Correlation Between Haptoglobin Phenotypes and Infectious and Other Complications in Cystic Fibrosis Patients
Correlation Between Haptoglobin Phenotypes and Infectious and Other Complications in Cystic Fibrosis Patients
Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic disease with variable severity, and a predisposition for lung
 infection. Usually severity is determined by the class of CF mutations, but even among
 patients with the same severity of mutations there is a variation of the severity of CF.

 Haptoglobin has several types (phenotypes), one of them was found to be related to infectious
 complications.

 In this study the investigators aim to find a correlation between Haptoglobin phenotypes in
 patients with CF and frequency of infectious complications.

 To this end the investigators will collect serum from CF patients, and determine their
 Haptoglobin protein phenotype. The investigators will correlate Haptoglobin phenotype to
 retrospectively gathered data on infectious complications.
Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic disease with variable severity, and a predisposition for lung
 infection. The severity of the disease is determined by genetic factors (type of mutation),
 environmental factors (exposure to bacteria) and behavioral (adherence with therapy). Even
 among patients with the same severity of mutations there is a variation of the severity of
 CF.

 Haptoglobin is a protein responsible for collecting Iron from senescent Red Blood Cells.
 There are two genes of Haptoglobin, numbered 1 and 2, and combinations between the two genes
 create three forms of proteins: 1-1, 1-2, and 2-2. The 1-1 Phenotype was found to be
 associated with a predisposition to infection.

 In this study the investigators aim to find a correlation between Haptoglobin phenotypes in
 patients with CF and frequency of infectious complications.

 To this end the investigators will collect serum from CF patients, and determine their
 Haptoglobin protein phenotype by gel- electrophoresis. The investigators will correlate
 Haptoglobin phenotype to retrospectively gathered data on infectious complications.

 FEV1- Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second.
Inclusion Criteria:

 Patients diagnosed with CF according to diagnostic criteria , between the ages of 0 and 50,
 who are themselves, or their parents or guardians, able to give informed consent.

 Two known severe (class I , II and III) mutations

 Exclusion Criteria:

 none