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Cystic fibrosis, also known as CF, is a genetic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system of about 30,000 children and adults in the United States (70,000 worldwide). Mutations in the CF gene result in abnormal or absent CF protein, which causes the body to produce unusually thick, sticky mucus.The secretions in the lung and pancreas are thick and plug the ducts resulting in:
- Chronic lung infections
- Blocked digestive enzymes from the pancreas resulting in poor absorption of food.
In the 1950s, most children with CF died before age 10. Today most patients with CF live into adulthood. There is extensive research ongoing which is continuing to improve the lives of people with CF.
Vanderbilt is one of 115 cystic fibrosis care centers nationwide accredited by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The National Institutes of Health has cited the CF care center network as a model of effective and efficient health care delivery for a chronic disease.
Each center undergoes thorough review by the CF Foundation's Center Committee before it receives accreditation and funding. This review for accreditation occurs every year. Besides taking care of people with cystic fibrosis, care centers also participate in CF clinical research and work to educate health care professionals about CF and the care that people living with the disease require.
Our cystic fibrosis team is made up of providers from many different disciplines, from physicians and nurses to social workers and child life specialists, who all work together to care not just for your child, but for your whole family. Meet our team.
Newborn screening for CF started in Tennessee in 2008. Newborn screening allows for the detection of CF before the infant has any symptoms and allows treatment to be started sooner. Newborn screening is done by the state lab using a blood spot that is obtained from the infant in the first 24 hours of life. A positive newborn screen does not mean that an infant has CF, but that the infant should have additional tests. Learn more about newborn screening.
The sweat test, which determines the amount of chloride in a patient's sweat, has been the standard for diagnosing cystic fibrosis for more than 40 years. Our laboratory performs sweat testing according to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation-approved guidelines. Learn more about sweat testing.
The Cystic Fibrosis Center dedicated to finding a cure and control for CF and improving the quality of life for people with the disease. Learn more about our current studies.
Learn more about the online resources we recommend as good sources of additional information about CF.
To make an appointment at the center or to receive additional information on our services, please call us 615.343.7617. The Cystic Fibrosis clinic is located on the 5th Floor of the Doctors' Office Tower within Children's Hospital. Visit our Getting Here section for more information and driving directions.
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