CROHNS-DISEASE AND CYSTIC-FIBROSIS

Advances in investigative techniques have led to increasing reports of Crohn's disease in CF patients. A retrospective review of the literat ure on IBD in CF showed findings characterized by ileocolitis with fis tula formation; 83% required surgery. A prospective survey of 11, 321 CF patients attending 49 CIF centers revealed 28 with IBD (25 Crohn's, three ulcerative colitis), ages 4-20 years, mean 15.6 years. The prev alence rate of IBD (247/10(5)) was 7x controls and was accounted for b y Crohn's disease (221/10(5)) which was 17x controls. The mechanisms t hat predispose CF patients to Crohn's disease are discussed.