Retrospective analysis of earthquake related crush injurie patients in ICU: 6-February earthquake in Türkiye.

Abstract

Background: On February 6, 2023 a devastating earthquake hit the south-eastern region of Türkiye and thousands of people were either injured or died. The aim was to determine the characteristics, treatment and clinical outcomes of critically ill patients with crush injuries in ICU.

Subjects/methods: This study was performed with a retrospective design in ICU. Patients were included as follows; effected 6 February earthquake, need ICU treatment and being crush syndrome.

Results: A total of 62 patients were included. The mean age was 41 ± 19 years and 47% were male. The median APACHE II score was 14. The most common ICU admission was multitrauma and crush injury. A total of %77 patients were needed surgical procedure (most of them extremities surgery (36%)and fasciotomy 36% due to compartment syndrome) and %24 patients had extremity amputation. AKI was developed in %65 of patients. A total of 26 (%40) patients were received RRT. The mNUTRIC score (p = 0.022), the BUN (p = 0.043) and the blood lactate level (p = 0.012) were identified as independent risk factors for 28-day mortality. An independent risk factor for limb amputation was identified in patients with high APACHE II and SOFA scores (p = 0.026, p = 0.034, respectively). The 28-day mortality was 13%.

Conclusions: As a result of the study, most of the patients need surgical operations and a quarter of patients required extremity amputation. AKI developed at a high rate and 40% of those patients needed RRT. The mNUTRIC score was found to be the most powerful predictor of mortality at 28 days.