Newborn screening for cystic fibrosis offers an advantage over symptomatic diagnosis for the long term benefit of patients: the motion for

Comprehensive newborn screening for cystic fibrosis has occurred for more than 25 years in some regions and the results of randomised controlled trials reporting the outcomes have been published. Testing protocols for CF have recently been reviewed and the sensitivity and specificity of these protocols are high. In spite of this, many remain sceptical in respect of the advantages conferred by newborn screening for CF. Every study of newborn screening has shown that diagnosis occurs at a significantly younger age. While this alone is sufficient to justify newborn screening, the clinical course of those diagnosed via newborn screening indicates that many additional advantages accrue. These include a decreased morbidity and mortality in early life, facilitation of better growth and prevention of vitamin deficiency in early infancy, as well as some indication of an advantage in terms of pulmonary status later in life. This review summarises the arguments in favour of newborn screening for CF. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.