[Cystic fibrosis mortality in Chile between 1997 and 2003].

Unlabelled: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common lethal autosomic recessive disease among Caucasians. In Chile, its incidence is estimated in 1/4,000 newborns and it is possibly underestimated.

Aim: To analyze CF mortality in Chile during the period 1997-2003.

[Cystic fibrosis: facing patient transition from the pediatrician to the internist].

The increased survival of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) resulted in the appearance of new pulmonary and non-pulmonary complications. Even though subjects with CF present with inflammatory pulmonary changes at birth, several pathogens such as Staphyloccocus aureus, Haemophilus influenzae and Pseudomona aeruginosa contribute to the progression of pulmonary injury. Clinical presentations vary according to patient age; even though mild forms exist, patients with severe forms, develop respiratory insufficiency and end-stage disease at an early stage.