The changes in the paper electrophoretic pattern in various pathological conditions have been summarized by Owen.1 In view of the many metabolic disturbances that occur in cystic fibrosis, it was felt that application of the above procedure to a large number of patients in various stages of the disease might provide some insight concerning the changes in protein metabolism associated with the progress of the disease.
The clinical features and pathological findings in cystic fibrosis have been the subject of several reviews.2-4 Among the factors which may contribute to alterations in the serum proteins in patients with cystic fibrosis are faulty digestion due to pancreatic insufficiency, defective intestinal absorption, progressive pulmonary infection, and liver involvement.2-7 In rare instances, the initial clinical manifestations of cystic fibrosis in small infants are associated with severe hypoproteinemia.8,9
Methods
The total serum proteins on samples of venous blood were determined by