THE INCIDENCE OF CYSTIC-FIBROSIS GENE-MUTATIONS IN PATIENTS WITH CONGENITAL BILATERAL ABSENCE OF THE VAS-DEFERENS IN SCOTLAND

Objective To examine the incidence of cystic fibrosis transmembrane-co nductance regulator (CFTR) gene mutations in Scottish patients with co ngenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens (CBAVD). Patients and m ethods Thirty patients with CBAVD presenting consecutively to the Edin burgh infertility clinic were examined for CFTR gene mutations. All pa tients were assessed clinically and tested for 15 gene mutations using a single-tube polymerase chain-reaction multiplex system. Results All patients were in good health and without clinical evidence of cystic fibrosis. CFTR gene mutations were found in 70% of patients with CBAVD . Conclusion CFTR gene-testing and genetic counselling are important i n all men with CBAVD.