Biomarker for Cystic Fibrosis: An International, Multicenter, Observational, Longitudinal Protocol

Cystic fibrosis (CyFi) is a progressive hereditary disease with the prevalence of 1 in 2500. CyFi is an autosomal recessive disease caused by pathogenic variant/s in the CFTR (Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator) gene encoding Cftr protein.

CyFi causes chronic respiratory damage. Pulmonary findings occur already in infancy, which raises questions whether obstruction might be congenital. Thick, sticky mucus clogs the airways, reduces muco-ciliary clearance and leads to problems with breathing and recurrent bacterial (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) infections, which causes over time the formation of scar tissue (fibrosis) and cysts in the lungs.There is no cure for CyFi; however, symptomatic treatment can help relieve symptoms.

The aim of this study is to identify biomarkers for Cystic fibrosis disease and to explore their clinical robustness, specificity, and long-term variability. An ideal biomarker plays an essential role in the early diagnosis, prediction and therapeutic monitoring of a specific disorder.