Description:
According to the National Human
Genome Research Institute (2004), cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common,
fatal genetic disease in the United States. CF is the result of gene mutations
that result in many different degrees of the disease depending on exactly which
of the approximate 1,000 different mutations the individual patient inherits.
CF is primarily a disease of the respiratory and digestive systems although
other organs and systems can be involved. This article discusses cystic
fibrosis in detail.
Learning Objectives:
- Discuss the signs and symptoms of CF
- Discuss the pathophysiology of CF
- Describe the laboratory diagnosis of CF
Author(s):
Debra Keyes; April Lassiter
George H. Roberts, EdD, MT(AMT)
Launched: 2006