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Cystic fibrosis in adolescents and young adults
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan Health Systems, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0212, USA.
Insights
Improved medical care has increased survival for cystic fibrosis (CF) patients, leading to a growing population of adolescents and young adults. This review addresses their unique medical, psychosocial, and care transition needs.
Area of Science:
- Medical Science
- Pulmonology
- Adolescent Medicine
Background:
- Medical advances have significantly improved life expectancy and quality of life for cystic fibrosis (CF) patients.
- The median survival age for CF patients is now 32.3 years.
- Adults (18+) represent one-third of the total CF patient population, highlighting an emerging demographic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the unique challenges faced by adolescents and young adults with cystic fibrosis (CF).
- To discuss key issues including medical care, disability, psychosocial well-being, and co-occurring conditions in this population.
- To provide insights into the transition of care from pediatric to adult settings and increased self-management responsibility.
Main Methods:
- This is a review article, synthesizing existing knowledge and literature.
- It focuses on the specific needs and experiences of the adolescent and young adult CF population.
- The review covers medical, psychosocial, and care-related aspects.
Main Results:
- Adolescents and young adults with CF navigate normal developmental changes alongside CF-specific challenges.
- Key issues include the transition to adult care, assuming responsibility for self-care, and managing progressive disease.
- Increased life expectancy brings new considerations for long-term health and quality of life.
Conclusions:
- The growing population of young adults with CF requires specialized attention to their evolving medical and psychosocial needs.
- Effective transition strategies and comprehensive care are crucial for optimizing outcomes in this demographic.
- Addressing disability, psychosocial factors, and comorbidities is essential for supporting long-term well-being in cystic fibrosis survivors.
Abstract:
Advances in knowledge and medical science have resulted in an increased life span and quality of life of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). The median age of survival for CF patients is 32.3 years of age and patients 18 years of age or older now constitute one third of the total patients with CF. Because of these advances, a new patient population has emerged: the adolescents and young adults with CF. Adolescence is normally a time of great cognitive, social and developmental changes. Adolescents with CF not only have to deal with the normal changes expected, but also have to deal with the transition of assuming responsibility for their care from the parents and transitioning their care from a pediatric to an adult care team. Moreover, many of these young adults have to deal with the impact of the progressive deterioration of their CF disease. This review discusses issues of significance to this emerging patient population, including medical care, issues of disability, and psychosocial and other medical conditions associated with an increased life expectancy.