[Recurrent atelectasis in an infant : about one case of false-negative newborn screening for cystic fibrosis].

Abstract

In infants as well as in older children, persistent or recurrent atelectasis remains a classic indication for sweat testing, even if neonatal screening for cystic fibrosis has been considered normal. Atelectasis is a common complication of cystic fibrosis. Yet, it has rarely been reported in infants. In cystic fibrosis, chronic atelectasis worsens the prognosis, especially when involving a lower lobe. Therefore, early and effective intervention is required. Antibiotic therapy, intensive chest physiotherapy together with inhaled mucolytics often allow to relieve bronchial obstruction but bronchoscopy with local aspiration and Dornase alpha instillation is sometimes necessary. In a two-month-old infant, we describe here the first reported case of false-negative cystic fibrosis newborn screening in Belgium.