| Abstract: | Since an increasing number of patients with cystic fibrosis now reach adolescence and adulthood, more will be treated by general physicians. Since 1953 approximately 200 patients have been cared for in this unit, and in January, 1967, 31 were over 14 years of age; five of these have since died, and their modes of death (chest infection and respiratory failure, three; moderate chest disease, massive hæmoptysis, one; mild chest disease and progressive liver disease, one) are considered. The clinical state of the survivors varies greatly and allows discussion of the natural history of the disorder. The well-being of patients depends both on the intrinsic severity of the manifestations of the disease and the efficacy of treatment. With careful attention to chest disease most of these older patients manage to lead relatively active lives and are in most instances gainfully employed. |
