Sweat testing infants detected by cystic fibrosis newborn screening.

Parad, Richard B; Comeau, Anne Marie; Dorkin, Henry L; Dovey, Mark; Gerstle, Robert; Martin, Thomas; O'Sullivan, Brian P · J Pediatr · 2005

cross_sectional · Level IV

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Abstract

Describe and define limitations of early pilocarpine iontophoresis (sweat testing) for cystic fibrosis (CF) newborn screening (NBS). Population-based results from follow-up of CF NBS-positive newborns. Insufficient quantity of sweat is more likely if the sweat test is done too early, but testing is generally successful after 2 weeks of age. Sweat chloride levels drop over the first weeks of life. CF carriers have higher sweat chloride concentrations than non-carriers. Sweat testing can be performed effectively after 2 weeks of age for CF NBS-positive newborns. Earlier testing has a higher risk of insufficient sweat for completing testing.

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