Cystic Fibrosis deltaF508/deltaF508

Question

Hello. I am "host family" and I look after a 12 years old CF girl. On her annual assessment, I could read: mutations delta F508 /delta F508. What does it mean? I know that there are several CF. Could you tell me if she belongs to those who have "moderate form", so to speak? Her treatment is: 8 to 10 creon/day, 4 Toco /week, 3 urlsolvans/day, 2 capsules of salt/ day, and pulmozyme every morning.
Thank you very much for your reply.
Cordially.

Answer

Dear Madam,

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder caused by mutations of the gene "CF" (=Cystic Fibrosis). Over 1800 mutations (errors in the gene) have been identified. The most common is the deltaF508 mutation. Genes work in pairs, one from the mother and one from the father: the expression “delta F508/delta F508” means that both have the same mutation.

As you said, the disease can be expressed differently from one patient to another, and we used to say that there is no one CF but several CF. If you wish, you could find general informations on CF via the website of the association Vaincre la Mucoviscidose :
www.vaincrelamuco.org/ewb_pages/m/mucoviscidose.php


Regarding the specific case of the girl that you welcome, two options are available to you:
- if you work directly with the General Council: I suggest you contact the Welfare for Children Referent in charge of the child;
- if you work for a Specialised Family Placement: in this case you should contact the SFP team.
These people will help you identify authorized persons (parents of the child if possible, health care team of the CF Center ...) to bring you more information on the disease and treatments specific to the girl you are in charge.

Hoping this is helpful.

Best regards.

28.02.2012