Screening the frequency of fabry diseases among dialysis patients in Van province

SCREENING THE FREQUENCY OF FABRY DISEASES AMONG DIALYSIS PATIENTS IN VAN PROVINCE Objective: Fabry disease is an X-linked lysosomal storage disease due to deficiency in alpha galactosidase A (alfa GLA) enzyme activity. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Fabry disease among dialysis patients in Van province and its districts. Materials and Methods: A total of 301 female and male patiens that are on dialysis treatment in Van province and district, aged 18-86 years, were included in the study and Fabry disease was screened using genetic testing in these patients. Results: The mean age of the 301 patients who received dialysis treatment was 52.71±15.51 years (range, 18-86 years). Of these, 156 (51.8%) were male and 145 (48.2%) were female. None of the patients were diagnosed with Fabry disease. Conclusions: Through review of literature, the prevalence of Fabry disease is found to be low. In this screening study, Fabry disease could not be detected in dialysis patients in Van province. This may be due to the fact that the study was conducted in a restricted area. Key Words: Fabry disease, dialysis, adult, Van province, end-stage renal disease