Pediatric Cystic Fibrosis
Long-Standing Care for Cystic Fibrosis Patients of All Ages
Infants, children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis (CF), and their families receive expert care at the University of Chicago Medicine Cystic Fibrosis Center. Our pediatric and adult cystic fibrosis programs are accredited by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
Meet our Pediatric Pulmonologists
Cystic Fibrosis Screening & Diagnosis
Specialized tests, including minimally invasive procedures, are available to help determine the cause of even the most complicated respiratory problems in children. Such minimally invasive tests spare your child from discomfort.
Some of the tests available include:
- Fiberoptic bronchoscopy (a flexible or rigid scope used to see the inside of the airways and lungs)
- Chest X-rays, computed tomography, and ventilation/perfusion scans to help doctors view the anatomy of your child's lungs
- Sweat testing and genetic testing to diagnose cystic fibrosis
- Pulmonary function testing
- Infant pulmonary function testing
- Tests to assess lung function in children with exercise-induced symptoms
- Sleep studies to detect breathing problems
If your baby tested positive for cystic fibrosis (CF) after having the newborn screening test, we're here to help. Our team of specialists from the University of Chicago Medicine Cystic Fibrosis Center and the Department of Human Genetics provide the full range of testing and counseling services to help families that may be affected by cystic fibrosis. If a diagnosis of cystic fibrosis is confirmed, our experts can provide advanced, compassionate care to treat this complex, chronic disease.
Newborn Cystic Fibrosis Test
All birthing hospitals in Illinois offer CF testing as part of the usual newborn screening process.
Before each newborn leaves the hospital, a small amount of blood is collected from the infant to be used for variety of important screening tests. Newborn screening for cystic fibrosis is one of the conditions screened and has two components:
- Measurement of immunoreactive trypsinogen (IRT)
- Assessment of the most common genetic mutations causing CF
Infants with positive newborn screening tests (elevated IRT and one or two common CF mutations) will require prompt follow-up to determine if the child has CF or is an unaffected carrier for the CF trait. A sweat test is a follow-up assessment used to determine if the child has CF.
Early detection and treatment of cystic fibrosis leads to improved nutrition, infection control and overall outcome.
Positive Test Results
Notification of positive results will go to the child's primary care provider/pediatrician, who will then notify the family. Most infants with a presumptive positive newborn screening test will either be affected with CF or will be unaffected carriers of the CF trait.
Pediatricians and clinicians should refer the infant to a qualified Cystic Fibrosis Foundation-accredited care center as mandated by Illinois Department of Public Health for confirmatory testing by sweat chloride, also referred to as a sweat test. UChicago Medicine has an accredited care center that offers sweat testing and genetic counseling for families with children who have tested positive for the newborn CF test.
Sweat Test
If your child tested positive for the newborn CF screening, a sweat test will be needed to confirm the diagnosis. The sweat test determines the amount of chloride (a component of salt) in sweat.
There are no needles involved in the procedure. In the first part of the test, an electrode is attached to the arm or leg to stimulate sweating. Individuals may feel a tingling sensation in the area or a feeling of warmth. The second part of the test consists of collecting the sweat in a plastic coil. Thirty minutes later, the collected sweat is sent to the hospital laboratory for analysis.
False positive and false negative results are possible with the newborn screening test for CF. The sweat test will help to determine the diagnosis of CF.
Preparation for the Sweat Test
There are no restrictions on activity or diet or special preparation before the test. However, one should not apply creams or lotions to the skin 24 hours before the test. All regular feedings and medications may be continued and will have no effect on the test results.
Sweat Test Results
Our CF Center experts and genetic counselors will meet with your family to discuss the diagnostic test results and any next steps on the same day. If a CF diagnosis is confirmed, our team will provide educational information about CF, as well as guidance on how to find a CF specialist.
If your child does not have CF but is found to be a carrier of the CF gene, our genetic counselors will provide information about being an unaffected carrier.
Schedule an Appointment for a Sweat Test & Genetic Counseling
If your child has had a positive newborn screening test for CF, please contact one of our CF counselors in the Department of Human Genetics at 773-834-9110 or the UChicago Medicine Cystic Fibrosis Center office at 773-702-6178 to schedule an appointment for further testing and genetic counseling.
At our Cystic Fibrosis Center, we offer a variety of diagnostic tests that enable us to identify CF and monitor its progression.
Sweat Testing
Sweat tests measure the amount of salt in sweat and can diagnose CF, as a high salt level confirms that an individual has CF.
