Association between syndecan-4 and subclinical atherosclerosis in ankylosing spondylitis.

BACKGROUND: Despite advances in the diagnosis and treatment of ankylosing spondylitis (AS), the risk of cardiovascular complications in AS patients is still higher than in the general population. Macrophages are at the intersection of the basic pathogenetic processes of AS and atherosclerosis. Although syndecan-4 (SDC4) mediates a variety of biological processes, the role of SDC4 in macrophage-mediated atherogenesis in AS patients remains unclear. Herein, we aimed to investigate the role of SDC4 in subclinical atherosclerosis in AS patients. METHODS: Subjects were selected from eligible AS patients and control subjects without a prior history of AS who were referred to the rheumatology outpatient clinics. All participants' past medical records and clinical, and demographic characteristics were scanned. In addition, carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) measurement and disease activity index measurement were applied to all patients. RESULTS: According to our data, serum SDC4 level was significantly higher among AS patients compared with the control group (6.7 [1.5-35.0] ng/mL vs 5.1 [0.1-12.5] ng/mL, P < .001). The calculated CIMT was also significantly higher in AS patients than in the control group (0.6 [0.3-0.9] mm vs 0.4 (0.2-0.7), P < .001]. Additionally, serum C-reactive protein level and SDC4 level were independent predictors of AS and strongly associated with CIMT. Linear regression analysis showed that serum SDC4 level was the best predictor of CIMT (P = .004). CONCLUSION: Our data indicate that serum SDC4 levels provide comprehensive information about the clinical activity of the disease and subclinical atherosclerosis in AS patients.

The Association Between Atherogenic Index of Plasma and No-Reflow Phenomenon in Acute Coronary Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) is a biomarker of plasma atherogenicity. Elevated AIP is linked with adverse cardiac events. We sought to examine the association of admission AIP and no-reflow phenomenon (NRP) in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patient population treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: Eight hundred eight-four ACS patients were included to statistical tests retrospectively and classified according to the occurrence of NRP: NRP (-) (n = 662) and NRP (+) (n = 186). AIP levels were calculated through the formula log10 (triglyceride-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio). RESULTS: AIP levels were higher in NRP (+) patients compared to NRP (-) group patients. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis for AIP to predict NRP yielded an area under the ROC curve value 0.643 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.596-0.690, P <.001]. AIP was associated with NRP in univariate logistic regression analysis [Odds Ratio (OR): 2.46; P =.001; CI: 1.44 (lower limit)-4.21 (upper limit)]. However, AIP did not emerge as a significant prognostic factor of NRP in multiple logistic regression analysis [OR: 2.11; P =.422; CI: 0.34 (lower limit)-13.11 (upper limit)]. On the other hand, peak troponin T (log10) was an independent prognostic factor for NRP [OR: 0.13; P <.001; CI: 0.10 (lower limit)-0.37 (upper limit)] occurrence. CONCLUSION: The AIP level on admission is not a statistically significant prognostic factor of NRP. However, peak troponin T (log10) is an independent prognostic parameter of NRP.

The role of myocardial perfusion imaging in predicting myocardial ischemia in patients diagnosed with long COVID.

OBJECTIVE: Incomplete recovery with long-term complications weeks beyond the acute coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection is referred to as long COVID. Among the well-known long-term complications of COVID-19, myocardial damage is a frequently encountered side effect. Yet there is a lack of data for identifying high-risk patients who are more likely to develop long-term cardiovascular complications following COVID-19. Myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) is the primary functional imaging modality in evaluating myocardial ischemia This study aimed to investigate the role of MPI in predicting myocardial ischemia in patients diagnosed with long COVID. METHODS: Subjects were selected from eligible long COVID patients and control subjects without a prior history of COVID-19 who were referred to the nuclear medicine department for stress and rest single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) MPI. All participants' past medical records and clinical, and demographic characteristics were scanned. In addition, patients undergoing coronary angiography (CAG) following SPECT MPI were documented and patients with critical coronary stenosis were identified. RESULTS: Our results revealed that long COVID patients had higher rates of abnormal summed stress scores compared to the control subjects (p < 0.05). Additionally, serum CRP level, SPECT lung-to-heart ratio (LHR), and the presence of long COVID were independent predictors of ischemia. The presence of long COVID was the best predictor of ischemia among the aforementioned parameters (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our data indicate that SPECT MPI provides comprehensive information on myocardial perfusion and left ventricular function in long COVID patients.

