Cystic fibrosis in Tunisian children: a review of 32 children.

BACKGROUND

Cystic fibrosis is rare in Tunisia. Its diagnosis requires experienced specialists. Its prognosis is poor in developing countries.

OBJECTIVES

To study the epidemiologic, clinical, genetic features and the therapeutic challenges of cystic fibrosis in Tunisian children.

METHODS

Covering a period of 21 years, this retrospective study included all patients with a definite diagnosis of cystic fibrosis from the Pediatrics Department B of The Children's Hospital of Tunis.

RESULTS

Data from 32 children (14 boys and 18 girls) were collected. The diagnosis was made during the first year of life in 28 cases. Meconium ileus was found in 5 cases, respiratory manifestations in 22 cases, chronic diarrhea in 19 cases, faltering growth in 17 cases and a pseudo Barter syndrome in 2 cases. The sweat chloride test was positive in all cases. The most frequent mutation was F508del (56% of cases). Respiratory complications marked the outcome. Among our 32 patients, 15 patients (50%) died at an average age of 5 years and 3 months, mainly due to respiratory failure. The mean age of the surviving patients was 5 years.

CONCLUSION

Cystic fibrosis prognosis is poor in our series compared to developed countries due to the longer diagnostic delay and the limited therapeutic options.