Publisher's Synopsis
The past 30 years have witnessed a dramatic improvement in life expectancy and quality of life for patients with cystic fibrosis. As a consequence, cystic fibrosis is no longer a paediatric disease. In Western Europe and North America 20% of patients are adults. Some adult cystic fibrosis patients have graduated from universities, some have jobs, some are married, and have children. Consequently, the spectrum of symptoms and complications of the basic disease changes. It is important that clinicians recognize the specifically adult related problems and that this knowledge is conveyed to their colleagues. At the same time, the progress of basic science such as genetics, physiology of membranes and immunology have rapidly progressed, all making an impact towards the best possible care for patients.;These Proceedings of the 17th Working Group for Cystic Fibrosis provide a wealth of new information in the basic science and clinical treatment of cystic fibrosis. Chapters written by internationally established scientists are provided, which should prove to be of value for paediatricians, chest physicians, microbiologists, and scientists working with cystic fibrosis patients.
