06/12/2002 By Elda Hauschildt
Neonatal screening for three antibodies allows early detection of the bacteria that causes Pseudomonas aeruginosa pulmonary infection in children with cystic fibrosis (CF).
Testing for immunoglobins IgG, IgA and IgM allows P aeruginosa detection six to 12 months before the organism is identified in cultures.
Researchers from the University of Wisconsin in Madison and the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, United States, say such testing could facilitate diagnosis and treatment of children with CF: “Early diagnosis through neonatal screening provides an opportunity for a transformation in treatment strategy.
“Instead of hospitalisations and medical interventions for sick patients who experience delayed diagnosis, screening allows pre-symptomatic identification of most patients with CF and the potential for prospective evaluation and preventive care.”
They explain that the CF lung is free of pathology at birth. “Early diagnosis coupled with careful follow-up of the respiratory symptoms (especially cough), infection status and chest radiographs could provide better outcomes.”
Researchers also recommend that longitudinal P aeruginosa serology become part of the children’s respiratory care follow-up, especially the use of exotoxin A titres.
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