REASONS FOR LATE DIAGNOSIS OF CYSTIC FIBROSIS

Abstract

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is not only medical but also a social problem as it considerably worsens the quality of life and requires immense expenses on medical aid, care, and rehabilitation of children and adults. The early manifestation of CF takes more severe course in children who have had meconium ileus. There are the following types of cystic fibrosis: mixed (pulmonary and intestinal); preferentially pulmonary; preferentially intestinal; liver cirrhosis, portal hypertension and ascites; electrolyte depletion; meconium ileus; neonatal high concentration of IRT (Immunoreactive trypsinogen); atypical, and suppressed. During the 1950s about 80 % of patients died before the age of 10, however, at the present time, the average life expectancy of CF patients is 29 years and more.