Lung function decline from adolescence to young adulthood in cystic fibrosis.

Background: Despite improving survival in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients, there is a mortality peak in early adulthood. Defining risk factors that predict significant worsening of lung disease in young adulthood may identify opportunities to improve outcomes in adults.

Methods: We identified 4,680 patients in the Epidemiologic Study of Cystic Fibrosis 1994-2005 with data in both adolescence (age 14.

A day in the life of a nebulizer: surveillance for bacterial growth in nebulizer equipment of children with cystic fibrosis in the hospital setting.

Background: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is characterized by chronic lung infection. Minimizing exposure to pathogens is important. Treating a CF pulmonary exacerbation includes nebulizer therapies, but little is known about pathogen exposure from nebulizer equipment in CF.