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OBJECTIVE: The patient's age, gender and the presence of certain concomitant diseases have been reported to play a part in the course and progression of COVID-19 in the literature. In this study, we aimed to compare the comorbidities causing mortality in critically ill Intensive Care Unit (ICU)-patients diagnosed with COVID-19. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The data as regards the COVID-19 cases followed up in the ICU were retrospectively reviewed. 408 COVID-19 patients with positive PCR test were included in the study. In addition, a subgroup analysis was performed in patients treated with invasive mechanical ventilation. While the primary aim of this study was to evaluate the difference in survival rates due to comorbidities in critical COVID-19 patients, we also aimed to assess the comorbidities in severely intubated COVID-19 patients in terms of mortality. RESULTS: A statistically significant increase in mortality was observed in patients with underlying hematologic malignancy and chronic renal failure (p=0.027, 0.047). Body mass index value in the mortal group was significantly higher in both the general study group and subgroup analysis (p=0.004, 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Advanced age and comorbidities such as chronic renal failure and hematologic malignancy in COVID-19 patients are associated with poor survival prognosis in critically ill COVID-19 patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Dental laboratory technicians (DLTs) have much exposure to mineralogical dust that may have adverse effects on their lung health. The aim of our study was to investigate occupational dust exposure, and to determine the frequency of respiratory function disorders and radiologic abnormalities among DLTs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study enrolled 94 DLTs who were exposed to dust in dental laboratories and 94 control subjects. Dust concentrations in the workplaces were measured. RESULTS: The mean age of DLTs was 30.70 ± 9.84 years. No significant difference was found between the DLTs and the control groups for age or smoking status (p > 0.05). Spirometric values for the DLTs were found to be lower than the control group (p < 0.05). The mean working period for DLTs was 9.19±5.9 years. The pulmonary function test results for the DLTs showed that 65.9% had a normal pattern, 22.4% were restrictive, and 11.7% showed obstructive type pulmonary function disorder. Negative correlations were found between the working period time and Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second in the DLTs (R = -0.675 p = 0.000). Negative correlations were also found between working period time and Forced Vital Capacity in the DLTs (R = -0.720 p = 0.000). All DLTs had chest X-rays and 16 (17%) of them showed radiological pneumoconiosis. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed a negative association between level of respiratory function and working period in DLTs.0 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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