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Children's Hospital Los Angeles has been involved in cystic fibrosis care, education and research for more than 50 years. We provide care for approximately 700 patients with cystic fibrosis annually at our hospital and its affiliated sites. Because of our expertise, patients are referred to us from all over California and the United States.
Our Center uses a team approach to care for infants, children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis. At each visit, patients are assessed by a dietitian, social worker, respiratory therapist and nurse care manager.
Cystic Fibrosis Screening and Follow-up Care
All newborn infants in California are provided with a cystic fibrosis screening. This screening is the most sophisticated and sensitive testing method available for genetic mutations related to cystic fibrosis.
Children's Hospital Los Angeles provides follow-up care for 40 percent of newly diagnosed children with cystic fibrosis in California using the following schedule:
- First Year of Life
Monthly
- Second Year of Life and Onward
Symptoms present - Quarterly
No symptoms - Twice per year thereafter
Adult Cystic Fibrosis Clinic
Patients between the ages of 18 and 21 transfer to the Adult Cystic Fibrosis Clinic at Keck Hospital of USC. Our clinic staff play an active role in preparing patients for a comfortable transition to their new clinic. A specialized cystic fibrosis pulmonologist remains on-call 24 hours per day for emergencies.
Emergency Care
For emergencies or urgent needs after hours, children and teens are seen in our Emergency Department.
Education
We coordinate an annual Cystic Fibrosis Education Day to empower families and provide them with the opportunity to participate in discussions covering a wide range of medical care and research topics. Families are able to interact with others going through the same experience and gain knowledge on a variety of topics.
Our Center provides parents with an educational DVD we have created, which is approved by the Education Committee of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and distributed nationally.
California Western Consortium
Children's Hospital Los Angeles is part of the Cystic Fibrosis California Western Consortium. The goal of the consortium is to assess the ongoing issues cystic fibrosis centers face, and the evolving changes in treatments.
Philosophy of Education and Empowerment
A central aspect of our philosophy is to educate our patients so they can attain as much independence as possible. At age 8, we begin to encourage self-sufficiency by teaching children how to monitor their own health.
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CONTACT US
Appointments
Vanessa Vasco
323-361-7315
Other Questions
Carmen Reyes, NP
Nurse Care Manager
Phone: 323-361-2662
Fax: 323-361-1355
Hours
Monday - Friday,
7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
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