Introduction:

Cystic fibrosis (CF), is an autosomal recessive genetic pathology that is caused by mutations in the transmembrane conductance regulatory protein (CFTR cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator) gene. As a multisystem disease, it affects the respiratory system, digestive system, sweat glands and vas deferens. In Paraguay, detection, diagnosis and treatment is mandatory and free for all newborns (NB). Neonatal screening is performed by the immunoreactive trypsinogen assay (IRT) and diagnostic confirmation is performed by the sweat test. Objective: To report the incidence of CF in the NB population of Paraguay.

Materials and Methods:

This was a descriptive, retrospective, cross-sectional study, where data from the National Neonatal Screening Program (NNSP) were analyzed, from January 2015 to December 2017. To analyze the database, we used an Excel spreadsheet.

Results:

In 2015, 91% (79,093 / 87,181) of the samples sent to the Program met the criteria (age and sample quality) for the IRT study, with an incidence of 1 in 6,591 NB. In 2016, 97% (83,525 / 86,094) met criteria, with an incidence of 1 in 4,176 NB, while in 2017, 97% (87,075 / 90,037) met criteria, with an incidence of 1 in 5,112 NB.

Conclusion:

The incidence of CF in the newborn population of Paraguay, during the three years of this study, did not show significant differences between years, nor with those reported for the Hispanic population.

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