Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Ege Klinikleri Tıp Dergisi, cilt.63, sa.2, ss.75-82, 2025 (Hakemli Dergi)
Objective: In 2024, we aimed to evaluate the clinical and laboratory characteristics of individuals admitted to the emergency department during the forest fire that occurred in Izmir Yamanlar region and to determine the risk factors associated with hospital readmission during the 6-month follow-up period. We also aimed to reveal the prevalence of short- and medium-term health effects in individuals exposed to fire and biomarkers that can be used to predict these effects. Methods: This single-center, retrospective cohort study included 98 patients who presented with fire-related symptoms between August 13-18, 2024. Demographic and clinical data and laboratory results were obtained retrospectively from hospital records and the national health system. Results: The median age of the patients was 33.0 years and 66.3% were male. The most common reasons for presentation were dyspnea (37.8%), trauma (25.5%), nausea (14.3%), headache (13.3%) and conjunctival hyperemia (13.3%). Within six months, 19.4% were readmitted to the hospital. Multivariate analysis identified advanced age (Adjusted OR (AOR): 1.04; p = 0.023) and low pH levels at admission (AOR: 0.09; p = 0.029) as independent predictors of hospital readmission. Respiratory reasons (dyspnea 26.4%, cough 15.8%) accounted for 72.7% of readmissions. No significant correlation was found between pH, lactate, COHb, HCO3 and troponin levels and the duration of readmission (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Exposure to fire smoke causes medium-term health problems, especially in elderly individuals and those presenting with low pH. These findings emphasize the importance of early detection and regular follow-up of at-risk groups. Keywords: Emergency Service, Hospital ; Environmental Exposure; Wildfires