Guidelines have long existed for the care of infants with cystic fibrosis and children and adults age six and older. However, a gap has existed for kids between the ages of two and five. Now, new clinical practice guidelines from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation may help guide the care respiratory therapists and other clinicians provide to these preschool children suffering from the disease.
The 53 recommendations included in the document included 53 recommendations which were developed by 16 CF pediatric experts along with parents of children with the condition. The recommendations are broken down into five key areas: health maintenance; caregiver engagement; screening and monitoring; therapeutics; and nutrition, behavior, and gastrointestinal.
Each recommendation is graded for the evidence supporting it, which will allow clinicians to weigh the benefits and risks of implementing the recommendations in their practice.
“The care of the preschool-aged child with CF includes complex, time-consuming treatment regimens and overcoming behavioral challenges common in this age group to maintain lung health and optimize growth,” conclude the authors. “We hope that these guidelines will help CF care teams and families make informed decisions regarding care of the 2- to 5-year-old children with CF.”
The guidelines were published in the March edition of Pediatrics and are housed in the National Guideline Clearinghouse.
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