09-10, 10:45–11:15 (Europe/Istanbul), Hum+Trverse+Global 1 (ICC - B3 Floor - 3B/11)
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a complex autosomal recessive multisystem disorder characterized by defective chloride ion transport, resulting in thick mucus secretions primarily affecting the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and reproductive systems but also with frequent otorhinolaryngological (ENT) involvement, often underrecognized in clinical practice. It is caused by mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. Otorhinolaryngological (ENT) involvement significantly contributes to morbidity among CF patients, commonly presenting with chronic rhinosinusitis, nasal polyposis, and conductive hearing impairment. This review explores ENT manifestations associated with CF in detail, examining pathophysiological mechanisms, current diagnostic methods, and contemporary therapeutic strategies, including emerging treatmentsand collaborative interdisciplinary management. This manuscript presents a structured ENT clinical algorithm based on the CFTR acronym—conductive hearing, functional nose, throat, and respiratory integration—to guide systematic assessment and interdisciplinary management. Drawing from contemporary literature and clinical experience, the CFTR ENT algorithm provides a practical framework for early detection, evaluation, and referral, with pediatric and adult-specific considerations. It aims to support ENT specialists, pulmonologists, and CF care teams in improving patient outcomes through integrated, symptom-specific intervention.
The CFTR ENT algorithm is a comprehensive yet practical clinical guide that bridges pulmonology and ENT specialties in CF care. It supports individualized patient assessments, promotes timely referrals, and ultimately improves the quality of life for patients living with CF. CFTR as a quick mnemonic in clinical settings to make sure you're systematically evaluating the ENT manifestations in CF patients. It's especially useful in interdisciplinary CF clinics where ENT signs often get overlooked.
I am writing to introduce myself as a Specialist ENT Surgeon with a dedicated subspecialty interest in rhinology, endoscopic ear surgery, and salivary gland pathology with a focus on sialendoscopy. My clinical practice encompasses the full breadth of general ENT, but , I have also remained deeply committed to academic and research projects.
Assoc. Prof. Kemal Kef was born in 1964 and is married with two children. He graduated from Istanbul University Faculty of Medicine in 1987. After nearly two years of neurosurgery residency training at Haydarpaşa Numune Training and Research Hospital and Haseki Training and Research Hospital, he transferred to the Department of Otorhinolaryngology (ENT) at Okmeydanı Training and Research Hospital, where he completed his specialty training in 1993.
He has served as an invited instructor in the Clinical Pharmacy courses organized by Marmara University’s Department of Clinical Pharmacy. In 2015, he completed a fellowship at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany, focusing on cochlear implantation, laser surgery, and endoscopic surgical techniques.
Since 2018, he has been working as a lecturer at Trakya University Keşan Hakkı Yörük School of Health, where he continues his academic and teaching activities.
Dr. Kef has authored several national and international book chapters and original research articles, and has delivered numerous presentations and invited lectures at national and international scientific meetings. His foreign language is English.