Treatment of cystic fibrosis in the adult.
There has been a dramatic increase in the life expectancy of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) over the last 20 years. CF used to be fatal in childhood but now, over a third of the patients are adults. The reasons for improved survival are multi-factorial. The disease affects most systems of the body although the majority of morbidity and mortality is due to lung disease. As in any life-threatening disease, in addition to medical issues, there are many psychosocial and spiritual issues, which need attention. Transition from paediatric to adult care needs to be handled very sensitively. Arranging a balanced and reliable system of care - out-patient, in-patient and home care - is essential to ensure the patient's survival and quality of life is as good as possible.
Hodson
M E
ME
Department of Cystic Fibrosis, Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS Trust, London, UK. s.hockley@ic.ac.uk
D000328:Adult; D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D004066:Digestive System Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D008017:Life Expectancy / Q000639:trends; D010348:Patient Care Team; D011788:Quality of Life; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012944:Social Support; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013727:Terminal Care