Incidence of cystic fibrosis in black children--revisited [letter].

In the February, 1977, issue of The Journal, Dr. Heffer comments on 
publications concerning the occurrence of cystic fibrosis (CF) in black children. 
He "feels" that CF occurs more frequently than we have reported. 
Our ten-year search in the Washington, D.C., area shows a minimum 
incidence of cystic fibrosis among black newborn infants as one per 
17,000. Since 1972, we have identified an additional four black patients 
with cystic fibrosis in black children. This is consistent with the 
previously reported incidence of one in 17,000. Therefore, we disagree with 
Heffer, that this is a common disease among blacks. 