Objective-To assess the impact of lifetime continuous care within the John
Hunter Hospital cystic fibrosis (CF) clinics on growth and lung function.
Design-A cross sectional survey of variables affecting nutritional status i
n CF was undertaken for 1993 and 1997. Data were retrieved from medical rec
ords and grouped into 5 year age bands.
Main outcome measures-Change in height z-score, weight centile, and forced
expiratory volume in one second (FEV,) between patient cohorts receiving sp
ecialised care for different lengths of time.
Results-Improved mean height z-score (-0.880 v -0.047) and weight centile (
28.3% v 48.1%) for the 10-15 year age group in 1997, who had received conti
nuous lifetime care within the clinic, compared with the same age group in
1993, for whom continuous medical care started at an older age. There was n
o corresponding improvement in FEV1, as an indicator of lung function, in t
his group (81.6% predicted v 89.5% predicted).
Conclusions-This study suggests that lifetime continuous care within a spec
ialised CF centre is associated with improved growth but not improved lung
function.