Anemia, hypoproteinemia and edema in an infant with cystic fibrosis.

A patient with cystic fibrosis was encountered who presented with anemia, hypoproteinemia, 
edema and failure to thrive. A blood transfusion resulted in some 
improvement, but the symptoms recurred in a few weeks. Only after 
the correct diagnosis was made and appropriate therapy instituted did the 
patient show signs of improvement. The account of this case illustrates 
the importance of considering the diagnosis of cystic fibrosis in any 
child with malnutrition. 