OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the underlying causes and clinical outcomes of acute respiratory symptoms in critically ill pediatric patients who survived the February 6, 2023, earthquake and were admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) of a designated disaster hospital. METHODS: This retrospective, longitudinal observational study included pediatric patients aged 1 month to 18 years admitted to the PICU of Mersin City Training and Research Hospital due to respiratory symptoms following the earthquake. Clinical, radiological, and laboratory data and treatment outcomes were analyzed. Ethics committee approval was obtained from the Toros University. Group comparisons were made between patients with and without respiratory involvement. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for key associations. RESULTS: = 0.018) independently predicted respiratory involvement. CONCLUSION: In pediatric earthquake survivors, respiratory symptoms often indicate multisystem involvement. Beyond chest trauma, acute kidney injury and neurological causes are major contributors to respiratory compromise. A comprehensive, integrative approach is essential for timely diagnosis and intervention.
Katlan et al. (Fri,) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: