Medical Science and Discovery

Anatomy of a Nation: Exploring Weight, Height, and BMI Variations among Turkish Adults (2008-2022)

Ceyda Hayretdağ — 2023-11-01

Objective: The rapidly changing demographics and lifestyles of the global population demand updated anthropometric data to ensure appropriate designs, interventions, and policies. Recognizing the lack of recent comprehensive anthropometric data on the Turkish adult population, the primary objective of this study was to present an authoritative perspective on the evolution of average heights and Body Mass Index (BMI) distributions in Turkey, focusing on the period between 2008 and 2022.

Materials and Methods: Data for this research was sourced from the Türkiye Health Survey conducted by TurkStat. Our sample encapsulated diverse age groups over 15, covering all seven geographical regions of Turkey, ensuring nationwide representation. Comprehensive analyses were undertaken to segregate the data based on sex and age group, providing a nuanced insight into height variations and BMI distributions.

Results: Our findings suggest that the overall average height for the entire Turkish population remained relatively consistent during the study period, with males averaging around 173 cm and females approximately 161 cm. Interestingly, the 15-24 age bracket registered a noticeable height increase, suggesting a potential growth trend in the younger generation. In terms of BMI, our research revealed a consistent distribution across all categories over the years. However, there was a slight decrease in underweight individuals, particularly among males, and an upward trend in the 'pre-obese' category, especially in the male demographic. The obese category experienced a minor increase from 2008 to 2016 but showed signs of stabilization in recent years.

Conclusion: Given the dynamic nature of population health and growth patterns, this study underscores the significance of continuous anthropometric monitoring. Our findings offer a modern benchmark for various stakeholders – from health professionals to designers – to appropriately tailor their solutions and interventions for the Turkish populace. Furthermore, the subtle shifts in BMI categories over the years highlight potential focus areas for public health initiatives, emphasizing the importance of diet, lifestyle, and exercise in ensuring a healthy nation.

Epidemiological Differences in Dyspepsia: A Comparative Analysis of Clinical and Endoscopic Parameters Between European Union and Turkish Patients

Ahmet Melih Şahin — 2023-11-23

Objective: Dyspepsia, a common gastrointestinal disorder, is characterized by persistent or recurrent pain or discomfort centered in the upper abdomen. It often presents with symptoms such as bloating, belching, and nausea. Understanding the epidemiological variations in dyspepsia between EU and Turkish patients can provide valuable insights into potential factors influencing this condition's clinical and endoscopic profiles across different populations. This study aimed to retrospectively examine and compare haematological, biochemical, and endoscopic biopsy parameters among dyspeptic patients from European Union (EU) countries and domestic regions.

Material and Methods: e conducted an analysis involving 149 dyspeptic patients, comprising 62 individuals from the European Union (EU) and 87 from Turkey. Data pertaining to hemogram, biochemical parameters, and endoscopic biopsy findings (with a focus on Helicobacter pylori colonization, intestinal metaplasia, and gastric atrophy) were systematically compared between the two groups.zz

Results: The study revealed a significantly higher incidence of Helicobacter pylori colonization in the Turkish cohort compared to their EU counterparts. Moreover, variations in hematological and biochemical markers were observed, indicating potential regional and lifestyle differences that may influence dyspeptic symptoms.

Conclusion: This study highlights significant epidemiological differences in dyspeptic presentations, particularly the higher prevalence of Helicobacter pylori colonisation in Turkish patients compared to those in the EU. These findings underscore the need for tailored clinical approaches considering regional health determinants in dyspeptic patients.

A Comprehensive Study on the Prevalence and Determinants of Vision Impairment in the Turkish Population

Bilge Yurdakul — 2023-11-21

Objective: Vision impairment and eye diseases significantly affect quality of life and present a substantial public health challenge. According to the TUIK and the World Health Organization, a significant portion of the population suffers from preventable or unaddressed visual impairments. Understanding the prevalence, causes, and demographic distribution of these impairments can aid in formulating effective public health strategies. To analyze the prevalence, determinants, and demographic characteristics of individuals with vision impairment in Turkey, using data provided by TUIK. This proposal aims to utilize existing data to provide valuable insights into the public health issue of vision impairment in Turkey and to foster improved outcomes through targeted intervention strategies.

Methods: Secure access to TUIK health survey data focusing on vision impairment in the population aged 0–65 years. We collected additional variables that may influence vision health, such as socioeconomic status, access to healthcare, educational level, and urban versus rural residence. We conducted a cross-sectional study using TUIK data from 2019 onwards, including demographic variables (age, sex, education, and income), and correlated them with the incidence and type of vision impairment.

Results: Visual impairment affects approximately 1039000 individuals in Turkey, with a prevalence rate of 1.4%. There was a pronounced increase in visual impairment with age, peaking at 46.5% in those aged > 75 years. Females exhibited higher rates of impairment in most age groups. The most common causes of visual impairment include uncorrected refractive errors in children and young adults, glaucoma in adults aged 15-50, and age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy in those aged > 50 years.

Conclusion: This study highlights a significant age and sex disparity in the prevalence of visual impairment in Turkey, necessitating age-specific and gender-responsive public health strategies. Prioritizing early screening, access to corrective measures, and managing age-related ocular diseases can address the increasing burden of visual impairment. Interventions should be tailored to mitigate risks and provide equitable healthcare access to improve visual health outcomes in the Turkish population.

