Pregnancy in Cystic Fibrosis of the Pancreas

Abstract

Information is presently available on ten women with cystic fibrosis who have become pregnant: two patients already in the literature, two cases in this report, and six from a national survey. The toll of maternal morbidity and mortality as well as the high risk of fetal prematurity (and death) make the pregnant woman with cystic fibrosis a significant challenge in management. Important considerations must be (1) adequate prenatal evaluation and therapy of pulmonary disease, including cor pulmonale if present; (2) careful management of electrolyte problems which may arise; (3) proper nutrition and pancreatic replacement as indicated; (4) diagnosis of maternal diabetes and, in its presence, appropriate conduct of labor and the care of the newborn; and (5) early studies in the infant to note the presence or absence of cystic fibrosis. All of the 11 living infants in the present study were normal and showed no stigmata of cystic fibrosis.