ISSN No. 2079-8547 (Recognized by PMDC)
LATE DIAGNOSIS OF CYSTIC FIBROSIS
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a chronic, multisystem progressive disease that involves the respiratory tract, pancreas,
intestine, sweat glands and reproductive tract. Worldwide incidence is 1:2500 live births with mutations carried
by 1:26–27 individuals. In people with CF, the defective gene causes a thick, sticky buildup of mucus in the lungs,
pancreas, and other organs. CF is no longer a disease of childhood, late diagnosis (LD-CF) may occur and is being
made more frequently. When CF is diagnosed in adults, it appears to be clinically different to pediatric presentation.
Prognosis and life expectancy seems to be better when the disease is diagnosed in adulthood although the disease
course is seriously affected by frequent respiratory infections and early bacterial colonization