Pediatric Cystic Fibrosis Center

Overview

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a complex, inherited disease that causes a defect in the electrolyte transport system, leading to problems in the function of many organ systems such as the lungs and gastrointestinal tract. CF affects about 30,000 people in the United States. Although there is no cure yet, comprehensive care has led to improved prognoses for many individuals living with CF and research is providing new insights and new therapies.

The Pediatric Cystic Fibrosis Program at Mass General for Children (MGfC) is a Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) accredited pediatric CF clinic committed to providing first-class, individualized care for each patient. We have an established multidisciplinary team to provide preventive care, active management of lung health, nutrition support and psychological support. Optimal treatment is accomplished through frequent outpatient visits with the CF care team, direct communication with families, and educational programs.

The Massachusetts General Hospital Cystic Fibrosis Center is composed of the Pediatric CF Program and the Adult CF Program. Members of these care teams work closely to provide optimal care across all ages, with a fluid transition from the pediatric program to the adult program. For more information on the adult CF program, please visit the Adult Cystic Fibrosis Center page.

Screenings & Tests

For families coping with a positive result from a CF newborn screening test, we offer a state-of-the-art system for CF diagnostic testing (sweat chloride testing), and our CF specialists will meet with you the same day to discuss the test results.

For sweat test appointments please call 617-724-0703 or 617-724-2992. Orders can be faxed to 617-724-2803 (ATTN: Sweat Test Laboratory).

Research & Clinical Trials

MGfC is a Cystic Fibrosis Foundation supported therapeutic development center and part of the nationwide therapeutic development network. Critical cutting-edge clinical research forms the basis of therapeutic advances, and our program is involved in most major clinical trials. If you are interested in participating in clinical trials, please contact our research team for more information at 617-726-3719 or email our research coordinator Maggie Hardcastle.

To find a clinical trial that is right for you, go to the CFF Clinical Trial Finder.

Mass General has a strong history of leading the field in basic, translational and clinical research. CF-specific research programs at Mass General include groups focused on:

• Lung regeneration (Hongmei Mou Laboratory, Jay Rajagopal Laboratory)
• CF-related airway inflammation (Bryan Hurley Laboratory)
• CF-related bacterial pathogens (Fred Ausubel Laboratory)
• Airway micro-imaging (Guillermo Tearney Laboratory)
• Cystic Fibrosis Related Diabetes (Melissa Putman): CFRD Glycemic Measures Project
• Mental health and palliative care related to CF (Anna Georgiopoulos and Deborah Friedman)

Additional Resources

• PA14 Transposon Insertion Mutant Library for more information on Pseudomonas aeruginosa
• CFF Pipeline for more information on CF therapies in the pipeline
• Clinical and Functional Translation of CFTR for more information on specific CFTR mutations