Sepsis predictors in earthquake survivors: A comparative analysis of amputation and fasciotomy patients.

Objectives: This study aimed to identify predictors of sepsis in earthquake survivors who underwent either amputation or fasciotomy and to compare these two patient groups across many clinical outcomes, including sepsis.

Patients and methods: In this retrospective study, a total of 1,608 patients who presented to our hospital following the February 6, 2023, Kahramanmaraş earthquakes were evaluated between February 2023 and March 2023. Of these, 138 patients (65 males, 73 females; median age: 35 years; range, 18 to 74 years) who underwent either fasciotomy or amputation were included in the study. Patients managed solely with fasciotomy were included in the fasciotomy group, while those who underwent amputation in at least one area were included in the amputation group. Sepsis predictors were investigated in this population. Additionally, the two groups were compared in terms of clinical outcomes, including bacteremia, sepsis, septic shock and mortality.

Results: Of the 138 earthquake survivors, 59 (42.8%) were in the amputation group, and 79 (57.2%) were in the fasciotomy group. There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of the development of crush syndrome or the need for renal replacement therapy (p=0.781 and p=0.411, respectively). The duration of entrapment under rubble was higher in the amputation group (p=0.030). While bacteremia was more common in the amputation group, there was no significant difference in relation to sepsis (p=0.002 and p=0.106, respectively). Septic shock and mortality rates were higher in the amputation group (p=0.001 and p=0.009, respectively). Multivariate analysis revealed that the number of traumatized sites (odds ratio [OR]=3.68, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.13-6.33, p<0.001), amputation at more than two sites (OR=4.27, 95% CI: 1.15-15.9, p=0.022), and fasciotomy at more than two sites (OR=2.71, 95% CI: 1.10-6.69, p=0.021) were significant predictors of sepsis.

Conclusion: Patients undergoing fasciotomy and amputation should be comprehensively evaluated for potential benefits and risks. Close monitoring for sepsis is particularly recommended for patients who have amputation or fasciotomy procedures at more than two sites.