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Cystic fibrosis testing -- next steps
April 28, 2009San Juan Capistrano, CA and Chantilly, VA -Three reports describing advances in cystic fibrosis genetic testing appear in the May 2009 issue of The Journal of Molecular Diagnostics.
Cystic fibrosis is a hereditary disease that affects mucus secretions in the lungs, liver, pancreas, and intestines. Approximately 1 in 4000 children born in the United States is affected with cystic fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis is an autosomal recessive disease caused by mutations in the CFTR gene; cystic fibrosis patients must inherit a mutated gene from each parent.
Genetic screening for cystic fibrosis carrier mutations (one copy of a mutated gene) is universally recommended for the reproductive-age population. Current professional guidelines call for screening a panel of 23 common mutations in CFTR; however, many laboratories screen for an expanded panel of mutations. In the May 2009 issue of The Journal of Molecular Diagnostics, three articles describe improvements in cystic fibrosis genetic screening. In one article, Pratt et al describes a project coordinated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Genetic Testing Reference Material (GeT-RM) Program to develop a set of reference materials for the expanded cystic fibrosis panel of mutations. The public availability of these materials will help to ensure the accuracy of cystic fibrosis genetic testing. The reports by Schwartz et al and Hantash et al identify mutations that may lead to false screening results, either due to a large deletion in CFTR or because of mutations that interfere with laboratory screening methods.
Wayne Grody, of the UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, who is not affiliated with these studies, states "Taken together, these three papers demonstrate how the widespread and thoughtful experience with [cystic fibrosis] mutation testing and screening continues to reveal new insights about the mutational alleles of the CFTR gene and further refinements in how best to detect them and assure appropriate quality control while doing so."
American Journal of Pathology
Wayne Grody, of the UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, who is not affiliated with these studies, states "Taken together, these three papers demonstrate how the widespread and thoughtful experience with [cystic fibrosis] mutation testing and screening continues to reveal new insights about the mutational alleles of the CFTR gene and further refinements in how best to detect them and assure appropriate quality control while doing so."
American Journal of Pathology
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Cystic Fibrosis: A Guide for Patient and Family by David M Orenstein (Editor) Univ. of Pittsburgh, PA. Text is designed specifically for patients with cystic fibrosis and their families. Explains the disease process, outlines the fundamentals of diagnosing and screening, and addresses the challenges of treatment for those living with CF. Includes new material on carrier testing, infection control, and more. Previous edition: c1997. Softcover. |
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With Every Breath: stories by and about people living with cystic fibrosis by Katherine Russell and Margot Russell (Author), Katherine Russell and Margot Russell (Editor) Over 30,000 people in the US have cystic fibrosis, a life-threatening genetic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system. Physically, fighting it is a very perilous struggle. Emotionally, coping can oftentimes be even harder. With Every Breath consists of stories by and about people living with cystic fibrosis. Created to motivate, inspire, and generate positivity for those living with cystic fibrosis, this book is something you can open time and time again. Designed for all ages, this collection of diverse stories offers unique perspectives from patients, a CF doctor and nurse, and family members of those living with the illness. Patients aren't the only ones who will want to read With Every Breath as family members, friends, and doctors can all find inspiration when they... |
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Cystic Fibrosis: Everything You Need To Know (Your Personal Health) by Wayne Kepron MD FRCPC (Author) Cystic fibrosis afflicts approximately 30,000 Americans. The average age of survival has been steadily increasing, but not quickly enough: a child born with cystic fibrosis today can only expect to live 35 to 40 years. In this valuable new addition to the Your Personal Health series, Dr. Wayne Kepron offers a comprehensive look at the disease that afflicts so many young people. Topics include: - Symptoms of cystic fibrosis - Making a diagnosis - Complications of the disease - Treatments (including lung transplants) - Techniques and precautions in lung care - Transition into adulthood - Prospects for gene therapy - End-of-life issues Using diagrams, charts and case studies, Cystic Fibrosis is designed for patients, their families, and caregivers. It is both a quick... |
