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Mustafa Sunbul

Publications and source records attributed to Mustafa Sunbul.

15 recordsLinked to original sources

Risk factors for and effect of a one-year surveillance program on surgical site infection at a university hospital in Turkey.

BACKGROUND: Surveillance of surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most effective methods for decreasing the incidence. We determined the risk factors for SSI and the effect of a one-year surveillance program on the rate at a tertiary-care center. METHODS: The annual SSI rate before the study period was determined in a preliminary study. Risk factors related to SSI, the bacteria cultured from infected sites, and the effect of surveillance were then analyzed prospectively. Risk factors were determined by logistic regression analysis, and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. RESULTS: The incidence of SSI decreased from 12.8% before the study to 8.8% at the end of the surveillance period. There were 90 SSIs (8.8%) in 1,017 procedures during the study period, most of which (77; 69%) were detected during the hospital stay. The distribution of superficial incisional, deep incisional, and organ/space SSI was 61.1%, 33.4%, and 5.5%, respectively. Prolonged preoperative hospital stay (>8 days), abdominal incision, early preoperative hair removal, inappropriate antimicrobial prophylaxis, whole blood transfusion, famotidine treatment, repair with mesh, age >75 years, wound contamination, high American Society of Anesthesiologists score, malnutrition, diabetes mellitus, emergency surgery, obesity, and coexistent infection proved to be independent risk factors for SSI, whereas the skin closure technique, patient sex, presence of malignancy, smoking history, and duration of operation were not. Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were the bacteria isolated most frequently. Six infected patients (5.4%) died, four because of SSI. Development of SSI increased hospital expenses by around 600 US dollars per patient. CONCLUSION: Surveillance even for one year decreases the incidence of SSI.

Adult↗

Pacemaker lead endocarditis caused by Staphylococcus hominis.

Infective endocarditis related to pacemaker is a rare but serious condition in permanent venous tracing. A 65-year-old man was admitted to the hospital with high fever and chills. A DDD pacemaker had been implanted via the right subclavian vein because of sick sinus syndrome 6 years earlier. Transesophageal echocardiogram identified an oscillating round hyperechoic mass with a stalk near the tricuspid valve. Blood cultures grew Staphylococcus hominis. The patient was treated with antibiotics and operated on after the acute phase of the illness had subsided. We hereby report a case of lead endocarditis caused by S. hominis in a patient with pacemaker, which has been rarely reported in the English literature.

Aged↗

A cluster of anthrax cases including meningitis.

We report a common-source outbreak of anthrax. The source of infection was the carcass of a cow. Three patients developed anthrax, which affects meninx, skin and larynx. The patient with meningitis died. In all, 20 people who contacted or ate the cooked meat of the dead cow were given prophylactic tetracycline and remained well. This small outbreak calls for the increased awareness of physicians to this clinical entity in locations in which anthrax is endemic and for health education.

Animals↗

Acute pancreatitis caused by leptospirosis: report of two cases.

Two cases of acute pancreatitis with leptospirosis are reported in this article. CASE 1: A 68-year-old woman, presented initially with abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and jaundice. She was in poor general condition, and had acute abdominal signs and symptoms on physical examination. Emergency laparotomy was performed, acute pancreatitis and leptospirosis were diagnosed on the basis of surgical findings and serological tests. The patient died on postoperative d 6. CASE 2: A 62-year-old man, presented with fever, jaundice, nausea, vomiting, and malaise. Acute pancreatitis associated with leptospirosis was diagnosed, according to abdominal CT scanning and serological tests. The patient recovered fully with antibiotic treatment and nutritional support within 19 d.

Acute Disease↗

Distribution of hepatitis B virus genotypes in patients with chronic hepatitis B in Turkey.

