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Growing a Cystic Fibrosis-Relevant Polymicrobial Biofilm to Probe Community Phenotypes
Published on: April 19, 2024
[Cystic fibrosis, a paradigm for modern medicine]
1Centre valaisan de pneumologie, Département de médecine interne, CHCVs, 3963 Montana. jean-marie.tschopp@hopitalvs.ch
Insights
Cystic fibrosis (CF) care has improved significantly, increasing median survival to 38 years. This progress stems from comprehensive, multidisciplinary approaches and patient advocacy, enhancing CF visibility and support.
Area of Science:
- Genetics and Medicine
- Pediatric Disorders
- Chronic Disease Management
Context:
- Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a severe genetic disorder affecting Caucasian children.
- Historically, CF patients had poor survival rates, often succumbing in childhood.
- Significant advancements in care have dramatically improved patient prognosis.
Purpose:
- To highlight the evolution of cystic fibrosis care.
- To underscore the impact of multidisciplinary approaches and patient advocacy.
- To present CF as a model for chronic disease management.
Summary:
- Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common severe genetic disorder in Caucasian children, impacting multiple organ systems.
- Median survival for CF patients has risen to 38 years due to comprehensive care.
- Progress is attributed to scientific research, multidisciplinary clinical teams, and early patient organization support.
Impact:
- Improved survival rates and quality of life for cystic fibrosis patients.
- Enhanced societal visibility and support for CF.
- CF serves as a paradigm for advancing the care of chronic diseases across medicine.
Abstract:
Cystic fibrosis is the most frequent and severe genetic disorder in caucasian children. It is a multisystemic disease progressively involving many organs. Patients' survival was poor most of them dying as children. There has been now however an important improvement of prognosis. The median survival is 38 years today. Such a progress is related to comprehensive care based not only on scientific research but multidisciplinary clinical approach implying physicians and paramedics. Moreover pediatricians stimulated already in the 1960s patient autonomy by supporting national and international patients organisations. This approach has greatly contributed to increase the visibility of this disease and its support in our society. Cystic fibrosis is a paradigm for improving care of chronic diseases in medicine.
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