Evaluation of ganglion cell complex and retinal nerve fiber layer thinning in epilepsy patients.

Purpose: This study aimed to compare the perimacular ganglion cell complex (GCC) and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness measurements of epileptic and healthy individuals. Methods: The right eyes of 38 epileptic and 38 healthy individuals who had been using antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) for at least 1 year were included in the study. Central macular thickness, perimacular GCC thickness and volume, and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layers were measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT) device. Perimacular 1, 3, and 6 mm circle diameters of Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS. ): were selected for GCC measurements. Results: In epilepsy patients, GCC was significantly lower in the 3 mm superior quadrant and 6 mm in all quadrants compared to the control group (P < 0.05). RNFL was significantly thinner in epilepsy patients only in the temporal-inferior quadrant (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the patients who received AEDs as monotherapy and polytherapy (P > 0.05). Conclusion: We found that epilepsy patients had significant thinning in the GCC layers and temporal-inferior quadrant of RNFL compared to the control group. Our findings from the study show that early retinal changes in epilepsy patients, especially perimacular GCC layers, can be followed up with OCT.

Comparison between wavefront-derived refraction and auto-refraction.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare objective refractive errors and keratometry measurements obtained using the Nidek OPD-Scan II aberrometer/topographer and Topcon KR 8900 autorefractokeratometer. METHODS: The right eye medical records of 176 patients aged 18-35 years who were admitted to our clinic as refractive surgery candidates were tested for refractive status and keratometry measurements with a Nidek OPD-Scan II aberrometer/topographer and a standard table-top autorefractokeratometer (Topcon KR 8900) before and after the induction of cycloplegia. Patients who had undergone any eye surgery and had hereditary, ectatic, or acquired corneal pathology were excluded. Refractive data were compared as spheres, cylinders, spherical equivalents, and power vectors before and after the induction of cycloplegia. Flat and steep keratometry (K1-K2) readings were recorded in diopters (D) and axis degrees, respectively, for each eye. RESULTS: The spherical, cylindrical, spherical equivalence, J0-J45 vector values and K1-K2 readings (D, axis) between the two devices were statistically significant before and after the induction of cycloplegia (p<0.05). Bland-Altman analysis identified mean differences (95%CI of limits of agreement) of 0.77 (-0,57 to 2,11) in sphere, 0.74 (-0,54 to 2,01) in spherical equivalent, -0,07 (-0,41 to 0,26) in J0 vector, 0,06 (-0,31 to 0,43) in J45 vector, -0,16 (-0,66 to 0,33) in K1, -0,23 (-0,79 to 0,33) in K2 values before induction of cycloplegia. CONCLUSION: The refractive and keratometry results of the Nidek OPD Scan II system and Topcon KR 8900 standard table-top autorefractokeratometer are not interchangeable in healthy adult population before and after induction of cycloplegia.

Comparative assessment of choroidal thickness and choroidal vascularity index in patients with restless legs syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Increased sympathetic activity has been emphasized in the pathophysiology of restless legs syndrome (RLS). This study aims to evaluate the choroidal thickness (CT) and choroidal vascularity index (CVI) values of individuals with RLS. METHODS: A total of 60 volunteers, 30 individuals with RLS and 30 healthy individuals, were included in the study. The central macular thickness, subfoveal CT, and the CTs 1000 µm away from the fovea in the temporal and nasal regions were measured by optical coherence tomography. Total choroidal area (TCA), luminal area (LA) and stromal area (SA) were calculated using the binarization method. CVI was calculated as the ratio of lumen area to total choroidal area (LA/TCA). RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the participants in terms of age, gender, spherical equivalent, intraocular pressure, and axial length (p>0.05). The mean LA/SA was 1.56%±0.05 in RLS group and 1.99%±0.28 in the control group. The mean CVI was 0.64%±0.02% in RLS group and 0.66%±0.03 in the control group. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of CT, TCA and LA values. There were significant differences between the groups in SA, LA/SA and CVI values (p = 0.017, p<0.001, and p = 0.004, respectively). CONCLUSION: SA values were significantly higher in RLS group than in control group. The LA/SA and CVI values were significantly lower in RLS group than in control group. These findings suggests that there is vascular narrowing due to sympathetic overactivity in RLS patients.

