Improved pulmonary and growth outcomes in cystic fibrosis by newborn screening.
BACKGROUND
Newborn screening for cystic fibrosis (CF) is effective in improving long-term growth outcomes. However, there is conflicting evidence that early diagnosis maintains normal pulmonary function. Our goal was to determine if newborn screening results in improved longitudinal growth and maintenance of normal pulmonary function.


METHODS
A retrospective study of individuals with CF born in Connecticut between 1983 and 1997 was conducted by medical record and CF Foundation Registry review. Growth, pulmonary function and bacterial acquisition/colonization data, from diagnosis through July 1, 2005, were compared in those diagnosed by newborn screen (n = 34) to those diagnosed by sweat test after symptom appearance (n = 21).


RESULTS
Screened individuals demonstrated greater weight and height for age at diagnosis (P = 0.01 and 0.01) and through 15 years of age (P = 0.0002 and 0.01). Body mass index was higher in screened individuals (21 vs. 18 kg/m(2)) at 15 years of age (P = 0.01). At 15 years of age, screened individuals had a clinically higher forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV(1)) and forced vital capacity (FVC; 90% and 104% predicted) than non-screened individuals (74% and 91% predicted; P = 0.08 and 0.10). Over a 9-year period, from ages 6 to 15, percent predicted FEV(1) and FVC increased by 4% and 13% in screened individuals; and declined by 14% and 5% respectively in non-screened individuals (P = 0.01 and 0.02). Acquisition/colonization of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was similar between groups (P = 0.23).


CONCLUSIONS
In this CF cohort, individuals diagnosed by newborn screening have improved growth and preservation of normal pulmonary function without increased risk of Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonization.
Collins
Melanie Sue
MS
Department of Pediatrics, Connecticut Children's Medical Center, Hartford, Connecticut 06106, USA. mcollin@ccmckids.org
Abbott
Mary-Alice
MA
Wakefield
Dorothy B
DB
Lapin
Craig D
CD
Drapeau
Ginny
G
Hopfer
Sidney M
SM
Greenstein
Robert M
RM
Cloutier
Michelle M
MM
D000293:Adolescent; D001827:Body Height; D001835:Body Weight; D002648:Child; D002657:Child Development; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005260:Female; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008168:Lung / Q000382:microbiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening; D013997:Time Factors; D014797:Vital Capacity