Abstract

Background and objectives

Crush injury, the most important trauma complication encountered in earthquake victims, occurs as a result of prolonged compression of muscle mass. Crush syndrome, resulting from crush injury, and acute kidney injury (AKI) are the most common causes of in-hospital deaths after earthquakes. The aim of this study is to convey our experience after the devastating Turkey–Syria earthquake and to identify the risk factors of crush syndrome and crush-related AKI.

Methods

Of the 1134 children admitted to the emergency department, 265 with crush injury were included the study. Demographic information, laboratory and clinical data of the patients were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

Mean age of the patients was 10.3 ± 4.9 years (134 females and 131 males). The median time spent under the rubble was 20 h. Crush syndrome developed in 135 (50.9%). Patients with crush syndrome were older and had higher body weight, respectively (p = 0.014, p = 0.044). Acute kidney injury was present in 157 (59.2%) patients. Thirty-two patients (12.1%) received kidney replacement therapy (KRT). The risk factors for the development of AKI Stage 3 were crush syndrome, abdominal trauma, and age.

Conclusion

This disaster taught us the importance of establishing in advance a national emergency disaster plan. Older pediatric earthquake victims with multiple trauma and severe crush syndrome should be closely followed-up for development of AKI and, if necessary, started on dialysis. Timely access to medical care, early fluid resuscitation, and effective use of dialysis treatment are essential.

Graphical abstract