Authors: Jenny M. Boyd¹; Anil Mehta²; Deirdre J. Murphy²

Source: Human Reproduction, Volume 19, Number 10, October 2004 , pp. 2238-2243(6)

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: The survival of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) now occurs into the fourth decade of life. Our aim was to evaluate the fertility and pregnancy outcomes of men and women with cystic fibrosis within a large British cohort. METHODS: A population based cohort study of 4659 males and females registered with the UK Cystic Fibrosis Database in 2001. RESULTS: Poor respiratory health (forced expiratory volume in 1 s FEV1 <50%) and CF-related diabetes increased significantly post-puberty compared with childhood. Few individuals with CF sought fertility treatment (1% men, 0.5% women) or achieved pregnancies (1.3% of partners of men, 5.7% women). However, the majority of pregnancies had a good outcome (67% live term birth among male partners, 74% among women). Women who achieved a pregnancy were less likely to suffer from poor respiratory health (FEV1 <50%), age adjusted Odds Ratio 0.6 (95% CI 0.3–0.9), less likely to be homozygous for the DF508 genotype OR 0.5 (95% CI 0.3–0.9) and had a significantly earlier median age at diagnosis (0 years vs 2 years, P=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Increasing numbers of males and females with cystic fibrosis are reaching reproductive age but currently very few have a child. Optimal adult health should improve the reproductive prognosis for both men and women.

Keywords: cohort study; cystic fibrosis; fertility; pregnancy outcomes

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/humrep/deh405

Affiliations: 1: Women's and Child Health, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee and 2: Division of Maternal and Child Health Sciences, University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee DD1 9SY, United Kingdom

Publication date: 2004-10-01

More about this publication?

• Human Reproduction features full-length, peer-reviewed papers reporting original research, clinical case histories, as well as opinions and debates on topical issues. Papers published cover the scientific and medical aspects of reproductive physiology and pathology, endocrinology, andrology, gonad function, gametogenesis, fertilization, embryo development, implantation, pregnancy, genetics, genetic diagnosis, oncology, infectious disease, surgery, contraception, infertility treatment, psychology, ethics and social issues. The highest scientific and editorial standard is maintained throughout the journal along with a rapid rate of publication.

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