Crush Syndrome Approach in the Elderly Patient After the Disasters

The term crush injury (CI) refers to tissue damage caused by direct crushing force; crush syndrome (CS) points to a multi-systemic figure that develops when trauma causes rhabdomyolysis (RM). We are more likely to encounter old patients of CS with the increase in the geriatric population rate. Early detection of clinical findings in patients with crush syndrome is important for predicting prognosis and planning treatment. Typical local findings due to trauma include compartment syndrome, where pain, stiffness, swelling, and weakness in the affected muscles are prominent. Classical systemic findings include hypovolemic shock, fluid-electrolyte imbalances (hyperkalemia, hyperphosphatemia, hypocalcemia, and metabolic acidosis), arrhythmia, respiratory failure, and cardiac arrest. Rapid diagnosis and treatment management are crucial in managing crush syndrome in the elderly after a disaster. Fever response to infections may be less prominent or absent in the elderly, which can delay diagnosis. In this situation, extra vigilance is required.

Dergi

NATURAL DISASTERS AND OLDER ADULTS

Yıl

2024

Sayfa

45-51

WoS UID

WOS:001552412200009