Management of the crush syndrome in critical patients: 10 cases

Abstract

Introduction: Crush trauma may be life threating in extremities. Crush syndrome leads to a systemic disorder through musclecytolysis and the spread of metabolic substance into the circulatory system. In the present study, we summarized the follow-up andtreatment of 10 cases with intensive care unit (ICU) crush injury.Meterials and Methods: We have analyzed the clinical data of 10 patients with crush injury who were under treatment in theintensive care unit of our clinic. Age, sex, diagnosis, APACHE II score, sepsis, intensive care complications, treatment parameters inintensive care and arterial blood gases parameters, routine blood biochemistry, alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase,creatine kinase, creatinine, existence of blood urea nitrogen, urinary protein and severity score of the patients have beenrecorded. Patients have been closely monitored for symptoms of crush injury, changes, crush area, urination and dangerouscomplications.Results: The mean age of 10 patients (10 male) was 41.3 ± 8.7 years. APACHE II score was 21,7. 8 out of 10 patients had traumaticshock, one showed acute renal failure and one presented with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). In 3 patientspresenting the criteria for crush syndrome, the symptoms of extremity distension and sensory function disorder were regulatedwith rapid surgical operation and hemodialysis, and urination increased, even in some patients, it reached the normal level.Serologic parameters were regulated in most of the patients after application. Amputation was applied to 5 (50%) patients in ourgroup for serious infection and crush. 2 (20%) patients died, one because of MODS and one because of acute renal failure.Conclusion: Early and aggressive resuscitation, emergency treatment and close monitoring of serious complications are of great importance for saving the lives of the patients with crush syndrome under intensive care.