Pregnancy and Cystic Fibrosis - An Overview

Life expectancy and quality of life of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients have been steadily increasing for many decades, due to intensified therapy and research. Correspondingly, the number of pregnancies in women with CF rises. Often it is not possible for the patients to assess the consequences of pregnancy in terms of their disease and the impact of their disease on the growing child. A pre-existing poor lung function, low body mass index, CF-related diabetes, chronic microbial colonisation, and transplanted lungs are the main risk factors for complications during pregnancy in CF. Generally, the best outcome for mother and child can be reached under exact planning and meshed multidisciplinary care. The purpose of this summary is to give a practical review of the risks and options associated with pregnancy in CF patients.