P163 Effects of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on attendance at the cystic fibrosis centre and the definition of the microbiological status of cystic fibrosis patients in Tuscany

Abstract

Objectives: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and the consequent lockdown periods have profoundly changed the health habits of patients. The fear of the viral infection as well as the reorganisation of staff within the health services due to the pandemic caused a drop in patients’ attendance at CF centres. This resulted in a decrease in cultures performed, on which the definition of microbiological status is based. The ECFS definition of patients’ microbiological status (mainly the definition of chronic P. aeruginosa infection) is based on the modified Leeds criteria (>50% of the samples positive, at least 4 samples collected) or significantly raised anti-Pa antibodies. Following the different lockdown periods imposed in Tuscany in 2020 (March 9th – May 18th) we verified: • the number of outpatient visits to the Centre • the number of cultures performed compared with previous years • compliance with the criteria suggested by disease registries/standards of care for the definition of chronic infection • the utility of anti-Pa serology in the correct definition of chronic Pain the epidemic context Methods: Retrospective study on data regarding outpatient examinations, number of cultures performed and serology tests. Results: Outpatients’ attendance at the Centre (2020) [Table presented] % of patients with at least 4 cultures performed yearly. [Table presented] In 2020 we observed a significant reduction (p <0.05) in the mean number of cultures per patient and in the percentage of patients who performed at least 4 cultures. During 2020, 108 (29.2%) patients with fewer than 4 cultures performed Pa serology, 25 (23.1%) tested positive, completing the definition required by the ECFS. Conclusions: The SARS-CoV-2 infection caused a drop in patients’ attendance at the centre, compromising the correct definition of Pa chronic infection based on the number of cultures. In the pandemic context, serology could be a useful complementary test to correctly fulfill the ECFS definition. Funding: Regione Toscana K38