Tobacco smoke exposure and socioeconomic factors are independent predictors of pulmonary decline in pediatric cystic fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis (CF), an autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) ion channel, is characterized by abnormal secretions in multiple organ systems and eventual respiratory failure. Significant variation in disease progression exists even among individuals with identical CFTR genotypes. [1 –2] While the impact of gene modifiers continues to be a subject of intense research, [3] non-genetic factors, such as socioeconomic and environmental exposures, also contribute to this variability, [4] accounting for approximately 50% of the clinical variation in CF.

Source: Journal of Cystic Fibrosis - February 17, 2020 Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Gabriela R. Oates, Elizabeth Baker, Steven M. Rowe, Hector H. Gutierrez, Michael S. Schechter, Wayne Morgan, William T. Harris Tags: Original Article Source Type: research