Adult Cystic Fibrosis clinic sees baby boom due to advancements in treatment and care

May 24, 2023

(LONDON, Ont.) – The Adult Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Clinic at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) is reporting an increase in the number of patient pregnancies as a result of advancements in treatment and care. While the life-threatening genetic disorder typically makes women half as likely as those without CF to conceive, the introduction of life-changing drug Trikafta has made six new pregnancies at the clinic possible.

“I’ve been working in the clinic for over 15 years and have never seen this number of pregnant patients,” says Tracy Gooyers, Nurse Case Manager with the Adult Cystic Fibrosis Clinic at LHSC. “The developments in CF treatment we’re seeing have been life-changing, particularly for those wanting to start a family.”

Among the six pregnant people receiving care from LHSC’s Adult CF Clinic are Samantha Hunt from Sault Ste. Marie and Samantha Langlois from Essex County – both of which are expecting their first child.

A picture of Kyle Hunt and Samantha Hunt at their November 2018 wedding in Lake Louise, Alberta — Image L to R: Kyle Hunt and Samantha Hunt at their November 2018 wedding in Lake Louise, Alberta

"My husband and I had been trying to get pregnant for years with no success, even with the help of fertility treatments,” says Hunt. “Then I started on Trikafta and was able to conceive naturally not long after.”

Langlois’ experience was similar.

A photo of Samantha Langlois outside LHSC's Victoria Hospital — Image: Samantha Langlois is expecting her first child with husband Gary this summer.

“After consulting fertility specialists and trying for about six years, we had just kind of accepted it wasn’t going to happen. Then I was approved for Trikafta and everything changed,” she says.

Despite living outside the region, Hunt and Langlois visit LHSC’s CF clinic three to four times a year either in-person or virtually, for specialized treatment, which includes taking samples of their sputum to test for infection and checking their lung function, vitals and weight.

A photo of patient Samantha Langlois and Tracy Gooyers, Nurse Case Manager, at a routine check-up at the Adult Cystic Fibrosis Clinic at LHSC — Image: Tracy Gooyers takes Samantha Langlois' blood pressure at a recent visit to the Adult Cystic Fibrosis Clinic.

“While CF treatments are still onerous on our patients, many are feeling encouraged by how quickly their symptoms are improving,” says Dr. James Lewis, Director of the Adult Cystic Fibrosis Clinic at LHSC. “What’s more, they’re experiencing less side effects, fewer infections and therefore fewer hospital visits. They’re even able to stay on their treatments throughout their pregnancies.”

A photo of Dr. James Lewis, patient Samantha Langlois and Nurse Case Manager Tracy Gooyers at a recent check-up at the Adult Cystic Fibrosis Clinic — Image L to R: Dr. James Lewis, Samantha Langlois and Tracy Gooyers at a recent check-up at the Adult Cystic Fibrosis Clinic.

The Adult Cystic Fibrosis Clinic at LHSC’s Victoria Hospital currently treats about 140 patients over the age of 18, 95 of which are now on Trikafta. The number of patients the clinic sees has grown steadily by 75 per cent since 2008, due in part to medical advances that have resulted in CF patients living longer than before.

About Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder caused by a mutation in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. The mutation causes a buildup of thick, sticky mucous that clogs the lungs and other organs, causing frequent lung infections and eventually respiratory distress. While often identified at birth or shortly after using a blood test and examining family history, CF is a chronic and life-threatening condition that requires ongoing management.

Until recently, approved drugs could only treat symptoms of the disease, and not necessarily its underlying cause. This changed in 2020 when Health Canada approved compassionate access to Trikafta for select patients, followed by a full approval in 2021. The CFTR modulator uses three separate drugs to target the faulty proteins, helping them work more effectively.

Learn more about Samantha Hunt and Samantha Langlois’ stories here.