Effect of cycloplegic agents (1% cyclopentolate hydrochloride and 1% tropicamide) on anterior segment parameters.

Background: Cycloplegic drops are commonly used in ophthalmology practice. Changes in anterior segment parameters may occur after cycloplegia. These changes can be evaluated with corneal topography. Objective: This study aimed to compare the effects of 1% cyclopentolate hydrochloride and 1% tropicamide on anterior segment parameters using the Sirius Scheimpflug imaging technique. Design: A cross-sectional study. Methods: One hundred twenty eyes of sixty healthy volunteers with spherical equivalent (SE) values of 0 to ±1 diopter (D) were studied. The right eye of each subject had instillation of cyclopentolate hydrochloride 1% (Group 1) and the left eye of each subject had instillation of tropicamide 1% (Group 2). SE, intraocular pressure, and corneal topography measurements were performed before and 40 min after instillation were compared. Results: In Group 1, SE, aqueous depth, anterior chamber depth, iridocorneal angle (ICA), anterior chamber volume (ACV), and pupil size (PS) values were significantly increased (p < 0.001, p = 0.01, p < 0.001, p = 0.03, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001, respectively). In Group 2, SE, ICA, ACV, and PS were significantly increased (p < 0.001 for all). Keratometric values (K1 and K2) and central corneal thickness changed insignificantly in both groups (p > 0.05). The effects of the two administered agents on all parameters were similar (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Cyclopentolate hydrochloride and tropicamide affected SE, ICA, ACV, and PS values significantly. These parameters are important in intraocular lens (IOL) power calculations. PS is also important in refractive surgery and cataract surgery with multifocal IOL implantation. Although there was an insignificant difference between the agents, the effects of tropicamide on the parameters were smaller than those of cyclopentolate.

Choroidal thickness and choroidal vascularity index changes in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus without retinopathy.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic retinopathy is one of the most important causes of low vision in the working age group. Retinopathy findings start earlier and have a worse prognosis in type 1 DM. The aim of the this study was to compare the choroidal thickness (CT) and choroidal vascular index (CVI) values of type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) patients without retinopathy findings in pediatric patients and healthy children. METHODS: The study included 89 children, including 43 type 1 DM patients and 46 healthy controls. The age, gender, duration of DM, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), refractive error, intraocular pressure (IOP) and axial length (AL) of the participants were noted. CT measurements were performed subfoveally, 1000 µm from the fovea in the nasal and temporal quadrants. The total choroidal area (TCA), luminal area (LA) and stromal area (SA) were calculated using the binarization method using the image J program. The CVI was determined by dividing the luminal area by the total choroidal area. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the participants in terms of age, gender, spherical equivalent, IOP, and AL. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of CT. TCA, LA and SA values were significantly higher in the Type 1 DM group (p=0.034, p=0.036, p=0.037, respectively). There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of the CVI. CONCLUSIONS: The TCA, LA, and SA values were significantly higher in the type 1 DM group. LA/SA and CVI values were lower in the type 1 DM group, although not significantly. There was a negative correlation between the duration of DM and LA/SA as well as CVI. This suggests that vascular reduction starts in the early stages.

