The Cystic Fibrosis Center
The Rainbow Cystic Fibrosis Center is recognized nationally for treatment, research, and training of physician-scientists and basic science investigators. Most patients are seen on an on-going basis, but one-time consultations are also possible. The Leroy Matthews Cystic Fibrosis Center has two components, an Adult Center, headed by Michael D. Infeld, M.D., and a Pediatric Center, headed by Michael W. Konstan, M.D., who also heads the overall program. Fully accredited with the highest possible rating by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, this Center provides diagnostic services for patients with cystic fibrosis-like symptoms as well as ongoing multidisciplinary care for patients with the disease. Ten pediatric and adult pulmonologists participate as Center physicians in the direct care of patients.
The Willard A. Bernbaum Cystic Fibrosis Research Center has been continuously funded by the National Institutes of Health since 1964. Presently supported by a Core Center Grant from the NIDDK, and designated a Specialized Center of Research by the NHLBI, one of eleven Cystic Fibrosis Foundation-designated Research Development Centers and one of eight Therapeutic Development Network Centers, this group of investigators aspires to learn the fundamental errors in cystic fibrosis and their pathobiologic consequences and to devise new therapeutics to treat the disease and its complications. This program garners about $10 million per year in direct research support. The nuclear group of about 15 investigators whose primary efforts are in cystic fibrosis is joined by a group of over 25 investigators around the campus some of whose laboratory effort is directed toward CF-related problems. This Center is active in the training of new investigators, both at the graduate and postgraduate level, and in training physicians interested in the care of these patients, with support from an NIH training grant. This Center’s investigations range from very basic investigations of the function of the abnormal CF protein in isolation, through studies of the biology of epithelial cells, through studies of animal models of cystic fibrosis, through studies of potential new treatments in the patients themselves.
Patient Services:
- sweat testing
- evaluation of gastrointestinal symptoms, lab findings, pulmonary disease
- home treatment program
- pediatric and adult pulmonary function testing
- genetic advice and testing
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