Environmental allergies and respiratory morbidities in cystic fibrosis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is characterized by recurrent respiratory infections and progressive lung disease. Although environmental factors account for 50% of the variation in CF lung function, few specific exposures have been identified. Studies using small study samples focusing on environmental allergies in CF have had inconsistent results. Our objective was to examine the role of environmental allergies in upper and lower respiratory tract morbidities in CF.

Methods

A total of 1,321 subjects with CF were recruited through the U.S. CF Twin-Sibling Study. Questionnaires were used to determine the presence/absence of environmental allergies. Questionnaires, chart review, and U.S. CF Foundation Patient Registry data were used to track outcomes.

Results

Within th

SUBMITTER: Collaco JM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3572264 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature