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Clinical markers for cystic fibrosis changed over 20-year period

Patients with cystic fibrosis had differing clinical variables during a 20-year period for markers such as mixed respiratory disorders and digestive disease, according to study results.

Researchers at the State University of Campinas in Brazil conducted a retrospective study in a cystic fibrosis (CF) referral center on the demographic, clinical and laboratory markers for CF treatment during two separate decades. The researchers observed the data collected from CF patients from 1990 to 2000 (n = 104) and from 2001 to 2010 (n = 181).

Patients from both groups showed similarities in variables such as digestive symptoms, height and weight and age range.

Some of the characteristics more prevalent in the patients from the first decade included a higher frequency of mixed respiratory diseases (OR = 17.58; 95% CI, 4.7-98.87) and fewer adult patients (OR = 0.293; 95% CI, 0.13-0.6).

The researchers also wrote that differences in diagnosis time for patients with severe CF over the two decades were negligible. However, the diagnosis time was shorter for patients with less severe CF in the latter decade.

Medical advancements in CF during the 20 years were cited as beneficial to the patients.

“The fewer bacterial infections and better nutrition in [the second decade] than in [the first] indicate the evolution and importance of early diagnosis and management of CF,” the researchers wrote. “These advancements provide patients with more hope and a higher quality of life.” – by Ryan McDonald

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.