Short time effect of sodium fluorescein on chorodial vascularity index.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the effect of sodium fluorescein on the choroidal vascularity index (CVI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 27 eyes of 27 mild nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy patients (without maculopathy and any systemic disease) who performed fluorescein angiography (FA) procedure were included. Choroidal parameters such as choroidal thickness (CT), total choroidal area (TCA), luminal area (LA), stromal area (SA), LA/SA, and CVI were examined with the optical coherence tomography and binarization technique at baseline and 5th, 15th, and 30th minutes after FA. The values of the parameters before and after the procedure were compared. RESULTS: At baseline, the mean values of the TCA, LA, SA, LA/SA, and CVI were 0.44 ± 0.14mm2, 0.29 ± 0.09 mm2, 0.15 ± 0.05 mm2, 1.87 ± 0.19. Five minutes later to FA, the mean values of the TCA, LA, SA, LA/SA, and CVI were 0.43 ± 0.13 mm2, 0.28 ± 0.08 mm2, 0.15 ± 0.05 mm2, 1.82 ± 0.20, and 0.64 ± 0.03, respectively. There was a significant decrease in LA and CVI values 5 minutes after FA (p:0.002 and p:0.021, respectively). On the other hand, the mean, nasal, subfoveal, and temporal CT were 279.22 ± 93.40 µm, 289.78 ± 91.17 µm, 267.44 ± 95.71 µm before FA and 270.33 ± 90.34 µm, 279.67 ± 90.01 µm, 261.82 ± 95.82 µm 5 minutes after FA (p = 0.960, p = 0.952, and p = 0.991, respectively). Although there was a reduction in the value of CT, there was not a statistically significant difference between before and after FA. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that there was a significant decrease in LA and CVI values 5 minutes after FA in patients with mild nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy.

Effect of SGLT-2 inhibitors as an add-on therapy to metformin on P wave indices and atrial electromechanics in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.

INTRODUCTION: Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors have been shown to reduce the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) occurrence in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). In this prospective study, we aimed to analyze the effect of SGLT-2 inhibitors as an add-on therapy to metformin on P wave indices and atrial electromechanics in patients with type 2 DM. METHODS: A total of 144 patients enrolled. Electrocardiographic indices were recorded on admission and at 3rd and 6th month of the combination therapy. P wave indices and atrial electromechanical coupling intervals were measured and compared. RESULTS: Although decrease in P wave dispersion (62.78 ± 9.59 vs. 53.62 ± 10.65; p = .002) became significant at 6th month of combination therapy, significant decreases in P wave terminal force in V1 (37.79 ± 3.45 vs. 32.01 ± 5.74; p = .035), left atrial volume index (35.87 ± 6.57 vs. 31.33 ± 7.31; p = .042), left sided intra-atrial electromechanical delay (32.09 ± 9.17 vs. 27.61 ± 8.50; p = .016), right sided intra-atrial electromechanical delay (31.82 ± 4.92 vs. 27.65 ± 8.05; p = .042), and interatrial electromechanical delay (29.65 ± 7.52 vs. 25.96 ± 4.30; p = .044) were seen as early as 3rd month of treatment. Besides, there was no statistically significant difference between Empagliflozin and Dapagliflozin subgroups in terms of mentioned parameters. CONCLUSION: SGLT-2 inhibitors as an add-on therapy to metformin were shown to significantly improve P wave indices and atrial electromechanics in type 2 DM patients as early as the 3rd month of treatment. It was thought that this may be one of the underlying mechanisms of the decrease in the frequency of AF with the use of SGLT2 inhibitors.

Factors Affecting Duration of Hospital Stay in Deceased COVID-19 Patients.

Objective: Extensive research has been conducted to identify the predictive criteria for COVID-19 disease. White blood cell, C-reactive protein, CRP/albumin ratio, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and ferritin are among the indicators of increased inflammatory response; hence, they could be used to determine the prognosis of COVID-19 cases. Within the scope of this study, we aimed to elucidate the predictivity of NLR, CAR and other laboratory parameters on the duration of hospital stay and mortality in patients with COVID-19. Materials and Method: The data of 1516 COVID-19 patients who were hospitalized in our institution have been analyzed retrospectively. Patients were divided into two groups those who deceased within the first 10 days of hospitalization (Group I, ≤10 days) and those who deceased in the later period (Group II, >10 days). Age, gender, time to mortality after hospitalization, neutrophil count, CRP, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), CRP/albumin ratio (CAR), and d-dimer values were obtained from blood samples taken during hospitalization. Results: NLR and CAR values were significantly higher in those who died in the first 10 days compared to the other group (p<0.02 and p<0.001, respectively). In addition, WBC, neutrophil, CRP and d-dimer levels were statistically significantly higher than the other group (p<0.05). Logistic regression analysis results for NLR and CAR were significant. The cut-off values were calculated (5.74 and 4.27, respectively) for both parameters. Among the most common comorbid diseases were hypertension (HT) in 41%, coronary artery disease (CAD) in 41.7%, asthma-chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in 36.7%, diabetes mellitus (DM) in 36.1%. Conclusion: NLR and CAR may have a decisive influence in determining the length of stay in hospital for patients who die in hospital due to COVID-19. In addition, it is recommended that COVID-19 cases with diabetes be followed closely.

