Anyone, of any ethnicity, can get cystic fibrosis. But for decades it has been overlooked in people of color
test for CF. The first part tests for high levels of a chemical called immunoreactive trypsinogen—which is a chemical made by the pancreas. If levels are too high, the baby’s DNA is screened for mutations that could cause cystic fibrosis. When a mutation is identified, early interventions that improve nutrition and lung health can save lives. In Mississippi
In 2018, after Bobba and her husband had been trying to conceive for a couple of years, she had a genetic test done as a standard part of an in vitro fertilization procedure. The tests revealed her ovaries were healthy and her husband’s sperm count was good. But the doctor who authorized the tests called her and asked, “Did you know you have cystic fibrosis?”
The drug Trikafta had been approved in 2019 for patients who carried the F508del mutation—the one that is most common in the U.S., not the one Bobba has. But the drug maker Vertex Pharmaceuticals kept testing the drug on cells with less common mutations, one by one, to see whether it would work for those. Food and Drug Administration said the drug could also treat Bobba’s rare mutation
When he asks how common that mutation is in white people, only a few are aware that one in every 25 Caucasians carry it. But when Trimble asks about non-whites, “Nobody has any idea.” But without access to digestive enzymes to help children with nutrition and treatments to clear their lungs, survival for CF patients is about eight years in Egypt; in the U.S., it’s now 53.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
PFF: Seahawks have few free agents anyone will wantSeahawks have only two players in PFF’s Free Agency Top 100
Read more »
KFC's Double Down isn't the only sandwich going beyond the bun — doughnut burgers, anyone?As one food influencer declares: 'Bread is boring.' Check out these savory sandwich substitutions made for TIkTok and Instagram.
Read more »
San Bernardino County Sheriff Urges Anyone Planning to Visit Mountains to 'Reconsider Your Plans'An emergency forest closure order went into effect Friday for the San Bernardino National Forest after winter storms brought several feet of snow to the region.
Read more »
Penis Filler Is Way More Common Than You'd ExpectPenis fillers are not only on the rise, but multiple cosmetic surgeons say it's their most popular procedure.
Read more »
Thin People Are Taking Ozempic to Get Thinner. I’m on It for Medical Reasons.The most important effects of the drug are not cosmetic.
Read more »
After word of historic legal payout, City Councilmembers demand answers about controversial NYPD unitAs news broke that NYC is preparing to offer $21,500 settlements to hundreds of people trapped by police and attacked with batons & pepper spray during a 2020 protest, elected officials sought answers during an oversight hearing. The NYPD didn't show up.
Read more »