Evaluation of Factors Associated with Mortality in Patients with Crush Syndrome Acquired from the February 6 Kahramanmaras Earthquake

Background: Crush syndrome is the second most common cause of death in earthquakes, following direct trauma. Crush syndrome develops when toxic substances released after tissue injury or crushing reach the bloodstream. The aim of this study was to investigate factors associated with morbidity and mortality in patients rescued from the rubble after the February 6 earthquake and admitted to our hospital who had crush syndrome by retrospectively analyzing their data. Methods: Hemodialysis, fasciotomy, and other parameters during hospitalization and time to transfer to a ward or death of 36 adult patients with crush syndrome who were rescued from the rubble and hospitalized after the February 6 earthquake were retrospectively analyzed. Results: Thirty-six patients were included in the study. There was no significant correlation between the mortality of patients according to their time of rescue or need for fasciotomy, dialysis, or inotropes (p=0.767, p=0.294, p=0.625, p=0.865, respectively). There was a high inverse correlation between the time of rescue and time to death. There was a weak inverse correlation between the time of rescue and hospitalization duration (r=-0.767 and r=-0.341, respectively). There was a significant correlation between the need for inotropes and mortality (p<0.001). No one who didn't need dialysis passed away. Dialysis was necessary for all six of the deceased individuals. We can conclude that one significant factor in predicting death in CS patients is the requirement for dialysis. Conclusion: Crush syndrome, which develops in patients rescued from the rubble alive, is a life-threatening condition. It is an important syndrome and an important cause of mortality for earthquake victims. Further large-scale studies are needed to elucidate the association of time of rescue, the need for fasciotomy and hemodialysis, and other factors with mortality.