The Cystic Fibrosis and Pulmonary Center
Specialized Care for Cystic Fibrosis
The Cystic Fibrosis and Pulmonary Center at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, established in 1993, is a nationally accredited facility that works closely with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, major universities and organ transplant centers. With more than 50 years of combined experience in providing care to patients with Cystic Fibrosis, our staff provides comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services to extend the length and quality of life of the patients they serve. Furthermore, as a nationally recognized facility, we have access to the most recent and updated treatment and research findings.
When hospitalization is necessary, pediatric patients receive specialized care at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, the leading children’s hospital in Broward and Palm Beach counties. Adult cystic fibrosis patients receive specialized care at one of Memorial Healthcare System’s adult hospitals.
Keeping Cystic Fibrosis under Control
The Cystic Fibrosis and Pulmonary Center at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital monitors patients on a regular basis and provides prompt, aggressive outpatient treatment to minimize symptoms and complications.
If a CF patient shows no active symptoms, the Center still provides regular monitoring and treatment, as research shows that preventative care helps maintain the child’s overall health.
Medications and Research
Cystic fibrosis patients are commonly prescribed medications that prevent infection and keep the lungs clear of mucus. Many patients also take pancreatic enzymes to help absorb the nutrients in food. Your child may also receive other medications orally, through a nebulizer, intranasally, or intravenously through a central line such as a PICC line or a port a cath, if needed.
While there is no cure for cystic fibrosis, new antibiotics, treatments and therapies are being studied. Antioxidant-boosting medications, for example, are a promising area of research in the prevention of lung inflammation. New gene therapies and therapeutic drugs are being developed in hopes of reversing the behavior of defective genes.
Nutritional Intervention Provided
Patients with cystic fibrosis may have trouble achieving normal height and weight. The Cystic Fibrosis and Pulmonary Center at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital provides patients with nutritional support through the expertise of a registered dietitian. Through regular monitoring for CF-related digestive disorders, we will do everything possible to keep your child’s digestion and growth as normal as possible.
Because of improvements in cystic fibrosis treatment, almost half of all Americans with cystic fibrosis today are adults. Adult patients also benefit from special dietary consultations to prevent or lessen the effects of CF-related diabetes, osteoporosis and other complications.
Treatment Plans for the Exacerbation of Symptoms
Under most circumstances, CF can be managed on an outpatient basis. When exacerbations of symptoms call for more aggressive treatment, including hospitalization, the Cystic Fibrosis and Pulmonary Center at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital will work with you and your family to create a family-centered, multidisciplinary plan of action tailored to meet you and your child’s needs.
CF Education and Ancillary Services for the Entire Family
In addition to providing world-class medical care to our patients, The Center also provides extensive patient and family education about the medical, genetic and nutritional aspects of cystic fibrosis. The team at the Cystic Fibrosis Center can also assist with arranging home care, financial counseling, and emotional support for patients and families. Our respiratory therapists, dietitian, nurse practitioners, social workers and other professionals will work closely with you and your child to live a full life with cystic fibrosis.
To learn more about cystic fibrosis, please view this entry in the Memorial Healthcare System Health Library, as well as our FAQ page.
For referral to a physician for your child, please call Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Physician Referral Service toll-free at (866) JDCH-DOC. We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
