Cystic fibrosis in Latin America-Improving the awareness.
The burden of cystic fibrosis (CF) in Latin America is being increasingly recognized and is significant compared with other regions of the world. In this short communication, we assess the current situation in some Latin American countries and make suggestions for possible directions for future focus. We discuss the work that remains in deciphering how the various genetic, environmental and medical factors interact and influence outcomes in different ethnic groups. We also consider the need for consistency in both research and access to services across Latin America, including CF registries, neonatal screening programs, access to specialized CF healthcare practitioners, transition to adult clinics and treatment regimens. Progress in these areas is likely to build on the advances to date, and improve the lives of patients in Latin America who are affected by this debilitating and life-limiting disorder.
lnstituto da Criança, Hospital das Clinicas, University of São Paulo Medical School (FMUSP), Av. Dr Eneas Carvalho de Aguiar, 647 Cerqueira Cesar, CEP 05403-900 São Paulo, SP, Brazil. Electronic address: vicres@usp.br.
Luiz Vicente Ribeiro F
LV
Silva Filho
Pulmonology Department, Hospital De Pediatria Juan, P. Garrahan, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Electronic address: ccastanos@garrahan.gov.ar.
Claudio
C
Castaños
Hospital de Pediatria Centro Medico Nacional de Occidente, IMSS Guadalajara, Jalisco, Belisario Domínguez 735, Colonia independencia Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. Electronic address: hruizgdr@yahoo.com.mx.
Héctor Hernán
HH
Ruíz
D017281:Cost of Illness; D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics / Q000628:therapy; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007843:Latin America / Q000453:epidemiology; D015997:Neonatal Screening / Q000458:organization & administration*; D058996:Quality Improvement
Awareness; Cystic fibrosis; Diagnosis; Latin America; Management; Progress