AIM: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) strains isolated worldwide has been classified into eight genomic groups deduced from genome comparisons and designated as genotypes A to H. We aimed to investigate prevalence of HBV genotypes and subtypes in Turkey. METHODS: A total of 88 chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients from 15 hospitals throughout the country were included. Patients who were HBsAg positive in serum at least for 6 mo, who had HBV-DNA in serum and elevation of ALT levels more than two times upper limit of normal, and who had percutaneous liver biopsy within 6 mo were included. Genotyping of HBV was done by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). The patients received subcutaneous 9 MU interferon-alpha 2a thrice a week for a period of 6 mo. RESULTS: Genotype D was detected in 78 of 88 (88.7%) patients, however, genotyping failed in two patients (2.3%), while no product was obtained in eight (9.0%) patients. Regarding subtypes, D2 was more prevalent (67 patients between 78% and 85.9%) followed by subtype D2+deletion (seven patients of 78 or 8.9%), subtype D1 (three patients of 78% or 3.9%) and subtype D3 (one patient of 78% or 1.3%). Thirty-three patients (37.5%) were HBeAg positive compared to 55 (62.5%) anti-HBe positive patients. The endpoint for the viral response of HBeAg positive patients was 27.2%, while it was found 52.7% in HBeAg negative patients (P<0.05). Long-term persistent viral response was 29.5% for all patients. CONCLUSION: This multi-center study indicates that the predominant genotype with CHB patients in Turkey like in other Mediterranean countries is genotype D.

Adolescent↗

Impact of clinical and laboratory findings on prognosis in leptospirosis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate epidemiological, clinical and laboratory features, and risk factors for mortality in leptospirosis. METHODS: Seventy-two adult leptospirosis cases were reviewed. Categorical clinical and laboratory findings of survivors and non-survivors were assessed by Chi square analysis. Non-categorical findings were assessed by the student t test. Clinical findings and laboratory data with p <0.05 were assessed by stepwise logistic regression analysis for mortality. RESULTS: Of all patients, mean age was 47.3 +/- 15.7 years, 82% were men and, 51% were farmers. Icterus occurred in 75%, and high fever was seen in 61 of the patients. The most frequently detected serotype was Leptospira icterohaemorrhagiae (30%). Overall mortality rate was 17%. In those non-survivors, altered mental status (p = 0.002), hepatomegaly (p = 0.037), haemorrhage (p = 0.019), ALT level (p = 0.008), AST level (p = 0.02), prolonged prothrombin time (p = 0.02) and increased serum potassium levels (p = 0.004) were seen more frequently than in survivors. Altered mental status (p = 0.01, OR: 8.9, CI 95%: 1.6-50.7) and serum potassium levels at hospital admission (p = 0.01, OR: 4.2, CI 95%: 1.4-13.1) were detected as independent risk factors for mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Leptospirosis patients with altered mental status and hyperpotassaemia at hospital admission are at high risk for mortality and should be followed up more closely at the intensive care unit.

Adolescent↗

Primary care physicians' approach to diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis B and hepatitis C patients.

BACKGROUND: Infections caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are considered to be important health problems worldwide. The purpose of this study was to measure the general practitioners (GPs)' basic knowledge on HBV and HCV risk factors in determining their practice about this subject. METHODS: A cross-sectional type questionnaire survey was carried out at all of 32 primary healthcare centers (PHCCs) in Samsun, Turkey, between March 1 and April 31, 2002. The questionnaires were sent to 160 GPs and 129 (80.6%) of them answered the questionnaires. Knowledge, role responsibility, self-efficacy and attitudes and beliefs regarding to viral hepatitis B and hepatitis C were asked. RESULTS: Most of the GPs had adequate knowledge about transmission of HBV and HCV and also about risk factors for transmission of viruses. Most of the GPs (83.7%) were aware of recommendations for approach to a baby, born from HBsAg positive mother. They have limited facilities in diagnosis of viral hepatitis. Of the participants, 108 (83.7%) expressed that they could not diagnose HBV infections and 126 (97.7%) of them stated that they could not make the diagnoses of HCV infection in their local healthcare centers. The knowledge about treatment of chronic viral hepatitis B (21.8%) and C patients (17.8%) with elevated ALT is not sufficient. CONCLUSION: GPs' knowledge about risks of viral hepatitis was adequate in this study. They were not able to diagnose and follow up of these infections at PHCCs because of limited knowledge about chronic viral hepatitis and diagnostic facilities. GPs should be informed about current advice in diagnosis and treatment of chronic of HBV and HCV infections.

