Statement from the National Institutes of Health Workshop on Population Screening for the Cystic Fibrosis Gene

Abstract

Cystic fibrosis is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder clinically characterized by chronic lung disease and pancreatic insufficiency. Median survival is 25 years, with an increasing number of patients surviving into their 30s. This disease affects about 1 in 2500 persons of European ancestry. It is less frequent among black and Hispanic Americans and is rare in Asians. One in 25 persons of European ancestry is a carrier, having one normal and one abnormal cystic fibrosis gene.