As one of four accredited cystic fibrosis care centers in Indiana, Lutheran Children's Hospital began participating in an Indiana State Department of Health pilot program to screen newborns for cystic Fibrosis in October 2007. The objective is to diagnose cystic fibrosis earlier so therapeutic interventions can begin immediately. These interventions can help improve height, weight and cognitive function and possibly, help maintain and improve lung function, increase life expectancy and reduce hospitalizations.
"The diagnosis of cystic fibrosis often involves considerable parental anxiety, recurrent hospitalizations and multiple diagnostic tests," said Pushpom James, MD, medical director of the cystic fibrosis clinic at Lutheran Children's Hospital. "The newborn screening process has the potential to make a diagnosis before the child develops clinical symptoms."
The center, which diagnoses and treats patients of all ages, has been accredited by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation since 1988 and is an affiliate of Riley Children's Hospital in Indianapolis. The clinic conducts sweat chloride tests in the Lutheran Children's Hospital outpatient area.
For additional information, call (260) 435-7123.
