Abstract

Treatment of cystic fibrosis following infant screening

Author(s): Claire E Wainwright

Newborn screening for cystic fibrosis has become more widespread over the last 5 years with the recent introduction of screening programs across the USA and UK, as well as many other parts of Europe. Most of Australia and New Zealand have had newborn screening programs for more than 15 years. Newborn screening has been shown to improve both short- and long-term nutritional outcomes and provide an important opportunity for the provision of information and education to families, in addition to the opportunity of early referral to a specialist cystic fibrosis center. There is a growing awareness of early lung disease in infants diagnosed through newborn screening, while evidence for treatment of infants to prevent progression of lung disease following newborn screening remains limited owing to the lack of interventional trials in this young age group.