[Thiocyanate--a pathogenetic factor in cystic fibrosis (mucoviscidosis)?]

Thiocyanate (SCN-) concentrations in serum samples of 32 cystic fibrosis (CF) patients, 30 controls as well as 23 heterozygotes (parents of CF patients) were investigated, because SCN- influenced viscosity of secretions, membrane functions as well as nonspecific and specific defense processes. CF patients showed little smaller SCN- serum levels, but the differences were not statistically significant. There were remarkable smaller values for CF patients with most serious clinical conditions due to severe pulmonary changes.