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Cystic Fibrosis (Facts) by Ann Harris (Author), Anne Thomson (Author) Cystic Fibrosis: The Facts provides a much needed simple and understandable source book about this disease. It is aimed at those living with Cystic Fibrosis (CF), either themselves or members of their families or their friends. The book explains clearly what is happening to the body in CF, what causes it and what treatment options are available for the different aspects of the disease. There are more detailed chapters for those wanting to find out about the genetics of the disease and specific aspects such as how it affects life choices and employment. It looks to the future in terms of potential new therapies for CF and provides useful information on organizations that can provide help and further information across those areas of the world where the disease is prevalent. |
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The Power of Two: A Twin Triumph over Cystic Fibrosis by Isabel Stenzel Byrnes; Anabel Stenzel (Author) The tragedy of cystic fibrosis has been touchingly recounted before, but this is the first book to portray the symbiotic relationship between twins who share this life-threatening disease through adulthood. Isabel Stenzel Byrnes and Anabel Stenzel tell of their struggle to pursue normal lives while grappling with the realization that they might die young. Their story reflects the physical and emotional challenges of a particularly aggressive form of CF and tells how the twins bicultural heritage Japanese and German influenced the way they coped. The Power of Two is an honest and gripping portrayal of day-to-day health care, the impact of chronic illness on marriage and family, and the importance of a support network to continuing survival. These two remarkable sisters have much to teach... |
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The Stones Applaud: How Cystic Fibrosis Shaped My Childhood by Teresa Anne Mullin (Author) Teresa Mullin was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at four years of age, but it was not until she was nine that she learned most children with the disease were not expected to live to adulthood. What had been a nuisance soon became a force that molded her childhood, youth, and future. In The Stones Applaud, Mullin writes of absences from school, serving as a poster child, frequent hospitalizations, medical treatments, and most painful the isolation that came with cystic fibrosis, an inherited condition that damages the lungs and affects the digestive system. With dry humor and sharp insights, Mullin describes her battles with the disease, teachers, fellow students, and even medical professionals who tried to hold her back from experiencing life. Alternately funny, frank, poignant, and... |
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Cystic Fibrosis by Margaret Hodson (Author), Duncan Geddes (Author), Andrew Bush (Author) This international and authoritative work, which brings together current knowledge in the field of cystic fibrosis, has become established in previous editions as a leading reference in the field. The third edition continues to provide everything that the clinician or allied health professional treating patients with cystic fibrosis will need in a single manageable volume. Thoroughly revised and updated throughout, it reflects the significant advances that have been made in the field since the second edition published in 2000. Cystic Fibrosis outlines in detail the basic science that underlies the disease and its progression, putting it into a clinical context. Diagnostic and clinical aspects are covered in depth, as are monitoring the condition and the importance of... |
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Taking Cystic Fibrosis to School by Cynthia S. Henry (Author), Cynthia S. Henry (Author), Tom Dineen (Author), Tom Dineen (Illustrator) These beautifully illustrated and fun-to-read storybooks simplify and normalize complicated childhood conditions, like cystic fibrosis. When read aloud, other children can identify why a peer may be treated differently and begin to empathize with them. In addition, children whose conditions set them apart as being different begin to feel accepted and safe. Each book includes a Kids' Quiz to reinforce new information and Ten Tips for Teachers to provide additional facts and ideas for teacher use. In Taking Cystic Fibrosis to School, Jessie explains to her classmates that even though she has cystic fibrosis, she can still attend school. |
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Understanding Cystic Fibrosis (Understanding Health and Sickness Series) by Ph.D., Karen Hopkin (Author) Since the discovery of the CF gene in 1989, scientists have learned a great deal about the biology of this disease which strikes one child in every 3,300 births. With the gene pinpointed, scientists are now working on ways to replace it and are developing better tests for earlier diagnosis. Understanding CF charts the progress that has been made in a disease whose symptoms can range from mild respiratory distress to life-threatening lung infections |
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Little Brave Ones: For Children Who Battle Cystic Fibrosis by Carrie Lux (Author) See a day in the life of a preschooler with CF. |
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