Doctors of USC

Adults with cystic fibrosis (CF) have special health care needs. The Center for Cystic Fibrosis at USC University Hospital meets these needs with high-quality, specialized care in a single, centralized location – providing convenient, one-stop access to leading-edge diagnosis, treatment and research aimed at extending the length and quality of life for people with CF who are age 18 or older.

Our comprehensive hospital-based clinic is one of only a handful of adult CF centers in the entire state accredited by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. This means that we’ve met rigorous standards for the age-appropriate care as set forth by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. In addition, we are one of only 14 centers in the U.S. selected by the CF Foundation for its Learning and Leadership Collaborative 4, a yearlong initiative to develop quality improvement standards for the care of CF patients.

Our services include:

Airway Clearance Techniques (ACTs)
ACTs help people with cystic fibrosis breathe easier and stay healthy by loosening the thick, sticky mucus in the lungs, which can then be more easily removed by coughing or huffing. Clearing the airways helps to reduce the occurrence of lung infections and may improve lung function.

Inhaled Medications
There are several different types of inhaled medications, including:

• Bronchodilators, such as albuterol, that open the airways to help clear mucus and make breathing easier. They are given before performing ACTs.
• Mucolytics, such as Pulmozyme® (DNase), that make mucus thinner so it is easier to cough up.
• Mucoactives, such as Hypertonic Saline, that help to stimulate cough and help to moisten thick mucous in the airways.
• Anti-inflammatories, such as inhaled steroids, that reduce inflammation of the airways.
• Antibiotics that treat infections and are taken after performing ACTs. With cystic fibrosis, inhaled TOBI® (tobramycin) is commonly used.

Antibiotics
Lung infections caused by bacteria are common in people with cystic fibrosis. Medicines known as antibiotics stop bacteria from colonizing in the airways, making them an important part of cystic fibrosis therapy. Antibiotics can be given three ways: orally (in liquids, tablets or capsules that are swallowed); intravenously (an antibiotic solution is put into the blood through an IV catheter); or as an aerosol or mist that is inhaled.

Dietary Therapy
Cystic fibrosis affects the pancreas in a majority of patients. As a result, the body may not be able to absorb enough nutrients to stay healthy. Weight has been significantly correlated to pulmonary function, making every patient’s weight important in the care of theses patients. People with CF are encouraged to eat a high-calorie, high fat, and high protein diet regardless of a diagnosis of CF-related diabetes.

Lung Transplants
Lung transplants are serious and challenging procedures, and as such are not for everyone with cystic fibrosis. But their growing success rate makes them an option for some people with severe lung disease. Though not a cure, lung transplants may improve the quality of life of those patients severely compromised with lung disease. Most lung transplants utilize lungs donated by a person who has died. Today, however, “living donor” lung transplants (also called lobar lung transplantations) are also possible. USC surgeon Dr. Vaughn Starnes has conducted more living donor lung transplants in adults and children than any other surgeon in the United States.

The Center for Cystic Fibrosis at USC University Hospital is one of only a handful of adult CF programs in the U.S. to offer lobar lung transplantation.

Exercise
Exercise is vitally important for people with cystic fibrosis. It helps to loosen mucus and stimulate coughing to help clear the mucus from the airways. It also strengthens breathing muscles and improves the fitness of your heart and lungs. Daily exercise reduces your risk for respiratory infections and hospitalizations.

Infection Prevention
People with cystic fibrosis must take extra precautions to avoid infections. Frequent hand washing and use of antibacterial hand gels helps prevent the spread of germs, and annual immunizations help to protect against flu and pneumonia. Also, patients with CF shouldn’t smoke and should avoid second-hand smoke and other environments and/or substances, which can irritate the airways.