Examination of re-admission and causes with pain patients in the emergency department

Oya Güven — 2023-11-23

Objective: Pain is an essential symptom in emergency department admissions, but few studies have focused on its effect. This study aimed to determine the admission rates of patients with a pain diagnosis and to evaluate the rate of re-admissions to the emergency service within one month. Also, this patient group will determine the reasons for returning to the emergency department by examining the emergency service data of the only hospital in the city centre and the largest in the province.

Material and Methods: In this study, patients who presented to the emergency department with a complaint of musculoskeletal pain between January 1 and December 31, 2021, and entered the R52, M25, M54, and M79 ICD codes (and their subgroups) as a diagnosis into the system were selected. Patients were classified as traumatic/non-traumatic (patients who requested extremity radiography or tomography were considered traumatic). The files were retrospectively scanned to determine the treatments administered to specific patients in the emergency department. It was investigated whether these patients subsequently sought treatment in the relevant branches, such as neurosurgery, orthopedics, or physical medicine and rehabilitation outpatient clinics, within one month. Furthermore, the patients' re-admission to the emergency service within one month were examined.

Results: A total of 1742 patient files were included in the study. 50.8% of the patients were male, and the mean age was 41.9±17.3. It was determined that 1407 patients (80.8%) were treated in the emergency department, and the highest rate (61.2%) was intramuscular (IM) injection. The rate of going to the outpatient clinic was 17.6%, and the mean time of being examined was 2±5.4 days. It was observed that 30.4% of the patients were admitted to the emergency department again. The patients were divided into two groups according to whether they had a history of trauma or not. The ratio of male patients was higher in both groups (p>0.05), and the mean age of patients with trauma was lower (35±18.6). The rate of re-admission to the emergency department of the patients without trauma was significantly higher than the other group (p<0.05). The rate of being examined in the relevant polyclinic was higher in the group without trauma (17.8%).

Conclusion: This study found a high admission rate to the emergency department for patients presenting with pain complaints. Furthermore, there was a notable high re-admission rate among patients without trauma following outpatient clinic examinations. It is evident that achieving effective pain control for these patients may require a significant amount of time. The recurrent emergency admissions may be attributed to persistent pain complaints

Investigation of the AgNOR (Argyrophilic Nucleolar Organizing Region) Protein Levels in Patients with Coronary Artery Diseases

Feruza Turan Sönmez — 2023-11-24

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic significance of Argyrophilic Nucleolar Organizing Region (AgNOR) proteins in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and to determine their potential role in predicting the extent of myocardial damage.

Materials and Methods: A case-control study was conducted with 20 AMI patients and 17 healthy controls. Peripheral blood samples were stained to assess AgNOR protein levels. The AgNOR parameters, such as the number of AgNORs and the total AgNOR area to total nuclear area (TAA/NA) ratio, were analyzed using ImageJ software. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS to assess differences between groups and correlations with clinical markers.

Results: The study revealed a significant increase in both the mean AgNOR number and TAA/NA ratio among AMI patients compared to controls (p < 0.01). These parameters also correlated with known cardiac damage markers such as Troponin I level. Sensitivity (100%) and specificity (100%) analysis indicated that these AgNOR parameters could effectively differentiate between AMI patients and healthy individuals.

Conclusion: AgNOR proteins emerge as a promising and dependable biomarker for evaluating myocardial damage and predicting patient prognosis in cases of AMI. Their remarkable sensitivity and specificity in distinguishing AMI cases underscore their potential clinical utility. However, further studies with larger cohorts are imperative to validate these findings.

Stump Appendicitis: A Rare Late Complication of Appendectomy, a Retrospective Analysis of 9082 Appendectomy Cases

Merve Tokoçin — 2023-11-27

Objective: Appendectomy for appendicitis is one of the most common surgical procedures performed worldwide. The remnant of the appendix stump after the first appendectomy carries the risk of developing stump appendicitis. Stump appendicitis is a rare late complication of appendectomy; inflammation occurs in the remaining appendicular stump. Delayed diagnosis of this condition can cause serious complications. Stump appendicitis is indeed a recognized clinical picture, but is often overlooked when evaluating patients with right lower quadrant abdominal pain, especially those with a history of appendectomy. It remains a clinical challenge because of its often delayed diagnosis and effective treatment, and possible accompanying morbidity or mortality.

Material and Methods: Materials and Methods: We retrospectively screened the patients who were hospitalized in our general surgery clinic and diagnosed with stump appendicitis in the hospital for 12 years. There were 11 patients between January 2011 and 2023

Results: The mean age of all 11 patients described was 55 years (range: 20 to 66). 72% of the patients were male (8/11 males and 3/11 females). 63% of the patients had their first operations open, and 36% of them were laparoscopic. The mean white blood cell count on presentation of all reported 11 cases was 11,996 cells/mm3 (range: 5930 to 18,740), the mean fever was 37.82°C (range: 36.8 to 38.6), and the mean CRP count on presentation of all cases was 36.7 (range: 0.4 to 142.91). The most commonly performed radiographic examination used to diagnose stump appendicitis is the abdominal computerized tomography (CT) scan. It was used in 100% (11 cases). Ultrasound was also used in 100% (11 cases).

Conclusion: The appendicular base must be accessed prior to undertaking an appendectomy, irrespective of the chosen strategy or technique. It is noteworthy that, apart from open or laparoscopic appendectomy, antibiotic therapy should also be considered as part of the treatment regimen, as documented in the literature series.