Comparison of the effectiveness of anti-gravity treadmill exercises and underwater walking exercises on cardiorespiratory fitness, functional capacity and balance in stroke patients.

INTRODUCTION: Aerobic exercise training after stroke has positive effects on quality of life, motor recovery, and aerobic endurance. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of anti-gravity treadmill gait training and underwater walking therapy on cardiorespiratory fitness, gait and balance in stroke survivors. METHODS: The study included 39 patients with a history of stroke who were admitted to our center between July 2017 and January 2018. The patients were randomly assigned to anti-gravity treadmill training, underwater walking therapy, or a control group. The aerobic capacity of the participants was evaluated with the 6-min walk test and cycle ergometer testing before and after the treatment. Balance was examined using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS). RESULTS: There was a statistically significant increase from pre- to post-treatment with regard to maximum heart rate and length of walking distance during 6-min walk test parameters in patients who underwent anti-gravity treadmill training (p < 0.05). The cycle ergometer training results showed significant improvements compared to baseline after treatment in patients who underwent anti-gravity training in terms of maximum heart rate attained during exercise stress testing, time to complete the test, rates of metabolic equivalents of task scores and peak oxygen consumption (p < 0.05). Improvements were also observed in ventricular repolarization indices including corrected QT intervals (QTc), Tp-e interval and Tp-e/QT, Tp-e/QTc ratio in the anti-gravity group (p < 0.05). BBS results showed no statistically significant difference in all groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The data of this study showed that anti-gravity treadmill training has favorable effects on cardiorespiratory fitness in stroke survivors.

Assessment of Tp-e interval, Tp-e/QT, and Tp-e/QTc ratios in patients with acromegaly.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular complications, including ventricular arrhythmias associated with abnormalities of ventricular repolarization, are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with acromegaly. Herein, we aimed to investigate ventricular repolarization using Tp-e interval, Tp-e interval/QT, and Tp-e interval/QTc ratios in acromegalic patients compared to healthy subjects. METHODS: A total of 29 patients (aged 51.9 ± 11.2, 65.5% women) with acromegaly and 30 control subjects (aged 47.3 ± 14.4, 63.3% women) were enrolled in the study. Tp-e and QT interval, corrected QT (QTc), Tp-e/QT, and Tp-e/QTc ratios were calculated from the 12-lead electrocardiogram. RESULTS: Tp-e interval (89.28 ± 12.16 vs. 75.97 ± 9.92 ms; p < 0.001), Tp-e/QT ratio (0.237 ± 0.045 vs. 0.212 ± 0.029; p = 0.019), and Tp-e/ QTc ratio (0.218 ± 0.031 vs. 0.195 ± 0.026; p = 0.003) were significantly higher in patients with acromegaly compared to control group. A positive correlation was determined between left atrial volume index (LAVI) and Tp-e interval (r = 0.272, p = 0.039). DISCUSSION: The current study is the first to have shown significantly increased Tp-e interval, Tp-e/QT ratio, and Tp-e/QTc ratio were increased in acromegalic patients. These results may be important for screening malignant arrhythmic events in acromegaly.

The prognostic value of C-reactive protein to albumin ratio in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

BACKGROUND: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a less invasive and safe therapeutic alternative in patients who are at very high surgical risk or in whom there are contraindications to open surgery. On the other hand, allocating transcatheter therapy to the adequate candidates and identifying a reliable and validated risk stratification tool for mortality prediction is still lacking. The C-reactive (CRP) to albumin ratio (CAR) is a novel inflammation-based prognostic tool and it is strongly associated with inflammation severity and mortality. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the predictive significance of CAR for mortality in patients who underwent TAVI. METHODS: The records of 321 consecutive patients who underwent TAVI due to symptomatic aortic stenosis between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2020 were analysed. Patients were divided into two groups based on the CAR values. For each group, all-cause, cardiovascular, and non-cardiovascular mortality occurring >72 h after the index procedure and at maximum follow-up was documented. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 40 (22-63) months. A total of 180 (56.1%) patients died during long-term follow-up. According to our study, median CAR values were significantly higher among patients who died during follow-ups compared to survivors [1.13 (0.69-2.21) vs 3.56 (1.53-10.00), p < 0.001]. CONCLUSION: Our data showed that CAR is an independent predictor of long-term mortality in patients undergoing TAVI due to symptomatic aortic stenosis.

