High incidence of the CFTR mutations 3272-26A-->G and L927P in Belgian cystic fibrosis patients, and identification of three new CFTR mutations (186-2A-->G, E588V, and 1671insTATCA).

We have analyzed 143 unrelated Belgian patients with a positive diagnosis of cystic fibrosis (CF) for mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. An initial screening for 29 CFTR mutations led to mutation identification in 89.9% of the tested chromosomes.

Survey of Pseudomonas aeruginosa genotypes in colonised cystic fibrosis patients.

The current authors aimed to examine whether cystic fibrosis (CF) patients in Belgium shared Pseudomonas aeruginosa genotypes and to compare the genotypes of isolates from the same patients during two consecutive years. A Belgian databank of the P. aeruginosa genotypes of all colonised CF patients was created.

Epidemiology of Burkholderia cepacia complex colonisation in cystic fibrosis patients.

In Belgian cystic fibrosis (CF) clinics, sputum samples are evaluated on selective MAST medium routinely every 3 months. In this study, in 1993 and 1999, isolates were further examined by recA restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis of genomic DNA restricted with SpeI. In 1993, 12 patients were colonised with Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc): B.

Dose-response study of oxitropium bromide inhaled as a nebulised solution.

Twelve patients suffering from partially reversible chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) took past in a single blind, randomised, 4-way cross-over trial to determine the optimal dose and duration of action of the anticholinergic agent oxitropium bromide (OTB) inhaled as a nebulised solution. Single doses of 500, 1000, 1500 and 2000 micrograms nebulised OTB were compared during a 6 hour-observation period. Lung function test results indicated that 500 and 1000 micrograms OTB only induced slight bronchodilatation, whereas 1500 and 2000 micrograms OTB produced a significantly greater increase in mean FEV1 compared to 500 micrograms.

Long-term follow-up of pulmonary disease caused by Mycobacterium avium in a previously healthy patient.

A 64-year-old white male with cavitary lung disease is presented. Mycobacterium avium was isolated from sputa and gastric lavage and the American Thoracic Society criteria for nontuberculous mycobacterial disease were met. Seven years follow-up and treatment regimens are discussed.