Early intervention in CF: how to monitor the effect.
Early and aggressive therapy already at the stage when no apparent signs of significant lung disease are detectable, may delay the development and progression of cystic fibrosis (CF). Identification of markers for early pulmonary disease in CF is crucial to monitor adherence to preventive therapy and determine its success. Currently several surrogate markers are available that are used in both the decision making and evaluation of the timing and success of early intervention namely, pulmonary function tests (PFT), microbial cultures, imaging techniques, inflammatory markers, serological markers, and several general signs such as exacerbation rate and nutritional status. This review will present the current status and discuss the significance of their application as well as their limitations for patients with CF and no apparent pulmonary disease.
Weiser
Giora
G
Department of Pediatrics and Cystic Fibrosis Center, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Mount Scopus, Jerusalem, Israel.
Kerem
Eitan
E
D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis; D001999:Bronchoscopy; D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D023381:Endpoint Determination; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D015415:Biomarkers