ABSTRACT
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common, terminal genetic disease of White populations, and
affects approximately 1 in 2,500 live births (Fitzsimmons, 1993). The genetic defect, discovered
in 1989 (Riordan et al., 1989), leads to the production of thick, sticky mucus in several organs-
most notably the lungs and the pancreas. The buildup of mucus in the lungs can cause infection
and damage, and blockage of the pancreas leads to problems with digestion and absorp-
tion of food. Major advances in the diagnosis and treatment of the disease have been made
over the past two decades, significantly increasing life expectancy to a median age of 32.
