Comparison of Different Suture Techniques

Aim: Traumas are frequent causes of presentation to emergency departments. Suturing is usually required in treatment of patients with scalp laceration. This study aimed to investigate different suture methods with respect of patient satisfaction, wound healing, and treatment cost in patients with scalp laceration. Material and Method: A total of 60 patients were included in the study. The patients were divided into 3 groups; traditional suturing (Group 1), stapling (Group 2), and the tissue adhesive (Group 3) groups. Chi-Square and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used for comparison of the groups. A p value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Two-thirds of the patients were male. The patient satisfaction was highest in the Group 3 (p<0.05). Tissue adhesive group had the lowest treatment cost (p<0.05). Discussion: In contrast to existing traditional belief, the alternative suture methods, i.e. tissue adhesives and staples are not expensive. The patient satisfaction was highest in the tissue adhesive group

Organophosphate Poisoning Due to a Wheat Bagel

Objective Organophosphate compounds are possibly the most widely-used insecticides worldwide. Organophosphate compounds cause poisoning, inhibiting acetylcholinesterase at the cholinergic synapses. Civilian casualties resulted from a terrorist attack with sarin in a Tokyo subway. Recent terrorist activities have also raised concerns that organophosphate or nerve agents may be used as a weapon of terror or mass destruction

The diagnostic value of QT dispersion for acute coronary syndrome in patients presenting with chest pain and nondiagnostic initial electrocardiograms

BACKGROUND: Patients presenting with chest pain and nondiagnostic electrocardiograms (ECG) in the emergency department (ED) often pose a challenge to physicians. QT dispersion (QTD) is an electrocardiographic marker of myocardial ischemia due to nonhomogeneous ventricular repolarization. We hypothesized that QTD could accurately identify patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) who presented with chest pain and nondiagnostic initial ECGs

Hair tourniquet syndrome

The hair tourniquet syndrome is a rare disorder. This syndrome has been described as involving the fingers, the toes and even the genitals. We report a case of hair tourniquet syndrome affecting multiple toes of an infant. After the hair fiber was removed there was a fast healing period and no signs of tissue necrosis were seen. The prompt diagnosis and treatment of the condition is vital to attain a good outcome and prevent further harm to the child