exacerbations during the first three years of life are common and are associated with poorer
lung function and growth outcomes later in childhood.
Using data from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Patient Registry, the researchers evaluated infants and young children with CF born between 2003 and 2017. The analysis included 7,342 patients who were diagnosed through newborn screening or at their first CF center visit by 60 days of age and who had continuous follow-up data available for the first six years of life. Nearly half of the children who experienced at least one pulmonary exacerbation were girls.
The primary objective was to identify early-life factors associated with pulmonary exacerbations between ages one and three years. Secondary outcomes focused on nutritional status and lung function, measured as body mass index (BMI) z-scores around age three and percent predicted forced expiratory volume in one second (ppFEV1) at age six. Pulmonary function testing data at six years and BMI measurements between three and four years of age were used to assess longer-term outcomes.
According to the authors, these findings provide valuable insights for clinicians caring for very young people with cystic fibrosis. Identifying infants at higher risk of early pulmonary exacerbations may allow for closer monitoring, targeted interventions, and informed discussions with caregivers.
"By recognizing both modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors, healthcare teams can better tailor early management strategies aimed at preserving lung function and supporting healthy growth during this critical developmental period," they concluded.
Corcoran, A., Bennett, L., Faerber, J. A., & Ren, C. L. (2025). Risk Factors and Outcomes of Pulmonary Exacerbations in Infants and Young Children With Cystic Fibrosis. Pediatric Pulmonology, 60(12), e71423. https://doi.org/10.1002/ppul.71423
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