Nationally Accredited Cystic Fibrosis & Pulmonary Center at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital Offers Comprehensive, Child-Friendly Care
October 2005 — One of only a few nationally accredited cystic fibrosis centers in Florida, the Cystic Fibrosis & Pulmonary Center at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital provides advanced medical and surgical care in a cheerful, child-friendly atmosphere.
"When cystic fibrosis or any pediatric pulmonary condition affects a patient, it affects the entire family," says Morton Schwartzman, MD, Medical Director of the Cystic Fibrosis & Pulmonary Center and pediatric pulmonary specialist on the medical staff at Memorial Regional Hospital, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, Memorial Hospital West and Memorial Hospital Miramar. "We have an extraordinary team of board-certified physicians, nurses and support professionals committed to meeting the medical and emotional needs of our patients and their families."
Understanding Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is an inherited genetic condition that affects the body's cells that produce saliva, sweat and digestive juices. These secretions are normally thin and slippery, but in the case of cystic fibrosis, a defective gene causes them to be thick and sticky. Rather than acting as a lubricant, these secretions actually plug up passageways and tubes in the body. At major risk are the lungs and pancreas. The most frequent complications of CF are chronic respiratory infections, including pneumonia, bronchitis and bronchiectasis — an abnormal dilation of the walls of the bronchial tubes that makes it difficult to clear the airways. Asthma can result from chronic inflammation of the bronchial lining. The most dangerous consequence of CF is respiratory failure.
Currently, about 30,000 adults and children live with CF. Children born with CF are typically diagnosed by the age of 3; however, adults in their 30s, 40s and 50s also may be diagnosed with the condition. While there is no cure, new antibiotics, treatments and therapies are emerging to help prolong the length and quality of life for patients. New gene therapies and therapeutic drugs are being developed in hopes of reversing the behavior of defective genes. In addition, medications can correct or enhance the function of defective genes.
"In the last 30 years, we've seen tremendous progress in the treatment of cystic fibrosis. Previously, the expected life span for a young patient with CF was only 9 or 10 years old, whereas today, the expectancy is 34 years or more," says Dr. Schwartzman. "At the Center, we also are closely involved with the national and local chapters of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and we're tracking the progress of new drugs that will enable the abnormal genes to perform their intended functions."
Multidisciplinary Expertise Under One Roof
The only facility of its kind in Broward and Palm Beach Counties, the Center uses a comprehensive team approach to patient care. Board-certified pulmonologists and pediatricians specialize in evaluating, treating and managing chronic pulmonary disorders. Other team members, extensively trained in the care of cystic fibrosis and pulmonary conditions, include:
- A board-certified pediatric sleep medicine specialist
- Pediatric gastroenterologists
- A licensed nutritionist
- A licensed and certified social worker
- A nurse practitioner
- Registered nurses
- Respiratory therapists
"As a nationally recognized facility, we have access to the most recent research findings and therapies," says Dr. Schwartzman. "We coordinate our efforts with major universities and transplant centers, and follow protocols established by those facilities to ensure patient continuity of patient care."
The Center also provides extensive patient and family education about the medical, genetic and nutritional aspects of cystic fibrosis. Support groups for patients and families provide a setting to share and learn. In addition, the Center provides home healthcare services and financial counseling.
For more information, contact the Cystic Fibrosis & Pulmonary Center at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital at (954) 265-6333.
If you are concerned about a pediatric pulmonary condition and would like a 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.