Improved survival of patients with cystic fibrosis.

The survival of 320 patients, who were born in and after 1958 
with cystic fibrosis and managed by the Departments of Thoracic Medicine 
and Gastroenterology, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, is reviewed. Eighty per cent 
of patients survived to 11 years of age, and 64% to 
18 years. Of patients managed between 1973 and 1977, 91% survived 
to 12 years of age, and 80% to 17 years of 
age. In the same period, 79% of patients survived for 16 
years after diagnosis. Forty- four per cent of the 240 patients 
currently being managed have no significant permanent lung disease, and only 
9% have advanced disease. 