Mehmed Ulu

Dr. Mehmed Ulu

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

3Years (2024-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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19 June 2025 in Diagnostics
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MKMurtaza Kaya
Murtaza Kaya
HYHarun Yıldırım
Harun Yıldırım
MTMehmet Toprak
Mehmet Toprak
MUMehmed Ulu
Mehmed Ulu
Background/Objectives: Trauma scoring systems are essential tools for predicting clinical outcomes in patients with multiple injuries. This study aimed to compare the performance of various anatomical and physiological scoring systems in predicting mortality among patients admitted to the emergency department following traffic accidents. Methods: In this prospective observational study, trauma patients presenting with traffic-related injuries were evaluated using seven scoring systems: ISS, NISS, AIS, GCS, RTS, TRISS, and APACHE II. Demographic data, clinical findings, and laboratory values were recorded. The prognostic performance of each score was assessed using ROC curve analysis, and diagnostic metrics including sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratios were calculated. Results: Among 554 patients included in the study, the overall mortality rate was 2%. The TRISS and GCS scores demonstrated the highest predictive performance, each with an AUC of 0.98, sensitivity of 100%, and specificity exceeding 93%. APACHE II followed closely with an AUC of 0.97, also achieving 100% sensitivity. NISS (AUC = 0.92) and ISS (AUC = 0.91) were effective anatomical scores, while RTS showed moderate predictive value (AUC = 0.90). Strong correlations were noted between ISS, NISS, and AIS (Rho > 0.85), while RTS was negatively correlated with these anatomical scores. All scoring systems showed statistically significant associations with mortality. Conclusions: TRISS, GCS, and APACHE II were the most effective trauma scoring systems in predicting mortality among emergency department patients. While complex models offer higher accuracy, simpler scores such as RTS and GCS remain valuable for rapid triage. The integration of both anatomical and physiological parameters may enhance early risk stratification and support timely decision-making in trauma care.

1 July 2025 in BMC Emergency Medicine
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
FSFatih Burak Senay
Fatih Burak Senay
MKMurtaza Kaya
Murtaza Kaya
Şahinde AtlanoğluŞahinde Atlanoğlu
Şahinde Atlanoğlu
MUMehmed Ulu
Mehmed Ulu
Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) is a major contributor to emergency department (ED) visits and mortality. Traditional diagnostic tools may not fully capture systemic venous congestion, which is a critical factor in CHF prognosis. The Venous Excess Ultrasound Score (VExUS) is a novel ultrasonographic tool that systematically evaluates venous congestion. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of VExUS scores in predicting 30-day mortality in patients presenting to the ED with CHF symptoms. This was a prospective, cross-sectional study involving 47 adult patients presenting to the ED with clinical signs of CHF. Patients were assigned VExUS scores of 1, 2, or 3 based on ultrasonographic findings. Laboratory values, PV Doppler flow patterns, and diameters were recorded. Logistic regression and ROC curve analyses were conducted to evaluate the predictive value of VExUS scores and PV diameter on 30-day mortality. Higher VExUS scores were associated with increased mortality. Specifically, patients with a VExUS score of 3 had significantly higher 30-day mortality compared to those with a score of 1 (OR = 15.92, p = 0.037). A PV diameter ≥ 10 mm predicted mortality with 92.31% sensitivity. Significant correlations were also found between VExUS scores and PV Doppler findings, PV diameter, and other ultrasonographic parameters. Higher VExUS scores appear to be associated with increased 30-day mortality in CHF patients presenting to the emergency department, supporting its potential utility as a noninvasive prognostic tool. Its integration into routine ED assessment may help support risk stratification and guide more targeted management strategies. Not applicable.