Adult↗

A national survey of surgical antibiotic prophylaxis in Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the quality of antibiotic prophylaxis for clean and clean-contaminated elective surgical procedures. DESIGN: A cross-sectional, country-wide survey. SETTING: Thirty-six hospitals in 12 cities in Turkey. PARTICIPANTS: Four hundred thirty-nine surgeons from 6 different specialties who performed selected procedures of interest. METHODS: A random sample of surgeons from different hospitals was selected. A standardized data collection form was used to record the type of procedure, the names, doses, timing of the first doses, and duration of antibiotics, important decisive factors, and problems in the management of prophylactic antibiotic use for surgical procedures. RESULTS: Fifty-five percent of surgeons addressed completed the survey. For clean-contaminated procedures, 6% of surgeons did not use antibiotic prophylaxis, whereas 88% used more than a single dose. Inappropriate antibiotics were chosen for 32% of procedures. In 39% of procedures, the first dose of antibiotics was not administered during induction of anesthesia. Duration of prophylaxis was longer than 24 hours in 80% and longer than 48 hours in 46% of all procedures. Only 112 surgeons (26%) were using definitely appropriate prophylaxis in all ways. Multivariate analysis revealed that surgeons in university hospitals (OR, 2.353; CI95, 1.426-3.884; P = .001) and general surgeons (OR, 4.986; CI95, 2.890-8.604; P < .001) used antibiotic prophylaxis more appropriately. Patients not covered by health insurance (OR, 0.417; CI95 0.225-0.772; P < .001) were associated with inappropriate prophylaxis. CONCLUSION: Given the high frequency of antibiotics prescribed for surgical prophylaxis in Turkey, adherence to surgical prophylaxis guidelines is urgently needed.

Antibiotic Prophylaxis↗

Treatment of acute hepatitis C virus infection with interferon-alpha 2b and ribavirin: case report and review of the literature.

UNLABELLED: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection becomes chronic in about 85 % of individuals as demonstrated by the persistence of HCV. It is necessary to treat acute hepatitis C infection. Interferon-alpha is generally used for the treatment of acute HCV infection. CASE PRESENTATION: A 55-year-old woman with a history of fatigue and icter was diagnosed as acute hepatitis C virus infection. She was treated with interferon-alpha 2b 3 million unite sc three times in a week and ribavirin 1000 mg daily for 6 months. Within 2 weeks of therapy, the alanine aminotransferase (ALT) had became normal. At the end of the 3 months of therapy, HCV RNA was negative and remained negative 6 months after the end of interferon treatment (sustained response). CONCLUSION: This report suggests that interferon-alpha 2b and ribavirin may have a role in treatment of acute hepatitis C virus infection.

Journal Article↗

Antibiotic prescribing and urinary tract infection.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic and therapeutic approach to urinary tract infections (UTIs) by primary care physicians, in Samsun, Turkey. Data were obtained from the records of 2083 visits at eight primary care areas. Trained research students were stationed on site at each of the eight primary care centres between 1 June, 1999 and 1 July, 1999. Patients who had acute cystitis, recurrent UTIs, acute pyelonephritis and acute urethritis were included in the study. A total of 2083 office visits were recorded and 419 (20.1%) of the patients had UTIs and acute urethritis. Antibiotics were prescribed for 94.7% of the patients with UTIs and urethritis. Some 74% of prescriptions were consistent with current recommendation, but only 41% of the antibiotic prescriptions were rational according to dosage, dosage interval and duration of therapy. Urinary antiseptic agents were prescribed to 75% of patients with UTIs. These data indicate that polypharmacy is widespread in our region; primary care physicians need to review their knowledge about the diagnosis and treatment of UTIs and acute urethritis.

