Journal of cystic fibrosis : official journal of the European Cystic Fibrosis Society
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Cystic Fibrosis (CF) patient registries are valuable data sources for researchers studying the natural history, treatment paradigms, and long-term health outcomes of individuals with CF. In this review, we discuss the role of CF patient registries in facilitating comparative effectiveness research, particularly evaluating therapies and variation in health care delivery. We also discuss the limitations of registry-based research, particularly indication bias, as well as statistical methods that can be used to address these issues.
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Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a multi-organ disorder characterized by chronic sino-pulmonary infections and inflammation. Many patients with CF suffer from repeated pulmonary exacerbations that are predictors of worsened long-term morbidity and mortality. There are no reliable markers that associate with the onset or progression of an exacerbation or pulmonary deterioration. Previously, we found that the Mirc1/Mir17-92a cluster which is comprised of 6 microRNAs (Mirs) is highly expressed in CF mice and negatively regulates autophagy which in turn improves CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) function. Therefore, here we sought to examine the expression of individual Mirs within the Mirc1/Mir17-92 cluster in human cells and biological fluids and determine their role as biomarkers of pulmonary exacerbations and response to treatment. ⋯ Mirc1/Mir17-92 cluster expression is a promising biomarker of respiratory status in patients with CF including pulmonary exacerbation.