosed with chILD between 2017 and 2024 at a tertiary referral center in Türkiye. Patients were categorized according to the chILD-EU classification. Clinical variables, imaging findings, genetic analyses, pulmonary function test results, and Fan severity scores were systematically assessed. Logistic regression analysis was performed …

Effects Of Transversus Abdominis And Erector Spinae Plane Blocks On Postoperative Pain Control And Postpartum Depression After Cesarean Section: A Randomized Prospective Study, Hi̇lal Bi̇radli, Feyza Çalişir, Alev Özer

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Effective postoperative pain management after cesarean section is essential for maternal recovery. Poor pain control can lead to complications, including postpartum depression. This study aimed to compare the postoperative analgesic efficacy of erector spinae plane (ESP) and transversus abdominis plane (TAP) blocks following cesarean section, with a particular focus on their potential impact on postpartum depression.

Materials and methods: Sixty patients were randomly assigned to receive either an ESP block (Group E, n = 30) or a TAP block (Group T, n = 30) after cesarean section. Pain severity was assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS), and the …

Examination Of Sexual Health Literacy And Cyberchondria Levels In Women With Vaginismus, Gonca Türker Ergün, Cemal Ünlü, Ayşe Kuyulu Akman, Elçi̇n İşlek Seçen, Razi̇ye Toksöz

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: This study aimed to compare sexual health literacy and cyberchondria levels between women who had been diagnosed with vaginismus and those who had not.

Materials and methods: The research was conducted as a prospective cohort study including 60 women over the age of 18 who were married and unable to engage in sexual intercourse due to primary vaginismus and 60 sexually active married women without vaginismus. Data collection tools included a patient information form, the Cyberchondria Severity Scale (CSS-12-TR), and the Sexual Health Literacy Scale (SHLS).

Results: The median age of the women diagnosed with vaginismus was 27 (21–54) …