Pancreatic function testing in meconium disease in CF: two case reports

[Digestive complications in adults with cystic fibrosis]

In France the median life expectancy of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) is 36 years and one third of patients are adults. Respiratory disorders are the main determinants of survival during adulthood, although gastrointestinal complications can also have a major impact on quality of life and nutritional status. We reviewed gastro-intestinal and pancreatic manifestations of CF in adults. Some complications (diabetes, distal intestinal obstruction syndrome and acute pancreatitis) are more frequent in adulthood than in childhood. Clinical and therapeutic aspects of specific conditions (such as distal intestinal obstruction syndrome) or atypical presentations (including appendicular complications) are presented herein.

Cystic fibrosis: keeping it in the family

Nearly all men with cystic fibrosis (CF) are infertile, although assisted conception has allowed an increasing number of women with CF to become pregnant. We report on the case of a couple investigated for infertility who conceived a child with CF. The father had previously undergone a laparotomy for meconium peritonitis as a neonate, and the mother had recently been given a diagnosis of asthma. Both parents fulfilled the United States Cystic Fibrosis Foundation diagnostic criteria for cystic fibrosis. We discuss the mild CF phenotype and the impact of the diagnosis on this family.

Gastrointestinal manifestations of cystic fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is clearly a multisystem disease, which the potential for prominent gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary involvement. While the routine patient with pancreatic insufficiency may be easily managed with pancreatic enzyme and nutritional therapy, a large number of individuals with cystic fibrosis will present the clinician with gastrointestinal problems requiring additional thoughtful evaluation and treatment. Familiarity with the common gastrointestinal manifestations of cystic fibrosis and emerging therapies is necessary to provide the comprehensive care these patients deserve.

Cystic fibrosis. Gastrointestinal complications and gene therapy

The gastrointestinal and nutritional complications of cystic fibrosis are diverse. As longevity improves in patients with cystic fibrosis, management of these complications is becoming increasingly important . This article provides overviews of the molecular aspects of the pathogenesis of cystic fibrosis, the current status of gene therapy, and a review of the gastrointestinal manifestations and nutritional care.

Meconium ileus in the absence of cystic fibrosis

Although meconium ileus in the absence of cystic fibrosis is considered a rare event, it was found that eight of 37 (21.6%) newborn infants with meconium ileus had no laboratory or clinical evidence of cystic fibrosis.