[4] Cystic Fibrosis Flashcards
What is cystic fibrosis (CF)?
A genetic disorder that affects mostly the lungs, but also the pancreas, liver, kidney, and other organs
What is the inheritance of CF?
Autosomal recessive
How does CF compare to other life-limiting autosomal recessive conditions in caucasians?
It is the most common
What is the incidence of CF?
1 in 2500 live births
What is the carrier rate of CF?
1 in 25
What is the fundamental problem in CF?
A defective protein called the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR)
What is the CFTR?
c-AMP dependent chloride channel found in the membrane of cells
What effect does the defective CFTR have?
Abnormal transport of ions across epithelial cells
How does CF affect the respiratory system?
Reduced fluid in airway surfactant, leading to reduced ciliary function and retention of mucus secretions
What can retention of mucus in the lungs result in?
Chronic endobronchial infections with specific organisms e.g. Pseudomonas aeruginosa
How can CF affect the immune system?
Leads to dysregulation of inflammation and defence against infection
How does CF affect the intestine of infants?
Thick, viscous meconium is produced leading to meconium ileus
What percentage of babies born with CF are affected by meconium ileus?
10-20%
How can CF affect the pancreas?
Block it due to thickened secretions
What does pancreatic obstruction lead to?
Pancreatic enzyme deficiency and malabsorption
What percentage of children with CF are affected by pancreatic exocrine insufficiency?
90%
How does CF affect the sweat glands?
Creates sweat with excessive levels of sodium and chloride ions
On what chromosome is the CFTR gene located?
7
How many gene mutations have been show to cause distinct defects in the CFTR?
Over 900
What is the most frequent gene mutation in CF in the UK?
F508
How does the genotype affect the phenotype?
Some are associated with milder disease and pancreatic sufficiency
How has genotype began to affect treatment options?
Has allowed for CFTR potentiators such as Ivacaftor and correctors such as Lumicaftor
What are CFTR potentiators useful for?
Restoring the function of CFTR in class III and IV mutations
What are CFTR correctors useful for?
Potentially restoring CFTR numbers in class II defects
What is the main risk factor for CF?
Caucasian ethnicity
What are the symptoms of CF?
- Recurrent chest infections
- Faltering growth
- Persistent wet cough producing purulent sputum
- Steatorrhoea
What causes the steatorrhoea and faltering growth?
Malabsorption due to pancreatic exocrine insufficiency
What are the signs of CF on examination?
- Hyperinflation of the chest
- Coarse inspiratory crepitations
- Expiratory wheeze
- Finger clubbing in advanced disease
How is CF often detected?
On newborn screening
Who is screened for CF?
All newborns
What does screening for CF help to reduce?
Delayed presentation with faltering growth and chronic chest infections
What is the initial screening test used to diagnose CF?
Heel prick test
What is looked for in the heel prick test for CF?
Immunoreactive Trypsinogen (IRT)
What happens to patients who are found to be IRT positive?
They are screened for common gene mutations
What happens to patients with at least 2 gene mutations associated with CF?
They undergo a sweat test to confirm the diagnosis
How is the sweat test performed?
Apply low-voltage current to pilocarpine applied to the skin, with sweat collected into capillary tube or absorbed onto a piece of filter paper
What constitutes a positive sweat test?
Cl in sweat is between 60-125mmol/L
How can pancreatic insufficiency be diagnosed?
Low faecal elastase