Lung Function Tests
Our pulmonary function laboratory offers a range of tests that measure lung function. Some of the tests available include:
- Spirometry, which measures the volume and speed of air moving out of your child's lungs
- Pulse oximetry and arterial blood gas testing for measuring oxygen in your child's blood
Other Tests
Our team may recommend other tests, such as:
- Chest X-rays
- Sputum cultures to check for bacteria in sputum (mucus from the lungs) that can be signs of advanced CF
- High-resolution computed tomography (CT) to inspect the airways for progression of CF
Genetic Testing & Counseling
Our team can help coordinate prenatal screening to determine if your fetus has CF. We also offer genetic testing to determine if you or your partner carries the genetic mutations that cause CF. Our genetic counselors are available to answer questions and assist you and your family along the way.
When is CF typically diagnosed?
Today, CF is usually diagnosed at birth through newborn screening, with more than 75 percent of patients diagnosed by the age of 2. The sweat test measures salt in a child’s sweat and can confirm the diagnosis.
CF runs in my family. Should I get tested?
CF is a genetic disease. A genetic test can determine if you carry the genetic mutation that causes it. To have CF, a child must inherit the genetic mutation from both parents. People who inherit the mutation from only one parent are called carriers and do not have CF. If you may be a carrier, you and your partner should consider getting a genetic test.
How is CF treated?
Treating CF requires therapies that target parts of the body, especially the lungs and the digestive system. Because CF symptoms can differ widely from child to child, there is no typical treatment plan for children with the disease.
We work closely with CF patients and their families to create individualized treatment plans. Typical therapy often includes: airway clearance to help loosen airway mucus, inhaled medicines, pancreatic enzyme supplement capsules and multivitamins.
There is ongoing research through the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to find additional therapies that could help improve key symptoms of CF by targeting the disease at its root.
What is the outlook for my child with CF?
Although there is no cure for CF, the outlook for patients with this lung disease is better than ever. According to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the median survival for people with CF is in the early 40s. Many patients live into their 50s and 60s and are able to lead full lives that include work, family and other pursuits.
Is it OK for my child to exercise?
In general, physical activity is good for children with CF because it helps them improve their lung function and clears mucus from the airways.
What are my responsibilities as a parent?
You play a pivotal role on your child’s care team. To make sure your child receives the best care:
- Bring a list of your child’s medications to each visit, and tell us if you need refills
- Let us know if are having insurance issues
- If you do not understand something, please ask
- Tell us if you have any concerns about your child’s treatment plan
Cystic Fibrosis Treatments & Services
Once we have identified your child's problem, our team will develop an individualized treatment plan that can help your child breath easier. Medicines, such as bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory drugs, can help keep your child's airways open and improve breathing if your child has asthma. Medications also can help children with cystic fibrosis improve their lung function and control troublesome symptoms.
In addition, airway clearance devices can help cystic fibrosis or other diseases that cause severe muscle weakness.
Your child's treatment may include special feeding and nutrition, particularly if your child was born prematurely. Our doctors also can outline exercise and rehabilitation strategies to help increase your child's lung function.
Medication Therapy
Medication is often a key component of your child's treatment. Our team can establish a medication regimen that is right for your child. It may include:- Mucus-thinning medicines and other medications to help keep airways clear
- Ivacaftor, a new medication that can help some children with CF who have specific mutations in the gene
- Oral, inhaled or intravenous (IV) antibiotics to control infections
Respiratory Therapy
Freeing mucus from the lungs improves their function and is critical for managing CF. Our team can provide guidance on techniques and devices that help clear your child's airways at home.
Nutrition Therapy
Digestive issues are a common concern in children with CF. Nutrition therapy can help minimize the associated symptoms, such as pain and constipation. Our experts can develop a customized plan that includes a well-balanced diet to help maintain your child's weight. It also may include oral pancreatic enzyme replacement to improve digestion as well as supplements to prevent nutritional deficiencies.
A registered dietitian with expertise in CF is available every time you visit the center to discuss your child's nutritional needs.
Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Being active is important for young people to stay healthy, especially if they have CF. Our specialists can get your child started in a pulmonary rehabilitation program, which includes exercise to improve or maintain lung function.
Home Oxygen Therapy
Children and adolescents with advanced CF may require oxygen therapy. Our team can help coordinate these services for you.
Compassion & Support
Caring for a child with CF can present many challenges for families. Our team includes social workers who can help parents and patients develop strategies to manage CF over the long term.
Lung Transplant
Teens and young adults with severe CF may be candidates for lung transplant. If you would like to find out if your teen or young adult is a candidate for a transplant, our medical team can make an assessment and refer you to our highly skilled lung transplant experts at UChicago Medicine.
- The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
- CF Roundtable
- Second Wind Lung Transplant Association
- Boomer Esiason Foundation
- Greater Illinois Chapter of CFF
- Parenting Children with Health Issues
- Make-A-Wish Foundation
- Cystic Fibrosis Scholarship Foundation
- Cystic Fibrosis Research, Inc.
- Club Cystic Fibrosis
- CF Living
- Starlight Foundation
Request an Appointment
To speak to someone directly, please call 1-773-702-6169. If you have symptoms of an urgent nature, please call your doctor or go to the emergency room immediately.
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