Adult↗

Ivermectin used in percutaneous drug injection method for the treatment of liver hydatid disease in sheep.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Ivermectin is a macrocyclic lactone (avermectins) produced by the actinomycete Streptomyces avermitilis. In this experimental study, the effectiveness of intracystic injection of ivermectin was studied as a new approach of percutaneous treatment of cystic echinococcosis. METHODS: Twelve naturally infected sheep were selected and divided into 2 subgroups: treatment group (n = 9) and control group (n = 3). In the treatment group, approximate volume of ivermectin solution needed to achieve an intracystic concentration of 10 microg/mL was injected into cysts, but in the control group, sterile distillated water was applied. No reaspiration was performed at all. RESULTS: In the following period of 6 months, repeated sonography revealed a significant decrease in cyst sizes and progressive solidification of the cysts in the treatment group. In the control group, volumes of the cysts were increased. No major complications occurred during or after the procedure. After 6 months, all sheep were killed and examined for macroscopic and microscopic changes. Pathologic examination in the treatment group showed pericyst hyalinization, inflammatory cells in the cyst wall, degeneration of laminated and germinal membrane, and necrotic material in the cyst cavity. No viable protoscolices or daughter cysts were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous treatment of cystic echinococcosis with ivermectin as a scolicidal agent seems to be effective in this animal model.

Administration, Cutaneous↗

Thwaites' diagnostic scoring and the prediction of tuberculous meningitis.

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to investigate the applicability of Thwaites' diagnostic criteria in order to differentiate tuberculous from bacterial meningitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was done retrospectively in HIV-negative patients (n = 126) with meningitis. Of the 126 patients, 103 had bacterial meningitis and 23 patients had tuberculous meningitis. The diagnosis was confirmed microbiologically in 59 and 12 patients with bacterial and tuberculous meningitis, respectively. The prediction of tuberculous meningitis was determined by Thwaites' diagnostic scoring using parameters such as age, history of illness, white blood cell count, total cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) white cell count and the percent of neutrophils in CSF. The diagnostic value of the model was assessed by calculating the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. RESULTS: The sensitivity and the specificity of Thwaites' diagnostic scoring were 95.6% (22/23) and 70.8% (73/103), respectively. In microbiologically proven cases the sensitivity and the specificity were 91.7% (11/12), 79.7% (57/59), respectively. The area under the ROC curve value for the diagnostic scoring was 0.92. CONCLUSIONS: Thwaites' diagnostic score was found to be helpful in differential diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis, however, the usefulness of diagnostic scoring should be validated in large series especially in patients with viral meningitis and low CSF glucose levels.

Adolescent↗

Tissue types as prognostic risk factor in hepatitis B virus infection.

OBJECTIVES: Outcome after acute hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection may be determined by the host immune system. We studied the distribution of major histocompatibility (MHC) antigens in patients who developed natural immunity against HBV and those with chronic hepatitis B. METHODS: Thirty patients positive for IgG anti-HBs and anti-HBc ('naturally immune'), 30 patients with HBsAg-positive chronic hepatitis and 30 subjects with no serological markers of HBV infection (controls) were studied. MHC class-I antigens were detected by the standard Terasaki microlymphocytotoxicity test and the MHC class-II antigens by a polymerase chain reaction using sequence-specific primers. RESULTS: In the naturally immune group, A11, B73, CW3, DRB1*16 and DQB1*05 antigens were significantly more frequent than in the control group, and B73, DRB1*04 and DRB1*13 antigens were more frequent than in the chronic hepatitis group. In the chronic hepatitis group, CW6, DRB5 and DQB1*05 antigens were significantly more frequent than in the control group, and B8, CW7, DRB1*03 and DQB1*02 antigens were more frequent than in the naturally immune group. CONCLUSIONS: Differences in alleleic frequencies of HLA among persons with natural immunity against HBV and those with chronic hepatitis B may suggest a genetic basis for persistence of HBV infection and occurrence of chronic liver disease.

Adult↗