Cystic Fibrosis: Advancing Along the Continuum

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder resulting from a mutation in the gene which encodes a cellular transmembrane protein channel known as the CF transmembrane conductance regulator. Located systemically on the surface of numerous cells, these altered channels yield multisystem dysfunction. Typical manifestations seen are chronic, progressive, obstructive lung disease, pancreatic insufficiency, CF-related diabetes mellitus, malabsorption and malnutrition, liver disease, and infertility.Once considered a pediatric disorder, through developments in innovative care and therapeutic modalities, CF now spans the life continuum and has established itself as an ageless disease. Facing management of maturing-life issues, advanced practice nurses (APNs) in pediatrics now find themselves needing to collaborate with or facilitate transition of care to other APNs, such as nurse midwives and adult APNs, as well as their counterpart specialists in medicine, all while maintaining open communication with the patient, family and managing CF center.