Evaluation of patients admitted to the emergency room with the claim of being exposed to chemical gas in northwest Syria

Abstract

Objective: Our study, it was aimed to evaluate the patients who applied after being affected by chemical gas in northwest Syria, to examine the treatment results, and to raise awareness about chemical gas attacks. 
 Method: The study included 43 patients who applied to the emergency department of our hospital, who felt an odor similar to the smell of onion and garlic and were sick. Our research is a retrospective study. Retrospective data were collected from the files of patients admitted after gas exposure. Statistical analyzes of the study were performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25.0 software for Windows. P-value below 0.05 in all statistical analyzes were interpreted as statistically significant. 
 Results: All 43 patients were male. The mean age was 24.86 ∓ 8.81 years. Vital signs at the time of application; mean blood pressure 97.23 ∓ 5.61 mmHg, fever 37.2 ∓ 0.57 °C, heart rate 99.28 ∓ 9.89 / min, oxygen saturation 96.43 ∓ 1.53 %. In total, 3 patients had convulsions. 20 patients had agitation and spasm sensation, 12 patients had redness of the eyes and 42 patients had complaints of shortness of breath. 
 Conclusion: Awareness, rapid decontamination, and symptomatic treatment are thought to be very important in minimizing the devastating effects of chemical attack agents.