29 May 2025 in Preprints.org
Verified
Preprint
Open access
PDF file
MTMehmet Toprak
Mehmet Toprak
HYHarun Yıldırım
Harun Yıldırım
ESErtan Sönmez
Ertan Sönmez
MKMurtaza Kaya
Murtaza Kaya
AHALİ HALICI
ALİ HALICI
MUMehmed Ulu
Mehmed Ulu
Background: Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is a common and potentially life-threatening condition frequently encountered in emergency departments (EDs). The optimal strategy for red blood cell suspension (RBCS) transfusion, including timing and location, remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of transfusion location (ED vs. inpatient units) on mortality and hospital stay in GI bleeding patients. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in the ED of a tertiary care hospital. Patients admitted with GI bleeding between June 1, 2021, and June 1, 2023, who received RBCS transfusion were included. Data on demographics, laboratory parameters, transfusion details, and clinical outcomes were collected from the hospital information system. Logistic regression was used to identify mortality predictors. Results: A total of 244 patients were included. Patients transfused in the ED had a significantly shorter hospital stay compared to those transfused in inpatient units. However, mortality did not differ between groups. Logistic regression identified age, albumin, hemoglobin, creatinine, and hospital stay as independent mortality predictors, while transfusion location was not significant. Conclusions: Early RBCS transfusion in the ED may reduce hospital stay but does not significantly impact mortality. Identifying mortality-associated factors is crucial for optimizing patient management. Further prospective studies are needed to clarify the role of transfusion location in GI bleeding outcomes.

9 July 2025 in Healthcare
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MTMehmet Toprak
Mehmet Toprak
HYHarun Yıldırım
Harun Yıldırım
ESErtan Sönmez
Ertan Sönmez
MKMurtaza Kaya
Murtaza Kaya
AHALİ HALICI
ALİ HALICI
MUMehmed Ulu
Mehmed Ulu
Background: Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is a common and potentially life-threatening condition frequently encountered in emergency departments (EDs). The optimal strategy for red blood cell suspension (RBCS) transfusion, including timing and location, remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of transfusion location (ED vs. inpatient units) on mortality and hospital stay in patients with GI bleeding. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in the ED of a tertiary care hospital. Patients admitted with GI bleeding between 1 June 2021, and 1 June 2023, who received RBCS transfusion were included. Data on demographics, laboratory parameters, transfusion details, and clinical outcomes were collected from the hospital information system. Logistic regression was used to identify mortality predictors. Results: A total of 244 patients were included. Patients transfused in the ED had a significantly shorter hospital stay compared to those transfused in inpatient units. However, mortality did not differ between the groups. Logistic regression identified age, albumin, hemoglobin, creatinine, and hospital stay as independent mortality predictors, while transfusion location was not significant. Conclusions: Early RBCS transfusion in the ED may reduce hospital stay but does not significantly impact mortality. Identifying mortality-associated factors is crucial for optimizing patient management. Further prospective studies are needed to clarify the role of transfusion location in GI bleeding outcomes.

31 October 2024 in Annals of Critical Care
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MUMehmed Ulu
Mehmed Ulu
MKMurtaza Kaya
Murtaza Kaya
YTY. Tunc
Y. Tunc
HYHarun Yıldırım
Harun Yıldırım
AHALİ HALICI
ALİ HALICI
AÇABDİL ÇOŞKUN
ABDİL ÇOŞKUN
INTRODUCTION: Despite the declining clinical importance of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), the virus is still causes mortality in the critically ill patients. This study aims to determine the impact COVID-19 on mortality, evaluate the performance of Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation-2 Scores (APACHE II), Sequential Organ Failure Assessment Scores (SOFA) and Pneumonia Severity Index (PSI) for mortality prediction in the COVID-19 suspected patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study is a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of patients who were admitted to the pandemic intensive care unit with possible COVID-19. 28-day mortality difference between positive and negative groups was defined as the primary outcome. RESULTS: Of the 397 patients, 111 (28 %) patients had positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR). 75 (67.6 %) patients deceased in the PCR positive group while 163 (57.0 %) patients deceased in the negative group (p > 0,05). The median values of APACHE II, SOFA and PSI scores were significantly higher in the deceased group, for all patients. Cutoff points were determined for APACHE II score at 19 (AUC 0,96, PLR 14, 16, NLR 0,12), SOFA score at 9 (AUC 0,96, PLR 20,23, NLR 0,11) and PSI score at 81 points (AUC 0,91, PLR 7,01, NLR 0,23). The AUCs of PSI was significantly lower from AUC of APACHE II and SOFA score (DeLong Test, p < 0,001). CONCLUSION: There was no statistically significant difference on mortality between positive and negative group.

10 August 2026 in The American Journal of Emergency Medicine
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
MUMehmed Ulu
Mehmed Ulu
EYErdal Yavuz
Erdal Yavuz