Effect of newborn screening for cystic fibrosis on CF-related mortality

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Grosse et al have studied the population impact of newborn screening for cystic fibrosis (CF) on CF-related mortality using data from trials of newborn screening. Several sources of published and unpublished data were identified from both the US and overseas. In addition, data from the North American CF Registry were analyzed. The results indicate that screening reduces the risk of mortality by 10 years of age in children with CF. There appeared to be less benefit from screening in the USA compared to other countries, possibly because outcomes have improved in American CF centers. However, states that were not screening for CF had a relative risk of CF-related death before age 10 years that was 3.5 times that in states with CF screening programs. The benefits of screening on mortality, therefore, seem to be similar for CF compared to sickle cell disease and galactosemia and support the current recommendations that states consider adding CF to their newborn screening programs.