Cystic fibrosis in adults
Hubert, D.
La Revue du Praticien 53(2): 158-162
2003
ISSN/ISBN: 0035-2640 PMID: 12664847 Document Number: 559458
One third of patients with cystic fibrosis are adults. The respiratory disease, which conditions the vital prognosis, consists of bronchiectasis with chronic bronchial infection and bursts of acute infection, leading to respiratory insufficiency. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the most frequent bacteria in adulthood. Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency is associated in 80% of patients. Some complications, such as diabetes, hepatic cirrhosis or osteoporosis, are more frequent in adults. Treatment is based on chest physiotherapy and antibiotics with intravenous courses when there is a colonisation with P. aeruginosa. Pregnancy can be considered in women when respiratory and nutritional status is acceptable. Men are sterile because of congenital bilateral atresia of vas deferens, but can be proposed medical assistance for procreation.