STUDIES IN CYSTIC FIBROSIS

Abstract

Early diagnosis and treatment can alter the morbidity and mortality of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). This conclusion is based on a study of 130 patients in whom the diagnosis was made under the age of 3 months during the 20year period from 1949 to 1969. These patients were observed for a total of 912 patient-years. The patients were segregated into three groups as follows: Group A (63) were diagnosed prior to the development of symptoms; Group B (13) had mild symptoms; Group C (54) were diagnosed during hospitalization. Immediately following the diagnosis all patients were started on a therapeutic program and followed at regular intervals. There were 29 deaths, 11 in Groups A and B, and 18 in Group C, 8 of which occurred under 1 year of age. The present clinical status of the 101 surviving children is an follows: 14 are in excellent condition, 71 have mild disease or are in good health, and 12 are moderately or severely ill and have a poor prognosis. For all the 130 patients the calculated survival rate at age 20 is 77%.