[Erector spinae plane block for a pediatric patient undergoing thoracotomy]. / Torakotomi yapilan pediyatrik bir hastada erektör spina plan bloku.

We aimed to share our experience with erector spina plan block for postoperative analgesia after hydatid cyst operation in a six-year-old girl. Erector spina plan block is a new interfasial block defined by Forero in 2016. It has been reported that it can be used effectively in many different indications. Ultrasound guided erector spina plan block is a method that can be applied for postoperative analgesia after thoracotomy.

A Novel Marker Indicating Restenosis in Superficial Femoral Artery: C Reactive Protein to Albumin Ratio.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we aimed to investigate the prognostic value of C-reactive protein (CRP) to albumin ratio (CAR) for predicting restenosis in superficial femoral artery (SFA) lesions and its association with subsequent clinical outcomes in patients undergoing endovascular intervention. METHODS: The records of 685 consecutive patients who underwent endovascular intervention due to symptomatic peripheral artery disease were analyzed. Patients were divided into 2 groups, based on the CAR values. For each group, technical aspects of procedures and subsequent clinical outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: According to our study, patients with high CAR values had higher rates of restenosis (30.2% vs. 10.3%, P < 0.05) and mortality (31.3% vs. 12.9%, P < 0.05). The rate of lower extremity amputations was also significantly higher in patients with high CAR values compared to those with low CAR values (9.1% vs. 3%, P < 0.05). With respect to Receiver operating characteristic ROC curves of inflammatory markers, the area under the curve (AUC) value of CAR was statistically significant (AUC: 0.659; 95% confidence interval CI: 0.611-0.706; P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Our data showed that CAR is an independent predictor of restenosis and poor clinical outcomes in patients undergoing endovascular intervention.

Cancer among syrian refugees living in Konya Province, Turkey.

BACKGROUND: With more than 3.6 million Syrian refugees Turkey hosts the world's largest number of Syrians. Considering the morbidity, mortality, and healthcare spending, cancer is one of the leading health and economic burden for patients and healthcare systems. However, very limited information available in the scientific literature to understand the burden and characteristics of cancer in countries hosting Syrian refugees. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the demographic and clinical characteristics, treatment outcome of Syrian cancer patients living in Konya, Turkey. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed medical records of Syrian cancer patients at three major institutions from 2005 to 2020. The information regarding demographic and clinical characteristics of patients were identified. The number of days between the first symptom and diagnosis was considered as the "diagnostic interval". Patients who failed to attend clinics within four weeks of appointment were assumed abandoned treatment. Survival curves were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: We identified 230 adult and 38 children refugee diagnosed with cancer during the study period. With regards to adult patients, there were 114 (49.6%) male and 116 (50.4%) female. The median age at diagnosis was 52.4, 47.3 years for male, female respectively. The five most common cancer by site among all were; breast (24.8%), colorectal (10.9%), lung (7.4%), central nervous system (CNS) (7.0%), and stomach (5.2%). 93 (40.4%) had metastatic disease at diagnosis. The overall survival probability was 37.5% at five years for the adult population. Data were extracted for 20 boys and 18 girls with childhood cancer. Their median age at diagnosis was 5.8 and 6.0 years respectively. The three most common childhood cancer were; leukemias (21.1%), lymphomas (21.1%), and CNS (13.2%). Excluding leukemia, 13 (43.3%) of childhood cancer cases had the advanced disease at diagnosis. Three year survival probality was 69.5%. The median diagnostic interval for adult and childhood cancer was 96.5 (IQR = 53-165) and 23 (IQR = 13.5-59) days respectively. Twenty-one adults and four children had treatment abandonment. CONCLUSION: This study contributes to understanding the burden of cancer among Syrian refugees living in Konya, growing health issue for refugees. Larger and prospective studies will help to measure the real burden and compare the difference in cancer risk factors, care, and outcomes among the refugee and host populations.