Genes aren’t always destiny. In recent years, doctors and
scientists have made remarkable progress against cystic fibrosis, a fatal
recessive genetic disorder that has remained common through the centuries. Just a couple of generations ago patients with
cystic fibrosis had little hope reaching adulthood. Thanks to improvement in
treatment and management, people with the disease are starting families and
reaching middle age and beyond. The ongoing revolution in gene based therapies
buy patients even more time and give them hope and purpose.
1 in 30 people in the U.S. is a carrier of the CFTR gene
that causes cystic fibrosis. If both are carriers, there’s a 1 in 4 chance that
their child will be born with this disease. The severity of the disease can
vary by the type of mutation that’s inherited as well as other genetic and environmental
factors. I did not know that 1 in 30 people are carriers of the CFTR gene. I
also think scientists have made great strides in helping people living with the
disease improve there longevity and overall lifestyle.
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