Analysis of the Effect of Time Under Debris as a Mortality Determinant and Injury Patterns in the 2023 Kahramanmaraş Earthquakes

Abstract

Objective: The current study aimed to analyze injury patterns, explore the correlation between time under debris and patient mor tality, and highlight the importance of prompt intervention following the 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed earthquake-related injuries and ambulance transportation among patients from sur rounding provinces. Patient data, including demographics, admission time, duration under debris, province of residence, injury type, presence of crush syndrome, additional injuries, surgical interventions, intensive care unit admission, hospitalization, and discharge, were retrospectively examined. Results: In this study of 427 patients, with ages ranging from 0 to 91 years and a mean age of 40.9 ± 19.0 years, 89 (20.8%) patients reported being trapped under debris. The overall mortality rate was 1.6%. A total of 328 (76.8%) patients sustained injuries dur ing their escape, with 50 (11.7%) experiencing crush injuries. A total of 25 (5.9%) patients underwent the fasciotomy procedure, whereas 28 (6.6%) patients received hemodialysis treatment. Soft tissue trauma was the primary diagnosis and was often accom panied by an acute kidney injury. The predominant fractures observed were those of the lower extremities, and the time spent under debris has been proven to correlate with increased fasciotomy and death rates. Conclusion: This study represents a noteworthy contribution to the existing literature by investigating the 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes. The duration of entrapment of victims under debris, as well as the incidence of crush injuries, fasciotomies, and hemo dialysis requirements, is a critical determinant of post-earthquake fatality rates.