Background

Since the civil war in Syria began, millions of Syrians have left the country and been forced to migrate to other countries. Turkey is the country with most migration hosting 3.6 million refugees.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to compare the PIM-3, PELOD-2, PELOD-2 PDR, mortality rates and outcomes of patients who were admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit.

Methods

This was a retrospective study performed between February 2018 and February 2019 at Hatay State Hospital, very close to the Syrian border. The study included 158 patients. Patients were divided into 3 groups as Turkish citizens, those living in Turkey as refugees and those brought from the border.

Results

Of patients, 57 were Turkish citizens, 33 were refugees and 68 were brought from the border. For patients, the mean PIM-3 score was 25.62±27.70, PELOD-2 score was 8.03±4.72 and PELOD2-PDR was 16.07±23.45. The median scores for PIM-3, PELOD-2, and PELOD2-PDR of patients brought from the Syrian border were evaluated to be higher compared to Turkish citizens and refugees. There was no significant difference observed between refugees and Turkish citizens(Table1). Of patients who died, 59.20% comprised patients brought from the border(Table2)

Conclusion

It is considered that the source of the difference between patients brought from the border and living within Turkey may be associated with the continuing war beyond our borders and children experiencing insufficient care conditions.

In conclusion, war doesn't just cause death due to weapons but also due to many different causes and unfortunately, children suffer most because of this situation.