Anemia and edema as presenting signs in cystic fibrosis: case report.

Anemia, edema, and length and weight below the 10th tile were the presenting signs in an infant with cystic fibrosis. She had a peripheral blood smear characterized by poikylocytosis, acanthocytosis and anisocytosis; low serum total proteins, albumin, and tocopherol/total lipid ratio. Following two months of treatment with oral pancreatic replacement therapy and tocopherol, her hemoglobin concentration, serum proteins and tocopherol/total lipid ratio returned to normal. The peripheral blood smear showed normal red cell morphology and her length and weight were above the 50th percentile. The mechanisms of anemia in cystic fibrosis patients are discussed.