Does occupational ionizing radiation exposure in healthcare workers affect their hematological parameters?

Blood cells are used as the most sensitive marker to determine the effects and intensity of ionizing radiation. This descriptive study aimed to evaluate the effect of radiation exposure on hematological parameters in healthcare workers who were exposed to radiation in a university hospital between May and June 2021. A total of 339 participants were included, of which 169 (49.9%) were radiation workers and 170 (50.1%) were in the control group. A decrease was observed in white blood cell and neutrophil counts in those exposed to ionizing radiation for less than 10 years; however, white blood cell, neutrophil, hemoglobin levels decreased, and red cell distribution width (RDW) levels increased in those exposed to ionizing radiation for 10 years or more (p < 0.005). A statistically significant increase was observed in the RDW and lymphocyte levels as the years of work experience in the profession increase in the group exposed to IR. The findings indicate that the effect of low-dose ionizing radiation on the hematopoietic system is related to the frequency and duration of the dose. Hematological parameters can be sensitive biomarkers of low-dose ionizing radiation; possible disturbances in the hematopoietic system can be recognized before the onset of symptoms, and necessary precautions can be taken promptly

Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approaches to Thyroid Nodules in Turkey

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the approaches to thyroid nodules adopted by various specialists and centers in Turkey. Material and Methods: The questionnaire designed by Ralf Paschke for International Thyroid Congress (2010) was provided to 400 (264 general surgeons, 58 endocrine surgeons, and 78 endocrinologists) physicians from Turkey. Education and research hospitals (n=110), state hospitals (n=84), university hospitals (n=122), and private hospitals (n=84) were included. An index case was provided and questions regarding diagnostic and therapeutic/follow-up strategies were asked. Results: The index case was a 35-year-old man presented with swallowing discomfort. His thyroid-stimulating hormone level was 0.5 mIU/L. Thyroid ultrasonography (US) revealed a 13 mm right nodule (RN) and an 18 mm left nodule (LN). The most frequently queried information by physicians about the case was the result of fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) (38.5%) and scintigraphy+FNAB (25.5%). Routine calcitonin measurement was advised by 33.5% of specialists. US and scintigraphy were detailed as; showed intranodular flow, microcalcification in the solid, and normoactive RN and solid hypoechoic, and hypoactive for the LN. FNAB was recommended by 68.5% of specialists for both nodules. Surgery without FNAB was recommended by 9% (n=36) of specialists, mainly by general surgeons (n=32). Specialists from private hospitals recommended surgical management for benign nodules, more frequently than state and university hospitals (p<0.01). Conclusion: Not only invasive and noninvasive diagnostic tests but also the treatment and follow-up strategies varied among general surgeons, endocrine surgeons, and endocrinologists in Turkey. The surgical approach for benign nodules was more frequently preferred in private hospitals

Daily Practice of Mechanical Ventilation and Weaning in Turkish PICUs: A Multicenter Prospective Survey.

Objectives