P222 Multi-central profile of refugee cystic fibrosis patients in Turkey

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disease caused by cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator protein (CFTR) gene mutations. The incidence of CF varies considerably among different ethnic groups worldwide, although it is most common in the Caucasian race. This study aims to examine the clinical course and treatment of CF among refugee patients in our country. A total of 43 refugee patients diagnosed with CF between March 2011–2022 applied to five CF centers. Genetics profile, presenting symptoms, age at diagnosis, weight, height, and BMI SDS follow-ups were noted, and refugee patients were compared with the Turkish national cystic fibrosis registry (TNCFR) results. 43.5% (n = 23) were male. The average age at first application is 24.3 months. The mean age at diagnosis was 33.9 (22 days-156) months. 58.1% (n = 25) had a history of parental consanguinity. 97.6% (n = 42) of the patients were Syrian nationals. Mean 1. immunoreactive trypsinogen (IRT): 140 (92–280) ng/mL. The second IRT: 103.75 (71–191) ng/mL. The mean sweat chloride test was 72.4 (6–109). Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonization was detected in 15.2% (n = 7). The most common reasons for hospitalization were pseudobartter clinic, pulmonary exacerbation, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa eradication treatment. The most common DF508 allele was detected in 25.7% (n = 17) of the patients. After the Syrian civil war in 2011, millions of Syrians had to shelter in neighboring countries, primarily Turkey. In our study, refugee patients start to receive treatment later, their height, weight, and BMI SDS are lower, and their treatment use is doubtful. Health screening programs should be better organized, and host countries should do long-term planning for early diagnosis, early intervention, and longer life expectancy. There is a need for more extensive studies to determine the prevalence of CF in refugee patients and to make its genetic and clinical evaluation.