The most frequent complications are pneumonia, pneumothorax, coughing up of blood, chronic respiratory failure, liver disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis or arthritis.
In May, 2005, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration allowed the first DNA-based blood test to assist in searching for CF. The test looks for alterations in a gene known to cause the disease. Another test used to predict CF is the Sweat chloride test which may indicate high salinity level in a patient’s sweat, a symptom of the disorder. Fecal Fat Test, Upper GI and small bowel series, and Measurement of pancreatic function are other tests that detect CF. Cystic Fibrosis may change the results of the following tests: Trypsin and chymotrypsin in stool, Secretin stimulation test, Chest x-ray or CT scan, and Lung functions test.
An early diagnosis of CF and an early treatment plan can improve chances of survival and quality of life. Clinics that specialize in Cystic Fibrosis treatments can be found in almost every community. Some treatments include antibiotics for respiratory infections, replacing pancreatic enzymes, vitamin supplements (A, D, and K), medicine such as Albuterol for opening airways, DNA enzyme replacements, pain relievers, and lung transplants.
Cystic Fibrosis: Diagnosis & Treatment
98% of the human genome is junk in the cell.
"Structurally, women have 2 chromosomes, functionally they have 1" -Apostolos Psychogios, MD, FACMG
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